Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to your editorial of February 8th, 1998. As I write I am shaking with anger and amazement at your lack of knowledge on this subject. I am one of those biological parents you referred to in your editorial. My daughter was placed for adoption in 1972 which was a time when records were sealed to "supposedly protect the identity of the biological parents". At no time did I ask for confidentiality. I did not want it then and I do not want it now. I am a STRONG supporter of HB2810 and SB6496. I would shout from the rooftop of your building that I am a victim of sealed records and it's time for the secrets and lies to stop. I would do this gladly and proudly if that is what it takes to get you and others to realize that adoptees have a right to their original birth certificates.
I am no longer a scared teenager who was forced by my parents and society to place my daughter for adoption. I am forty five years old and fully capable of welcoming my daughter into my life. I am in contact with hundreds of birthmothers on the Internet who feel as I do and are also supportive of these bills. These women are all anxiously awaiting a day when they will get a phone call from their birthchild. Most of these women are actively searching themselves and not hiding in a closet as you would have everyone believe.
We were all told back then, as teenagers, to forget the event had ever happened and just go on with our lives. We were told that we would forget our children and just sail merrily along with our new clean reputation. Well how ludicrous to think that a mother would forget her pregnancy and giving birth to her own child. We went to the hospital with a child and came home with nothing. Can you imagine the pain this would cause and this followed by years of secrets and lies we thought we had to endure for our parents and society. Well the jig is up and we birthmothers all across the world are standing tall and united and proclaiming . . . We do have children out there some where and if they want access to their original birth certificate they will have it!!!
Sandra K. Smith
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