How can an adopted person find out their nationality and medical history?

Question

I was adopted as an infant at a time when all adoptions were "closed." As a mother, I feel it is important to know what my roots are and what medical conditions I could pass on to my kids. Does anyone know how I can get the information I need?

Answer 1

NATIONALITY
It is probably safe to say that you are an American citizen since I am assuming that you were adopted by Americans; and I think that if you were adopted internationally you would know because your birth certificate would show it.

MEDICAL HISTORY
As for medical history you might need to actually find your birth-family to get access to that.

Then again, there should be some way for you to get medical tests done to find out what genetic diseases that you could possibly pass down to your children.

I know a couple who had this done after their second pregnancy ended in miscarriage and the child had a plethora of birth defects. They learned from the tests that they were both carriers for certain genetic disorders.

This is more common in some ethnic groups than others. Couples of Eastern European and Askhenazi Jewish descent are recommended to be tested for the mutated gene that causes Tay-Sachs disease and Amish children are at risk for inherited metabolic disorders because of high intermarriage in their communities.

Parents are encouraged to look into their family history to search for a pattern of certain hereditary diseases; but since your family history has been kept from you, contacting a genetic counselor could be helpful. Try the National Society of Genetic Counselors for more info (link below).

ADOPTION RECORDS
This can be complicated since your adoption was closed. You should know however that some states that had closed adoptions records when you were born may have opened them since then. Alabama is one example. Many people think that it is unfair that just because someone was adopted that they have less rights that other citizens as far as access to their own parents identities and pertinent medical information.

You may want to contact an advocacy group such as Bastard Nation. In addition to information on how to lobby on behalf of equal rights for adoptees, you can also find out exactly what the laws are that pertain to you and your adoption information.

ETHNICITY
To find your ethnicity you could try AncestryByDNA which offers at least two DNA tests to help you narrow down your family's origins.

For the first test you can determine the continent where you have the most genetically in common with the inhabitants. From there you can order a discounted add-on test which can help you to determine more about what part of the continent/which ethnic groups there you share DNA in common.

For example, if the first test showed you were at least 85% European you could narrow it down to find out what parts of Europe your ancestors came from (EuroDNA kit). If you showed more than 15% Sub-Saharan African or Native American you could find out more about the ethnic groups or tribal identities of your ancestors.

It's pricey -- about $219.00 for the first test; but extremely interesting.

Answer 2

Find My Nationality

Answer 3

I ~think~ that closed-adoption records usually have to stay sealed unless there is a medical reason they might need to be opened. Then, there is some sort of legal process that you have to go through to find the names and/or records of the birth parents. I might very well be wrong, though. I just remember that one of my friends had her records unsealed in the 1980s. She went to the adoption agency that placed her and had to fill out about three tons of paperwork. This was the 80s, though. The laws might have changed since then; so if you can, try contacting the old foster home or adoption agency and asking them what their policy is.

Answer 4

i've got faith so, yet you won't be waiting to get this records till you're 18 years of previous and it quite is provided which you comprehend what organisation your accompanied mum and dad have been waiting to get you thru. It additionally relies upon on in the adventure that your mum and dad filed out each and each of the paper paintings. Now days that's in all probability extra convenient because of the fact of desktops, yet interior the mid ninety's who's conscious of. attempt... attempt... attempt and don't supply up! You should properly known your nationality and any scientific information approximately your organic and organic mum and dad. =)

Answer 5

I think a blood test will be able to determine your nationality. You may be able to open up your adoption records to find out about medical history. I'd say if you know the city and state where you were adopted or if you became a ward of the state, that may be a good starting point. You may luck out if you come from a small town.

Answer 6

You can petition the court

Answer 7

You can get some answers on what you might have inhertied by getting a DNA anaylasis done. Plus, it can also give you some answers on some of your ancestery could be. Plus, the DNA can let you know what medicines will work better for you. I do not remember the DNA company that my mother used. But, she had one done for testing on Native American lineage. You can find out father's side and mother's side.