'We can only imagine a small bit of the horror that adoptees go through every day not knowing who they are'

Editor's note: This is one in an ongoing series of posts spotlighting support for our continued effort to provide adult adoptees born in Connecticut access to their original birth certificates. The testimony featured in this series was submitted to the state Legislature earlier this year in support of proposed legislation that would have restored the right of adult adoptees adopted before Oct. 1, 1983, to access their original birth certificate. (Post-1983 adoptees had this right restored in 2014.) The letters are published with the authors' permission. Sign up for our newsletter at www.accessconnecticut.org if you want to help us end discrimination against adoptees.

Dear Legislators:
My name is Deborah Conyers. I am writing you today to ask for your support of the proposed legislation that would restore the right of adult adoptees adopted before October 1, 1983, to access their original birth certificates. This right existed for all adult adoptees, and for adoptive parents of minor adoptees, before 1975.
I believe everyone should have the equal opportunity and rights regarding their own personal history. This information is necessary in order for adoptees to know their heritage and for medical purposes. For those of us that grew up in loving families with our birth parents, we can only imagine a small bit of the horror that adoptees go through everyday not knowing who they are. And for those that have health crises that can be alleviated if only they had access to that vital information.

It is a basic human right for a person to know the truth about his or her origins. The State should not discriminate against adoptees by depriving them of this right,which is routinely available to all other citizens. It would assist adoptees in accessing recent family medical health history information,which is vital to protect the life and health of all persons,including children.

The legislature should approve the bill because it:

• Protects privacy more DNA testing or social media,and
• Has widespread support among birth mothers, adoptive parents, adult adoptees and Connecticut residents.

I urge you to vote in support of adult adoptee's equal rights under the law,by working to pass the proposed bill and help adoptees make Informed decisions about their health and to give them gift of
knowing who they are.

Thank you for your consideration and support.
Deborah Conyers, New Haven