Is it possible to find my mothers birth parents?

Question

My mother was adopted 57 years ago, and has never felt the need or want to find out anything about her biological parents. Is it selfish of me to want to know who these people where and what type of medical history they have. Do I have a right to want to know these things. If I wanted to find them would I need her premission? I live in Canada.

Answer 1

It would be a difficult search.  If your biological grandmother was 15 at the time, she would be 72 now.  There is a chance that she is dead.  Would both grandparents be together?

If you are concerned about genetic problems, you can have your own DNA evaluated.  That would tell you if you are carrying potentially harmful genes.  So their medical histories would be meaningless.

Answer 2

Of course it's not selfish.  You certainly have a right to this, and you do not need your mother's permission for it.  This is your natural grandmother -- part of your own history -- that you want.  We've got free association in our societies in the U.S. and Canada, so unless there's a restraining order, you can contact anyone you choose.

Answer 3

It's not selfish at all. I think you also have the right know where your family actually comes from. I would see if you can go to the adoption place around you and see if you can find out what her actual last name was. Because then you can see where your mothers parents came from and everything. I would also ask maybe if you could get numbers too. That way you can talk to people in you family and see what kind of sicknesses they have. Or if your mom has it or something. Hopefully that will help