Closed adoption is an adoption where in the adoption records are kept sealed. It means that the biological parent has surrendered their capacity and authority as a parent of the adoptee’s life. Closed adoption is also associated with “secret” or “traditional” adoption, although itis not, in fact, traditional at all. Closed adoption largely arose in the 20th century, in response to changing social values about adoption. The opposite of a closed adoption is an open adoption, in which the records are left open, creating the potential for contact between the birth parent and the adoptive family.
Closed Adoption: Advantages for Birth Parents
The closed adoption experience is different for each person; however here is a list of potential advantages that you might encounter with a closed adoption:
* Sense of closure-Some birth mothers and birth families report that having a closed adoption provides a sense of closure and enables them to move on with life.
* Privacy-Placing a child for adoption is an extremely sensitive and vulnerable choice. Having a closed adoption creates an opportunity for a stronger sense of privacy.
* Reduced fear-Some birth mothers are concerned about explaining their choice and a closed adoption serves as a way to prevent them from a confrontation with a child placed for adoption.
A closed adoption refers to an adoption process where there is no interaction between the birth mother and the prospective adoptive families. There is no identifying information provided to either the birth families or the adoptive families. Non-identifying information such as physical characteristics and medical history may be provided to both parties. When considering a closed adoption, there are a number of disadvantages that need to be thought through carefully for all parties involved.
Several organizations facilitate contact between birth parents and adoptees who are interested in connecting later in life. These groups provide records searches or offer registries of people who are seeking each other out. In a situation where a child or birth mother wants to get in touch, a letter will typically be sent by a third-party intermediary, indicating that contact is desired and leaving the decision up to the recipient of the letter.
I am not sure how you can give a birthparent these ‘advantages of a closed adoption’.
* Sense of closure-Some birth mothers and birth families report that having a closed adoption provides a sense of closure and enables them to move on with life.
They may get a sense of closure, however how many birthmothers truly forget the child they gave birth to?
* Privacy-Placing a child for adoption is an extremely sensitive and vulnerable choice. Having a closed adoption creates an opportunity for a stronger sense of privacy.
Privacy is something which is afforded to everyone. However secrecy is entirely something else. That is what the closed adoption system puts forth, not privacy.
* Reduced fear-Some birth mothers are concerned about explaining their choice and a closed adoption serves as a way to prevent them from a confrontation with a child placed for adoption.
With todays age of internet, the confrontation with the ‘adult’ placed for adoption is 90% sure to happen at some time. Today more and more adoptees are feeling the need to find their birthparent, not because they are looking for new ‘mommy’s’. It is because they want to find a sense of ’self’ , ‘where did I come from’, ‘what is my heritage’, ‘what medical problems might I have?’
As long as there is a closed records system, this will always continue.
The Government should never be in the business of sealing anyone’s original identity without their permission.
Original Identity is a Basic Human Right.
Until our governments learn this and let adoption be open and unsecretive, we will always have the secrecy, lies and shame which is associated with adoption.
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