Adoption files?

Question

In the UK adoptees are allowed access to their adoption files when they are 18. From what i have read on here, it is not the same in america. If it wasnt for my adoption files being open to me, then I would have never found andrea (birth mother) or my siblings. I think its all wrong. anyone agree or it that a stupid question?!

Answer 1

Yes, I agree it is wrong that adopted citizens are treated unequally under the law.  Adopted persons are the only citizens in 44 states who cannot, without restriction, obtain  copies of the factual documents of their own births.  Six states (Alaska, Oregon, Kansas, Alabama, New Hampshire and Maine) do not discriminate against adopted citizens, and allow them the same unrestricted access to their birth records as non-adopted persons.  There are a few states that allow SOME adopted citizens to obtain their birth records without further restriction, but SOME still equates to discrimination.  All of their non-adopted counterparts can do this in all 50 states.  

This unequal treatment under the law is discrimination based solely on one's adoptive status.  It has nothing to do with their relinquishment status, since no state has ever sealed birth records when a child is relinquished by their natural parents.  An adoptive placement must be finalized by the court in order for this sealing to occur.  This can take 6 months or longer.  If the child is never adopted, the record never seals.  It unseals if the adoption disrupts.  

It is time that the other 44 states catch up with the rest of our planet and end the discrimination they began legislating in the 1930's and beyond.

Answer 2

It's not a stupid question.

You're right, most of the US has closed records.  I read about an 81 y.o. woman in Michigan who still is not allowed to see her birth certificate.

I know (sadly) many adoptees who do not have access to their histories because of these laws.

The UK, Australia, and NZ are much more evolved than the US in regard to adoption.

Answer 3

Hold your cards, we have a bingo.

Answer 4

Hurrah!  now you're starting to understand about the 'angry bitter' adoptees.  Thank you so much for trying to understand what the American Adoption System treats adult adoptees.

In the UK Adoptee rights to their original birth records were reinstated way back in 1974!

America is the only country who still seal adoption records from the people they belong to.  America needs to get into the current century!

Unfortunately, there appear to be few adoptive parents fighting our corner, which I find ironic

Answer 5

yes sarahhhhh agreed, its discrimination against adoptees in 44 states in the United States. We are having our human rights violated. Not for much longer though, the industry is about to have a wake up call come this july!

Answer 6

I agree - I think it's crazy that adult adoptees are not allowed to know who they were born to - ever.

I've read recently of an 81 year old that is still searching for his family.

In Australia - records have also been open since the early 90's. No first mother has been attacked by some crazy adoptee in all that time!  (what a surprise!)

All other non-adopted peeps in the US are entitled to their original birth certificate - sadly adoptees are seen as second class citizens.

OPEN RECORDS FOR ADOPTEES - NOW!

Answer 7

agree you shold be able to know unless the birth parent spcecifies not