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Adopting Abroad: Saira's Story

Saira Khan

Sarah Lancashire

Ninder Billing

Adopting Abroad: Saira's Story: Episode 1

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Episode 1

BBC Two - Adopting Abroad: Saira's Story, Episode 1

Following Saira Khan and her husband on their journey to adopt a baby from Pakistan.

Film following Saira Khan and her husband on their journey to adopt a baby from an orphanage in Pakistan. The couple embark on a rigorous adoption process lasting eight months.

These two 60-minute documentaries follow Saira Khan and her husband Steve on their journey to adopt a baby girl from an orphanage in Karachi, Pakistan. 

The first programme follows the couple as they embark on the rigorous UK adoption process. Even though they hope to get a baby from the Edhi Orphanage in Karachi, they have to go through the same home study as anyone who wants to adopt within the UK. Over eight months, they undergo visits lasting three hours from their social worker every fortnight, where they're asked to open up every aspect of their lives, backgrounds and relationships. 

As the couple have many questions about what will happen in Pakistan, Saira contacts a couple who have already adopted two children from the Edhi Orphanage. Sobia and Amjad have a son and a daughter. However, their daughter has the genetic blood disorder, thalassaemia. They were not aware of it when they picked her up at the orphanage. After Saira and Steve visit the family, they realise that they too will have no idea of the medical history of any baby they are given. 

The problems of adopting in Pakistan continue to intensify. Then the country suffers one of the worst natural catastrophes of modern times; the floods leave 20 million people homeless.

Saira and Steve have to make a tough decision. If and when they do travel to Karachi, Steve will have to stay behind in Oxford with their two-year-old son Zach. Saira will go on her own to try and find a baby.

After appearing before an independent panel, they are finally approved. It is time for Saira to fly to Pakistan in search of a baby. She has no idea how long she might be away or even if she will be given a baby at all.

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Following Saira Khan and her husband on their journey to adopt a baby

Following Saira Khan and her husband on their journey to adopt a baby from an orphanage in Pakistan

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Adopting Abroad: Saira's Story

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