Adoptees rarely have unfettered access to their biological familial health history, identities of their birth parents, and general information about their biological family’s history. Some states relinquish bits and pieces of the whole picture, but even that information usually comes at a cost. Like a literal cost.
Depending on which state an adoptee was born, they might be able to track down their adoption file, a hospital record, non-identifying parental information, or maybe even their original birth certificate. Even armed with some of this information, it can be difficult to find all the answers they are seeking.
There are some adoptees who are unfortunate enough to have been born in a state that keeps their biological information locked down permanently. There are no records to track down because they are completely denied access. Or perhaps they are given a copy of their original birth certificate only to discover all pertinent information has been redacted.
This can be maddening. This has historically been the end of the road for many adoptees. Nowhere else to search. No other options available. Their biological roots, forever a mystery. For them and all their descendants after them - children, grandchildren, and beyond.
When every possible clue yields a dead end and all hope seems lost, DNA comes to the rescue.
I am currently working eight unknown parentage cases. All eight cases are adoptees who are trying to identify one or both birth parents. Six of these eight clients have registered their DNA because they had exhausted all other potential options. Their final hope came to them in the form of a double helix. Their DNA.
The best thing about DNA? It doesn’t lie. The next best thing about DNA? My clients’ birth parents may never register their DNA. My client’s biological half siblings may never register theirs. Nor aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or even first cousins. Biological parentage can be established through distant relatives who have never even met the birth mother or birth father.
It is possible to identify a birth parent or parents solely through DNA. I’ve had clients who had zero information about their birth parents (and even misinformation), but after registering their DNA, they were able to uncover their identities with 100% certainty. Where a closed door used to stand with no other option in site, another path was formed. Another opportunity.
If you’re adopted and are seeking answers, DNA might be your last best chance. If you want to know more, I’m always happy to chat.