Do you think it's ever necessary to keep adoption records sealed? When a child who was given up by his parents reaches maturity, do you think he or she should have a legal right to be informed about who his or her biological parents are?

i think the records should be open to the children and parents! if for no other reason but for medical information. What if the parent is diagnosed with some genetic disease and the child has a high potential for that same condition? what if the child needs a kidney and the bio parents cant give it cause they need a real parent?

i know most people would say that once the bio parents give up the child, they want to relinquish all responsibility. However, when you are a parent, it never goes away. Women never get over the pain of adoptiing out a child... regardless of what people say--- it is a loss. and once you bring a child into the world, you have a responsibility to it---FOREVER... a piece of paper doesnt change that... so if u can give a kidney... you have to give the kidney.

people will of course disagree with me... but that's my two cents

Tell the damn kids who their parents are, they DO have a right to know! That's my stand on it.

No and yes.

As far as actual identity I think both sides need to agree. But family/medical history should always be made available.

CeCe wrote:

As far as actual identity I think both sides need to agree. But family/medical history should always be made available.

I think that is how it is set up these days, respecting the privacy of both offspring and birth parent if they really cannot be connected for whatever reason.

That was how it was done with an older cousin that no one in the family knew existed except my grandmother and aunt. The woman went thru a social service agency who contacted my aunt, who agreed to be identified to her birth daughter.

i know in some states that you have to go thru this program where if you are both looking, then they hook you up together... but what if the person does not know about the program? what if --- there are many what ifs.

just let the kids know... people suffer great abandonment issues and need closure somethimes... just give it to them.

Chris wrote:

Do you think it's ever necessary to keep adoption records sealed? When a child who was given up by his parents reaches maturity, do you think he or she should have a legal right to be informed about who his or her biological parents are?

Yes I do think they have the legal right to know where they came from.

CeCe wrote:

As far as actual identity I think both sides need to agree. But family/medical history should always be made available.

This all the way.