China’s one-child policy led to my adoption — and a more privileged life

Ricki Mudd’s family held out for a boy. Her brother, Wu Chao, is now living with her and her American family so he can get some of the advantages of time spent in the United States. (Stuart Isett/For The Washington Post)

Ricki Mudd poses with her birth parents and brother during her first trip to meet them in 2005. (Family photo/Courtesy of Ricki Mudd)

By Ricki Mudd September 25

Ricki Mudd lives in SeaTac, Wash. “Ricki’s Promise,” a documentary based on her reunion with her birth family, will be screened at the Library of Congress’s James Madison Memorial Building on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m.

‘So what time does your flight get into Sea-Tac?” To me, it seemed a fairly basic question. But it confused my brother, Wu Chao, who was texting me from China. At 19, he’d never been on an international flight before. He hadn’t thought to ask about an arrival time, an airline or a flight number. All he knew was when his plane was supposed to leave Shanghai. I was going to have to figure this one out on my own.

China’s One-child Policy Led to My Adoption — and a More Privileged Life by Thavam Ratna