Adopted in Mequon, Va in 1971. Absolutely no info to go on. Where do I begin in finding my birth parents?

Question

My adoptive parents are listed on my birth certificate and I am doing this search without their assistance.

Answer 1

I just finished writing a book about finding birth parents. In a nutshell, write to the main newspaper in Mequon, VA and ask for all of the birth announcements for your birthdate and 3 days after that. Contact the hospital you were born - if you don't know - contact the hospitals in your area and ask for your birth records. Do not tell them you're trying to find your birth parents!  You won't get very far if you do. Tell them you want it for medical reasons. What about your adoption decree? It may have a tiny bit of info there that you can expand on.

   I"m in a similar situation trying to find my son's birth family, and I don't know anything except the town he was born in.

   Do a search for "adopted children databases"  There are hundreds of good sites that are for birth families and adopted people trying to find each other.

   Do another search for Mequon, VA's adoption laws. Some states will let you have non-identifying info and if your bm is looking for you and has registered, they will match you up.

Good luck! It's a heart wrenching long road. But very possible.

Jillanne

Answer 2

reunion .com is a good start!!!!!

Answer 3

sorry, but the first answer makes no sense at all.

NO hospital is going to release your records, since they are actually your mom's.  Total violation of HIPAA.. and "yours" would be under your birth name.

Your birth certificate will show your place of birth.. but IF someone is planning to relinquish a child, they sure won't submit any birth announcement to the papers.

Adoption records are sealed, and you'd need a court order (with darn good reasons) to get them opened.  I happen to have my copies regarding my son's adoption at home.. but then, I will give him information if he asks.  Your parents may not want to give you that.

There are numerous registries that you can list your info, as well as search for a date/place match.. IF your bio mom is looking.  Date and place will be on your birth cerificate.

A name and background information will help you know where to be looking. It is a toss up concerning why your parents will not help or you don't choose to tell them. My approach is that when my son is an adult, he has the right to my help.. but I also made the choice to retain a "contact" point.  If the bio mom does not want to be found, then I'll respect that also.  It may be that the mom was a real risk/ danger, and that could be why they are protecting you.