The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) is an organization that purports to be pro-adoption. I say purports because notwithstanding evidence pointing out the overwhelming desire of birth parents, adoptees and biological parents for open records, they continue to hold fast to their position that mutual consent registries are a viable compromise to open records.
In response to this e-mail I sent to them:
I would really like to know why the NCFA, an organization in support of adoption, opposes the rights of adult adoptees to gain access to their own records. Empirical data shows that adoptees, birth mothers and adoptive families heavily support open records for adoptees. Empirical data also shows that there are MORE adoptions and FEWER abortions in states with open records than in states with closed records.
How does a policy that ignores the wishes of triad members, classifies adoptees as illegitimate, attaches a stigma to adoption and causes psychological trauma further the admirable goal of adoption?The question is not, why have open records, but why seal the records from adult adoptees? We have to ask who this benefits. The answer is of course, private adoption agencies who lie, coerce and intimidate birth mothers into giving up babies for adoption so that they may get more money. As a law student, I find it loathsome that members of my profession also benefit from this egregious violation of civil rights.
The NCFA replied:
Dear Mr. Drahozal:
The National Council For Adoption believes that the right to privacy should be protected for all members of the adoption triad. We are in favor of mutual consent registry as the only vehicle that honors the respect, timing, and wishes of all individuals involved.
As a law student, we are sure you are aware of the importance of protecting one's rights. Anytime anyone's rights are violated for the sake of another, our constitution is being violated, regardless of majority opinion. Mutual consent registry allows those that wish contact to have it while protectiong those that do not wish for their names to be released. Additionally, you may want to read Paula Berstein's article in Redbook, March 2000 edition, for a person who was adopted's perspective on "psychological trauma". We found it very informative.
For analysis regarding abortion vs. adoption in states that have prospectively opened records, please refer to the Adoption Factbook III in your local library.
Thank you for your comments.
The National Council For Adoption
My answer, of course is found in the links I have added to their response. You may want to contact the NCFA and find out why it is that they insist on perpetuating myths regarding adoption rather than truth.
