New law to give adoptees a right to their birth certs

ADOPTED people will have a right to their birth certs for the first time if new legislation published last week, and produced by Northside Senator Averil Power (FF), is accepted by the Government.

Under the Adoption (Identity and Information) Bill 2014:

?¢All adoptees will have a right to their birth certs, listing their original names and their parents’ names.

?¢Natural parents can request information about their adopted sons or daughters.

?¢Adoptees and their parents can choose whether they are happy to have their current contact details released to each other.

Senator Power, who was adopted as a baby from a mother and baby home, produced the legislation.

It is co-sponsored by Senator Jillian Van Turnhout (former head of the Children’s Rights Alliance) and Senator Fidelma Healy Eames (an adoptive mother).

Senator Power told Northside People:

“For too long adopted people have been robbed of our identities, denied basic information about ourselves and our parents that others take for granted.

“Thousands of Irish adoptees don’t know their original names, who their parents are or even if there is a serious illness that runs in their family.

“Not knowing is a source of great pain and anxiety.

?

Senator Power said the bill has been designed to change this.

“It also puts in place a system through which adoptees and natural parents can exchange contact details if they so wish,

? she added.

Senator Healy Eames said:

“As an adoptive parent, I am supportive of adoptees having information about their natural parents and their birth identity after they turn 18.

“However, I am anxious that this information be provided in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the adopted person and their natural parents. Senator Healy Eames believes the bill, with its emphasis on supporting both parties, is the right approach.

“It will enable each adoptee and natural parent to proceed in a way that suits their own individual needs and sensitivities,

? she added.

The Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA) has called on all TDs and Senators to stand in solidarity with adopted people and support the bill.