How to Find Birth Parents for Medical Information

Adoptees may be able to access their birth parents' nonidentifying medical information.

An adoptee may seek information about his birth parents to learn more about his medical and genetic history. Nonidentifying information about the adoption often includes medical history but omits the birth parents' names, addresses and other identifying information. Many states allow access by the adoptive parents of minor children, as well as by the adoptees themselves after they have reached the age of 18. An individual may attempt to compile birth relatives' medical history through nonidentifying information, a request for identifying information or a search for the birth parents themselves.

Instructions

1. Learn the state laws regarding access to adoption information and birth parent searches in your state, as each state has its own adoption laws. Gather any information that you already have about the adoption and the birth parents, such as the hospital where you were born or the name of the adoption agency.

2. Contact the adoption agency or state agency that maintains adoption records for your state, and follow agency procedures to request access to your file, including nonidentifying information that may include medical history. Follow all relevant state laws and court procedures if you would like a judge to grant access to a sealed adoption file or provide you with access to identifying information. Consult with an attorney who practices family law or adoption law in your state to determine whether you can petition for access to sealed adoption files. If you need the medical information for health purposes, you may have a more persuasive case to ask a court to open a sealed file.

3. Participate in a mutual consent registry that assists adoptees and birth parents who may be open to a voluntary exchange of information. Look for a government-run registry serving your state that allows birth parents to voluntarily submit information. Research the reputation of private registries before you decide to participate and share your personal information. Confirm that you qualify to register, as some registries require adoptees to be over 18 years of age or to provide the consent of their adoptive parents.

4. Consider initiating a full search for your birth parents if you need more medical or genetic history than was available through nonidentifying information and you have not had success with voluntary registries. Participate in reunion registries if you feel prepared to do so. Consider hiring a private search agency or another intermediary to seek out your birth parents.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask yourself whether you are prepared for the emotional process of opening up your adoption history and the possibility of learning more about your birth parents.

• Seek support from your family and friends.

• Understand that if you decide to search for your birth parents but they do not agree to a reunion, you may not be able to compel them to personally share medical information with you.

References

• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Access to Adoption Records: Summary of State Laws
• New York State Department of Health: Adoption Information Registry
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Searching for Birth Relatives

Resources

• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Search and Reunion
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: National Foster Care and Adoption Directory Search