Resources Exist for Adoptees, Parents

I was a part of the Dec. 8 story “Giving Birth to New Family.”

While appreciative of the time taken to create this story, I remain deeply disappointed that no mention was made of the International Soundex Reunion Registry. Nor did the story cover the efforts of adult adoptees and birth parents in changing laws that trample our rights by sealing our records.

My primary goal in participating in this story was to let other adult adoptees and birth parents know about avenues they could pursue during their search. No mention was made of the excellent online resources and support groups available to members of the adoption triad. It is also important to point out that adult adoptees are denied a basic civil right--access to our government records.

I hope The Times will follow up with some hard facts and information about searching, support and laws in this country. It would be far more helpful than just another “feel-good” story that diminishes the true effort it takes to conduct a search and get the laws changed.

One last clarification--I don’t feel that my birth mother has done anything for me to “forgive,” as stated in the story. Meeting other birth parents, such as Kathy Hall, has given me an understanding of what my birth mother might have experienced. It has helped me to appreciate and respect her.

KATE BURDEN

Lake Forest