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Nikovtme26301 · Oct 31, 2010, 01:56 AM

Fr. Chuck,

I am adopted and the only non-descript information I have for my birth parents is the hospital where I was born and I what private Catholic adoption agency I was adopted from. The hospital no longer exists nor does the diocese I was adopted from. I would like to find my birth parents strictly for medical history as I am ill and I have 3 sons and I would like to give them the information that was never provided to me. It was a private adoption, so my adoptive parents have little information to provide to me. I dearly love my Mom and Dad, but I need genetic answers. Where can I go? Thank you.

Synnen · Oct 31, 2010, 09:43 AM

If this is for medical reasons, you have a far better chance of getting at least medical information.

Get a lawyer and go to court to ask to have your adoption records opened enough to contact your biological parents or their heirs for medical information. There's no guarantee that you will get this to happen. There's a funny gray line between the rights of the biological parents and the rights of the adoptee. But if you are ONLY looking for medical information, you've got a better chance.

You can also go on reunion websites and register with as much information as you have.

Nikovtme26301 · Nov 1, 2010, 09:07 AM

Thank you for your response. Yes, all I want is a thorough medical history. I've signed up for several adoption registries, but no luck there yet. Can I summon the courts myself to have my records opened, or must I have to retain an attorney? TY.

Synnen · Nov 1, 2010, 10:06 AM

ANY time you are dealing with adoption, I recommend an attorney.

Opening adoption records is difficult and not guaranteed. There were a lot of women that were *promised* that their information would NEVER EVER be released. Getting that information without that secrecy being violated is extremely difficult. Prior to 1980, many women didn't talk about their adoptions--ever. They married without their husband and family ever knowing about the previous pregnancy and adoption. Breaking that secrecy can destroy their lives.

I'd get an attorney so that you can get the information you need in a way that is acceptable to the courts.