It's time to uncover the truth: Closed adoption states' inconsistencies and how it is hurting adopted children

Abstract

Adopted children may never possess curiosity as to who their biological parents are. But this is not always the case. Some have an innate desire to receive information regarding their birth parents that can cause them psychological turmoil throughout their lives. Some have reasoning supported by medical necessity to uncover this information. However, not every state is forgiving with uncovering this information. Many states with sealed records require adoptees to make an evidentiary showing of “good cause,” while not actually defining a “good cause.” This note explores the implications of this uncertainty on adoptees and how to resolve these inconsistencies.