| Since the start of adoption, there has always been | | | | open record policy was instated. |
| the question whether people who were adopted | | | | In fact, many birthmothers who have been |
| should have their birth records available to them as | | | | contacted are grateful that secrecy is no longer the |
| an adult. Currently most states' policy is that mutual | | | | way of adoptions, as it was in the earlier days of the |
| consent is required by both parties before an | | | | '60s. |
| adopted adult and birthparent can reconnect. Only | | | | By ethical standards open access is a matter of |
| eight states allow all adult adoptees to have access | | | | equality as adopted adults are the only class of |
| to their birth records, despite numerous positive | | | | Americans which are not allowed access to their birth |
| experiences in many states of connected birth | | | | certificates. It is also a way to connect all parties |
| parents and adult adopted persons. | | | | involved in the adopted process, and to rid society of |
| Those opposed to adoptees' access protest that | | | | the shame and stigma associated with adoption. |
| birthmothers' privacy is violated when birth records | | | | Currently the states that allow open access are |
| are opened. Some feel that the connection may | | | | Kansas, Alaska, Alabama, Delaware, Maine, New |
| cause unwanted relationships between birth parents | | | | Hampshire, Oregon, and Tennessee. Legislation in |
| and grown children. Others feel that if records are | | | | other states has been slow because of a determined |
| allowed to be opened, some women who want | | | | opposition, including religious groups and the National |
| privacy in adoption may turn to abortion instead. | | | | Council for Adoption who believe that mutual consent |
| According to the Donaldson Institute, there is | | | | should remain the policy. |
| evidence from the states with open records that | | | | Hopefully with the passage of new legislation, |
| open communication is not feared, but is handled with | | | | adoption will continue to be accepted and please all |
| maturity, respect, is and welcomed. There is no proof | | | | parties involved. |
| for the protest that more abortions would rise if | | | | |