The Evan B. Donaldson report just came out on restoring adult adoptee rights. What are your thoughts on it?

Question

http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2007_11_for_records.php "This publication, released in November for National Adoption Awareness month, represents the most comprehensive examination to date of one of the most controversial, emotional issues in the modern adoption world: whether adopted people, once they become adults, should have access to their original birth information. This report suggests that all states change their laws so that the answer is "yes." This policy paper is the result of the broadest, most extensive examination to date of the various issues related to state laws governing adult adopted persons' access to their original birth certificates and/or adoption records. The information and recommendations in this paper are drawn from a review and analysis of past and current state laws; legislative history in states across the country; decades of experience on relevant issues; and the body of research relating to sealed and open records on the affected parties."

Answer 1

When Alberta opened adoption records in 2004 it didn't affect me at all. I was already in reunion. Today it is one of the few things that make me a proud Albertan. I truly hope that this report will open the eyes of people who refuse to see this as an issue.

Answer 2

To the first poster above, Artiststree... for your information, many people choose to adopt regardless of whether they can have children biologically.  The term "foster" does not have permanent connotations, whereas as "adoptive" does.  Perhaps one day your narrow concept of "real" parents will include those who adopt rather than only those who have biological children.  In addition, similar to blended families, it's not a matter of only having "one" set of parents... in reality, adoptees have more than one set... but it isn't a matter of choosing one over the other.

In regards to the original poster, I have read articles on the report, and yes, I fully support adoptees having access to their birth records.  In Brodzinsky's "Being Adopted," the author makes the point that closed records are hypocritical in that there is nothing "confidential" about them.  "Everyone" has access to these records, such as case workers, government officials, etc... everyone, that is, except the adoptee.  What a sham.

Answer 3

When I first came accross this on cnn. com because they did a story on a congress woman that was adopted. All i could think of it;s about time. I was fortunate to have an open adoption, just that i always knew where my birth mother was. my adoptive parents made sure of that and when i was ready i contacted her. anyway i'm glad for this report because there are adoptees out there that want to find their birth parents. Basically it finally gives them a voice and a choice. Hurray for us!! =) We are finally being heard!!!

Answer 4

It's about time.

Now we shall see if legislation changes in light of the FACTS - or whether we shall soon find out into how many legislative pockets the NCFA's money has found its way.

There is a TON of money behind keeping records closed and it is mainly because the adoption industry wants to prevent their tactics from becoming known.

Answer 5

I think it's about time. Every single person in the U.S., except adoptees, are allowed to have a copy of their birth certificate. It's insane that the state feels it has a right to keep hold those birth certificates hostage. It just doesn't make sense. How is it even legal that adoptees are allowed to be treated differently then everyone else?

Answer 6

My thoughts?  I wish it were the law in all 50 states!  

I'm a US citizen and I see no reason my identity should be a state secret.  My adoptive parents always felt the same way.

Answer 7

i think the policy recommendations are timely, and very much needed.

Answer 8

It's long overdue and confirms in facts and figures what we have been saying all along - Adult Adoptees deserve equal treatment under the law to access their own birth information.

Evidence from the 8 States that now allow Adult Adoptees access to their own Birth Certificates show that the adverse effects of doing so never came to fruition and the myths and 'what if's' that opposers to open records have been touting as fact have all been DISPROVEN

Adult Adoptees should have the choice whether they can access their birth record or not, just as other people do as a matter of course.  If they choose not to then fine, if they choose to get their information then fine.  If they choose to contact their family then they should have the freedom of association that all other citizens take for granted to do that too.  

Nobody should be interfering in anyone elses ADULT relationships.  We can handle it ourselves now, thanks!

Answer 9

Personally I feel that people who adopt children could only fantasize that they are the real parents when in reality the entire time the child has two totally remote biological parents. Adoption is just a longer term of fostering.  Whether the biological parents are alive is not relative to my statement.  Any child should have knowledge of biological birth parents with the opportunity to share in their lives, by choice of course.  Unfortunate circumstances in life that cause the separation of children from the parent is sad but perhaps at some point in time that wound can be healed and it should be given the utmost consideration.  Why deceive children on the basis of "we can't have our own children" or whatever other reason people adopt!

To the rude drizzle person below. Whatever your problem with my comment is fine.  You unfortunately are addressing another issue which unfortunately leads you to wreckless inference and inuendo.  My answer addresses the questioners concern not why or what type of people adopt or for which reasons they adopt.  

Talk about narrow minded! Sheesh! Open those tiny slits in your eyes and read then go see your therapist about the anger management.