NEW YORK NEWSDAY
Letters to Editor published on April 22, 1997

"Sealed Adoption Papers Cause the Greatest Pain"

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Some claim the need for secrecy because of the vague potential for "some sort of 
interpersonal boomerang" between me and my birth relatives. This patronizing attitude 
dominates the pro-closed adoption records argument. The mutual consent registries 
mentioned are woefully understaffed, underfunded and underutilized. In cases where non-
identifying information is available, it usually only covers the period up to the time of the 
adoptee's birth. What about cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses that usually 
don't show up until later in life? In Scotland, adoptee records have been open since 1935. 
In England, since 1975. Australia, Norway, Finland, Israel, Mexico and many other 
nations have open records for adult adoptees. 

Marian Cole. Brooklyn

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I am a birth mother who gave up a child for adoption in 1972. This decision was right for 
both of us at the time, but now that he is an adult, it is equally as important that he be 
given information regarding his heritage. Adult adoptees who search are not looking for 
new parents. They have adoptive parents who have earned their respect and love. They are 
just looking for answers.

Opponents of open records state that open records would increase abortion, when the 
opposite is true. The two states that have open records, (Alaska and Kansas) actually have 
lower abortion and higher adoption rates than the average.

Susan Tomhave. Minneapolis, MN


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As a birth mother, I am insulted by the suggestion that I would have dumped my baby 
rather than risk being reminded in later years. If I had to give advice to a teenager today, I 
would advocate abortion before advocating the pain of a closed adoption.

Pam Gurd. Los Alamos, NM








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