Adoptees and Birth Certificates Essay - 1649 Words

Have you ever been to a new doctor and filled out the required paperwork on family medical history? After moving recently, I went to a new doctor. I had to have all those papers filled out. It was easy because I know all of the information or can get it. Most people know who their biological family is and therefore also know about medical history. However, in the 1940s many birth certificates of adoptees were sealed. This continued to occur for four decades. Now depending upon the state the adopted person lives in and how the laws have evolved, they may not be able to easily access their original birth certificate just like everyone else. Adoptees should have total access to their birth certificate and family medical history because this†¦show more content†¦Another case similar to Hannasch happened in Illinois. A woman named Jenny Spinner was able to find her birth mother before the law changed (O’Connor). She still wanted to have her original birth certificate. Ms. Spinner felt it would bring her an emotional connection because it was the only place where her birthdate and mother’s signature were together. Still other people have these records simply because they were born in another country. James Hamilton from Minnesota adopted his son from abroad. The country that this child was born in has open records for adoption and is able to access his original birth certificate. As a foreign born adoptee, this son is able to eventually travel to the place where he was born and find out more about his heritage (Hamilton). Adoption is something that James Hamilton has researched a lot and one thing that he has found is that those children in foster care are still able to access their original birth certificates. This means that only those children that have been legally adopted in the United States and some other countries are unable to have their original birth certificates. Another family similar to Hamilton has adopted children from other countries. One of them is Deanna and she wanted to find her birth family. With the knowledge of who her family was they only needed to find out whereShow MoreRelatedAdoptees Have The Right Of Original Birth Certificates1086 Words   |  5 Pagesis, â€Å"Should adoptees have the right to know who their biological parents are,† You could also phrase it asking the question, â€Å"Do adoptees have the right to access original birth certificates?† This question covers much more, and will be what the information in this essay circles around. This essay co vers three things: adoptees have the right to access to original birth certificates because they have questions, because of equality issues, and because of the doors it opens to adoptees that have emptyRead MoreAdoption Is A Popular Choice1301 Words   |  6 PagesAdoption is a popular choice in the U.S., but much controversy surrounds it. For the adopted children, there can be problems and hurdles they may come across their paths later. Not having access to birth records means not having access to their history. To be able to unlock these records, many requirements need to be met in order to have their case considered by a judge who may or may not grant the adopted person the requested records. In order to gain an understanding of what they have come fromRead MoreTo Know or Not to Know Essay824 Words   |  4 Pageschildren are born to women give birth to children that they have to give up for adoption for one reason or another. This reason usually plays an important role that d etermines whether the biological parent(s) want to stay in contact with the child and to be a part of his/her life. Although this reason may be very significant to the biological parents, it will most likely mean nothing to the child. Adopted children have the right to know the identities of their birth parents. Many practical reasonsRead MoreAdopted Children Have the Right to Know the Identities of Their Birth Parents757 Words   |  4 Pagesidentities known by the child. Although the reason may be fundamental to the parents in shaping whether they choose yes or no, its value should not take precedence over the fact that adopted children have the right to know the identities of their birth parents. Many practical reasons play a part in this argument, one of which is the knowledge of their medical histories. Researchers, Kowal and Schilling reported that 75% of individuals studied were looking for their medical history either forRead MoreShould Children Parents Be Allowed? Their Biological Parents?1751 Words   |  8 Pagestheir parents were. Others say no because it may cause problems for either of the family or the adoptee. This is the wrong idea, because of the benefits from knowing their biological parents. Adoptees do have the right to know their biological parents. Many people make the argument that it would make adoptees see if their parents were nothing, then they may think that they will become the same way. This is making a point because some parents gave up their child because of tough times, while othersRead MoreEssay about The Psychological Effects of Adoption 2435 Words   |  10 Pagescreating a loving foundation for a nurturing home. Although a â€Å"chosen family† would appear to be perfect and without flaw, adoption brings with it psychological affects touching every member of the â€Å"adoption triad,† the adoptee, adoptive parents, and birth parents (Eldridge, 79). The adoption process involves many individuals other than just the child. Legally, there are approximately seven million registered adoptions. Additionally, non-recorded adoptions also take place, increasing the numberRead MoreOutline Of An Adopted Child1842 Words   |  8 PagesArika Wells English II Dr. Beatty Research Paper An Adopted Child has the Right to Know His Birth Parents Many adoptees feel out of place, they struggle finding a place to settle and when they do they often times feel as though they need to work to prove their worthiness. As an adoptive shield grows he as long The begins to question. He question why his birth parents didn t want him and why he wasn t good enough for them. He may begin to wonder why he act and looks the way he does. BeingRead MoreAdoption Is Not The Only Party Who Benefits From An Open Adoption1229 Words   |  5 Pageswhy they were â€Å"put up† for adoption. (7-NP) It has been reported that adoptees have a higher rate of using mental health services for emotional disturbance or identity problems. (9-NP) professionals have expressed the concerns in heightened identity confusion in adolescent adoptees due to the secrecy attached to information about their past. (9-NP) altered birth certificates to sealed adoption records can contribute to the adoptees curiosity and/or confusion about their past. (9-NP) For an ado ptee involvedRead More International Adoption Essay example1739 Words   |  7 Pagesthe past thirty years there has been a decline of domestic adoptions by 47 percent (Fulton 2). Some reasons that there are fewer children being placed for adoption are the early introduction of sex education in public schools and the easy access of birth control diminishing unwanted pregnancies (Hibbs 266). Also, America has become more accepting and supportive of unwed mothers, encouraging them to keep their babies. Still another reason why fewer children are available for adoption is the legalizationRead MoreDavid Humes Theory of Ethics Essay1675 Words   |  7 Pagesrelationship to anyone we are genetically related to? Should we continue to deny access to biological relatives? The issue was spearheaded by adult adoptees. In 1917 Minnesota sealed adoption records to â€Å"all but persons of interest† to protect children from the stigma of illegitimacy. The persons of interest included th e birth parents, adopted parents and adoptees. Then after World War II and the during the baby boom, people sought to protect people from a new stigma, conceiving a child out-of- wedlock