ATHENS, Ohio (April 13, 2007) -- As the media attention swirls around the recent international child adoptions by celebrities Angelina Jolie and Madonna, the Ohio University's Women's Center and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism have collaborated to host a panel discussion on the topic. The discussion will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 16, in Baker University Center room 403.

Journalism professor Sandra Haggerty will moderate the discussion that will explore the pros and cons, cultural attitudes and political ramifications of international adoption, as well as the aspects of the adoption of U.S. children from agencies in other countries.

Scheduled panelists include Karuna Harry, a features editor from South Africa; Bulelwa Mdinginya, an editor from South Africa; Janice Collins, a graduate student at Ohio University; and Director of the Hocking College Women's Center Kathleen Kutsko. A mother of an internationally adopted child also will participate on the panel.

The event is free and open to the public. Harry's Printers in East London, South Africa, is also sponsoring the event.

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Written by: Jessica Cuffman

Media Contact: Media Specialist George Mauzy at 740-597-1794 or mauzy@ohio.edu