GAINESVILLE - A controversial new law in Russia could end up blocking any American from adopting a child from that country, causing the parents of one Russian child to speak out against the proposed ban.

 

Ben and Melissa Nugent of Gainesville officially adopted their five-and-a-half year old son Sam from Russia almost five years ago. But because of Russia's thorough application and screening process, the couple says it took 18 months for their adoption to be finalized. They worry about other parents who may be experiencing the same delay.

 

"It's just heartbreaking to think that there are families now, who are waiting to take home their boy or girl... and now there's a chance that they could never meet their son or daughter, or not be able to bring them home," said Ben.

 

The Nugents, who also have an adopted daughter, say they openly discuss the adoption with Sam. The couple says their son has even expressed interest in going back to see the country where he was born. But with a ban on U.S. adoptions, they say that won't be happening anytime soon.

 

While the ban is not a done deal just yet, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Thursday that he will sign it into law soon. Russia is currently the single biggest source of adopted children in the United States. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida urged President Obama to condemn Russia if the ban is implemented.