- The push for open records began in the 1970s. Florence Fisher started the first adoption reform organization, the Adoptees' Liberty Movement Association, in 1971.
- Adult adoptees are the only U.S. citizens denied access to their own birth certificates. Preventing adoptees from obtaining the records of their birth, along with their genetic and familial histories, can have dire medical consequences both for the adoptee and for his offspring.
- Contrary to popular belief, closed adoption records were not common until after World War II. Until then, adoption records and original birth certificates were available to all those directly involved in the adoption, including the adoptees.
- Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and Tennessee are the only states with open adoption records.
- Rapper Darryl "DMC" McDaniels is an outspoken open records advocate, as is actress Victoria Rowell.
Background
Significance
Misconceptions
Open Record States
Famous Ties
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