Another Letter to the Editor
of The Tacoma News Tribune

in support of SB 6496 and HB 2810

The Editor
The News Tribune
PO Box 11000
Tacoma, Wa. 98411
Fax: 253-597-8451
E-mail: leted@p.tribnet.com

In reference to your editorial regarding HB 2810 and SB 6496, which provide for the rights of adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates, I wish to point out that your assumption of privacy is not based in fact.

As a teenager who had a child placed for adoption in 1972 I was never promised, or given, any confidentiality. My name was available in public notices of the legal proceedings, and was a matter of public record on court documents. No thoughts were given to matters of privacy, as there is no legal right to such a concept.

These bills, which as a birthmother I support, are not encouraging searching or reunions. They simply allow adult adoptees to obtain personal records regarding their birth. A right that is denied no other class of American citizen.

Why should my oldest daughter be denied this civil right simply due to the circumstances of her birth? I applaud the sponsors and supporters of HB 2810 and SB 6496 which will bring equality under the law to adult adoptees.

Sincerely,

Arlene N. Oakes
Sarasota, Florida


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