Often, couples are unable to conceive a child or women find themselves alone and in the predicament of an unplanned pregnancy. To prevent couples from remaining childless or women from seeking abortions or becoming a single parent, a positive alternative offered to both parties is the chance for adoption. Adoption gives couples the chance to raise a child, and it also allows women an alternative to abortion or single parenthood. Both the adoptive couple and the biological mother are expected to continue their lives after an adoption takes place, but what about the children? Should they ignore the fact that they were born to another couple, may have brothers and sisters, or could be at risk for certain hereditary traits? All of the questions that an adoptee has can be answered by looking at the adoption records; however, current laws make it impossible for access of records to be obtained. Records are closed in an effort to protect the anonymity of the biological parents, but what about the birthright and right to know that is guaranteed to non-adopted children? Are adopted children to be denied these rights? Perhaps "it is time to re-evaluate our current and past adoption policies the present standards of anonymity were developed as a safeguard to all the parties involved in adoption, but they may, in fact, be the cause of innumerable problems (Sorosky, 1978)." Open records could instead eliminate the secrecy and shame that is associated with adoption. .
Adoption is the taking in, upbringing, and raising of children who aren't biologically related but are in need of protection and care (Grimm, n.d.). It offers infertile couples the opportunity to become parents, along with giving a child the chance to live in a secure, stable home environment. Adoption allows women who may have been single mothers, victims of rape, incest, or drug abuse, the opportunity to continue with their lives without having to take on the responsibility of providing for a child.
