This brings up a great point in regards to ethics, since the adoptee is the most powerless person in the system. From before they were born, their choices have been made for them, and often, until they turn 18, they have little to no say in how they wish to have a relationship with their birth parent. The argument about the open record policy is extremely difficult too! She would have to pay $400 to have an attempt at finding out who her birth parents are. The amount of money it costs isn't the issue, it is more or less the issue that the government and birth parent made the choice that the adoptee does not get to know that information. She made a great point that, as a 48 year old Physcology professor, she can handle the emotions of finding the truth.
I could not even begin to fathom the idea of not knowing my roots or ethnicity. Especially when it comes to medical records and family history, I would be terrified. I really appreciated her openness and all of her stories because it brings to light yet another view from the adoption perspective. In my personal opinion, I believe records should be open. I want to hear an actual argument why they should be closed other than the privacy of the birth parent.
Brandon Kasper
Graded Reply #4:
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I really liked that you touched on the point about how the adoptee should be the empowered party in finding their birth parents. I would agree with this and understand how an adoptee may feel violated, if they are contacted without consent. I believe that, as hard as it may be, a birth parent should allow their child to search for them. However, the birthmother that spoke to us last week was very cautious when contacting her daughter. I thought the way in which this birthmother contacted her daughter was okay because she sent a letter to her with all the information she wanted to share and made sure she had to go to the post office to pick it up and sign for it. She made the process of getting the letter a bit harder for her daughter but did her best to ensure privacy to her daughter (by not allowing others to see the letter before her).
Another point that you brought up was the professor’s emotional readiness to find her birth parents. The fact that children in closed adoptions are not given any information about their medical history, background or reason for surrender can seem ridiculous at times. I can understand that some of this information is with held to protect either the adoptee or the birthparents but after age 18, an adoptee should be able to decide if they want to know information about their biological family (medical history, reason for surrender, etc.). Perhaps, you could further your idea of this concept by pointing out a specific ethical principle that is being violated.
Once again great job! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions about the speaker!
Jen G