What an Adopted Child Has a Right to Know
Adoption has come a long way in the last century. Far from being thought of as unwanted or unloved, adopted children are now seen as regular old kids by many people. Recent adoptions by movie stars like Angelia Jolie, Madonna and Elton John have even made the process “cool” in the eyes of many people. Along with that increased awareness has come a growing amount of concern for the legal and moral rights of adopted kids. What do parents owe adopted children?
What are and Adopted Child’s Legal Rights?
In the vast majority of places, a birth-mother’s right to privacy is considered far more important than a child’s right to know who his or her biological parents are. This has long been the standard, and doesn't show any signs of changing, despite a growing movement to make adoption records available to adopted children.
In most states, the birth mother agrees to the level of anonymity she is most comfortable with at the time she surrenders the child by signing adoption forms that specifically indicate whether or not her information will be available to the child. Critics argue that at this very emotional stage, a mother may cut herself off from the child forever even though she might feel amenable to sharing her information years down the road.
Legally, an adopted child has little recourse when it comes to finding biological parents that have chosen to remain anonymous. However, there are some cases where recovering select information is possible.
Adoptee’s Right to Information
- Medical Records: In some cases, an adopted child can gain access to his or her biological parent’s medical records if there is good cause. For example, an adopted cancer patient may be able to gain access to medical records to establish a family history of the disease.
- Court Documents: Adult adoptees are increasingly being granted access to court documents in relation to the adoption. Identifying information of the biological parents may or may not be included in these documents. Often, a court order is required to obtain adoption documentation.
- Search and Reunion Form: Most states have provisions in place to reunite adult adopted children with their biological parents if both parties are willing. A search and reunion form is the first step towards this end, and may entitle the adoptee to information and documents such as birth certificates and adoption registries.
Adult Adoptees
While the law may protect those who offer a child for adoption, many feel biological parents owe adopted children a chance to connect with family roots for both practical and emotional reasons. While the rights of an adopted child are still very limited, once he or she becomes an adult, there is no legal prohibition against seeking out biological parents. For many, the search can’t truly begin until then.
