For decades, thousands of Paraguayan children were adopted by families abroad. Often described as Paraguay’s “lost children” or “Stroessner babies”, many adult adoptees are now searching for their origins. At the same time, questions remain about the systems, vulnerabilities, and unanswered stories behind their departures. In the final years of Alfredo Stroessner’s dictatorship and during Paraguay’s transition to democracy, thousands of children left the country through international adoption. Many grew up abroad, often knowing little about their birth families or the circumstances that led to their adoption.
Decades later, a growing number of Paraguayan adoptees are searching for answers. Some have reunited with biological relatives, while others continue looking for information. The latter because of incomplete records, missing documents, or uncertainty surrounding their origins. This series explores the history of international adoption in Paraguay and the stories of those affected by it.
Adoption during the Stroessner era
Alfredo Stroessner ruled Paraguay from 1954 until 1989, leading one of Latin America’s longest authoritarian governments. His regime was marked by political repression, censorship, and the concentration of power among a small group of elites. While Paraguay experienced economic growth during parts of his government, many communities, particularly in rural areas and among low-income families, continued facing poverty and limited access to social services.
