Welcome to COAR's 2007 Ontario Election Poll. The question sent to candidates was:
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults? Yes / No / I'm not sure
Emails have been sent to as many of the candidates running for election as possible. Each response will be posted as it comes in and posts will be labeled with the riding name. To find out what candidates in your particular riding think just click on your riding in the list of labels on the right.
If you don't know what your riding is, see Elections Ontario's web site which will also let you know where to vote.
We hope this blog helps you on election day.
Dr. Michael Grand, Wendy Rowney, and Karen Lynn
Coordinating committee of COAR Ontario
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Dan McCreary, Progressive Conservative Party, Brant
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I am not sure that I could give a simple yes or no to your question as there are probably various circumstances on a case-by-case basis. However, I would be more than willing to meet with your organization to discuss your concerns after the election.
I am not sure that I could give a simple yes or no to your question as there are probably various circumstances on a case-by-case basis. However, I would be more than willing to meet with your organization to discuss your concerns after the election.
Will Murray, New Democratic Party, Ottawa Centre
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
As you may know, it was NDP MPP, Marilyn Churley, a birth mother who reunited with her son in 1996, introduced her adoption disclosure reform bill, No. 14, in December 2003. It's modelled on her previous bills on opening sealed records.
The bill overhauls adoption disclosure laws to help both adoptees and birth parents gain access to more information. The changes also include protections to respect the rights of parents who don't want to be contacted by children they gave up for adoption.
I appreciate Ms. Churley's incredible efforts on this issue and look forward to working with her and organizations like yours, on the rights of adopted children.
As you may know, it was NDP MPP, Marilyn Churley, a birth mother who reunited with her son in 1996, introduced her adoption disclosure reform bill, No. 14, in December 2003. It's modelled on her previous bills on opening sealed records.
The bill overhauls adoption disclosure laws to help both adoptees and birth parents gain access to more information. The changes also include protections to respect the rights of parents who don't want to be contacted by children they gave up for adoption.
I appreciate Ms. Churley's incredible efforts on this issue and look forward to working with her and organizations like yours, on the rights of adopted children.
Rob Alder, Progressive Conservative Party, London North Centre
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
At this time, I don’t feel I have enough information about this subject to answer the question definitively and therefore would have to say “I’m not sure”.
Please feel free to keep us informed of your concerns. The PC party and I will constantly seek ways to make government work better for the people it serves.
At this time, I don’t feel I have enough information about this subject to answer the question definitively and therefore would have to say “I’m not sure”.
Please feel free to keep us informed of your concerns. The PC party and I will constantly seek ways to make government work better for the people it serves.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Elaine Kennedy, Green Party, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
No.
I believe that the birth mother has the right to remain anonymous if she chooses. I understand the need for further health information these days, but that should be found out through a third party, allowing the anonymity to be preserved.
No.
I believe that the birth mother has the right to remain anonymous if she chooses. I understand the need for further health information these days, but that should be found out through a third party, allowing the anonymity to be preserved.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Bob Senechal, Progressive Conservative Party, Guelph
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Thank you for your email and for the opportunity to complete your survey. I have thought about your survey question for several days now and have ultimately decided that, at this point, I must answer "not sure". I can see both sides of the issue, but I have concluded that I need to gather more information and consult with colleagues before I can take a definitive stance on whether adopted and non-adopted adults should have the same access to family records.
As you are probably aware, this issue is not directly addressed in the PC Party Plan. I therefore suggest that you email John Tory directly on this matter. You can do so through the Ontario PC Party website at:
http://www.ontariopc.com/email_john.asp?SectionID=7.
Thank you for your email and for the opportunity to complete your survey. I have thought about your survey question for several days now and have ultimately decided that, at this point, I must answer "not sure". I can see both sides of the issue, but I have concluded that I need to gather more information and consult with colleagues before I can take a definitive stance on whether adopted and non-adopted adults should have the same access to family records.
As you are probably aware, this issue is not directly addressed in the PC Party Plan. I therefore suggest that you email John Tory directly on this matter. You can do so through the Ontario PC Party website at:
http://www.ontariopc.com/email_john.asp?SectionID=7.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
June Davies, Green Party, Durham
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I'm not sure.
Comments:
Most importantly for me is the health background information necessary for anticipating potential health risks to which the adopted adult may be predisposed. I am not aware of the initial confidentiality agreement to which the birth parent(s) agreed. I am assuming that confidentiality can still be maintained to the degree necessary while pertinent health information is accessible.
I am interested in the other arguments for and against this issue.
I'm not sure.
Comments:
Most importantly for me is the health background information necessary for anticipating potential health risks to which the adopted adult may be predisposed. I am not aware of the initial confidentiality agreement to which the birth parent(s) agreed. I am assuming that confidentiality can still be maintained to the degree necessary while pertinent health information is accessible.
I am interested in the other arguments for and against this issue.
Ted Chudleigh, Progressive Conservative Party, Halton
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
My answer is NO. My concerns are that abuse issues and well as safety issues affect about 5% of adoptees and therefore they need special protection.
My answer is NO. My concerns are that abuse issues and well as safety issues affect about 5% of adoptees and therefore they need special protection.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Eric DenOuden, Progressive Conservative Party, Prince Edward-Hastings
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
We are unable to respond to this e-mail at this time.
We are unable to respond to this e-mail at this time.
Leanna Pendergast, Liberal Party, Kitchener-Conestoga
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
The Liberal Party is committed to families. We believe that everyone should
have a fair opportunity to create a family and adoption is one option for
Ontarians. If elected, we will create an expert panel to examine all of the
complex issues associated with adoption. Once we have the information from
this panel we will develop a position and a plan to address these issues for
Ontario's families.
The Liberal Party is committed to families. We believe that everyone should
have a fair opportunity to create a family and adoption is one option for
Ontarians. If elected, we will create an expert panel to examine all of the
complex issues associated with adoption. Once we have the information from
this panel we will develop a position and a plan to address these issues for
Ontario's families.
Jeff Leal, Liberal Party, Peterborough
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes, an adopted adult should have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults.
Yes, an adopted adult should have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults.
Marija Minic, Green Party, York Centre
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes, absolutely!
Yes, absolutely!
John Ford, Green Party, Ottawa South
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I was adopted, so this issue is quite personal.
Information should be available only when both sides indicate they are willing to share information.
The element of privacy which existed by agreement, directly or by implication, should be preserved, and should not retroactively be revoked.
While there may be implication on issues such as an unavailable health history, I am willing to live with that.
I was adopted, so this issue is quite personal.
Information should be available only when both sides indicate they are willing to share information.
The element of privacy which existed by agreement, directly or by implication, should be preserved, and should not retroactively be revoked.
While there may be implication on issues such as an unavailable health history, I am willing to live with that.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Toby Barrett, Progressive Conservative Party, Haldimand-Norfolk
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
The following release we put out in late 2005, sums up Mr. Barrett's stance on adoption disclosure.
For Immediate Release
Nov. 04, 2005
Adoption Disclosure Invades Privacy: Barrett
Queen’s Park – Natural mothers who were promised their privacy in adoption cases will now have to plead with a tribunal to have that privacy protected according to MPP Toby Barrett.
PC MPP’s joined Barrett this week as he voted a second time against Bill 183 – the Adoption Information Disclosure Act - in an effort to protect the privacy of natural mothers.
“Individuals who thought they were protected are now going to have their privacy violated” Barrett stated. “Other provinces in this country offer the right for birth parents to veto the disclosure of their identities. Why should Ontarians not have that right?”
The Adoption Information Disclosure Act, which passed with Liberal and NDP support, requires identification and personal information of birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted children to be accessible to all parties involved. Although other provinces have expanded their disclosure laws, Ontario is the only province to have the law apply retroactively without the individual’s option to veto this disclosure. According to the Act, Ontario adoptees or birth parents wishing to avoid disclosure will have to appear before a tribunal and argue that revealing the contents of their file would cause them physical harm or mental anguish.
Barrett supports greater disclosure of adoption information but believes the rights of the minority must be protected. Privacy commissioners from every province and the Federal Government hold the same position.
Bill 183 neglects to account for adoption cases in which full disclosure can be damaging, where a reunion is traumatic and unwanted.
“Adoption cases that have developed out of regrettable circumstances such as rape or child abuse, can be very delicate matters in which privacy should be respected and adhered to,” said Barrett. “It is truly unfortunate that the Liberal government does not see it that way.”
The following release we put out in late 2005, sums up Mr. Barrett's stance on adoption disclosure.
For Immediate Release
Nov. 04, 2005
Adoption Disclosure Invades Privacy: Barrett
Queen’s Park – Natural mothers who were promised their privacy in adoption cases will now have to plead with a tribunal to have that privacy protected according to MPP Toby Barrett.
PC MPP’s joined Barrett this week as he voted a second time against Bill 183 – the Adoption Information Disclosure Act - in an effort to protect the privacy of natural mothers.
“Individuals who thought they were protected are now going to have their privacy violated” Barrett stated. “Other provinces in this country offer the right for birth parents to veto the disclosure of their identities. Why should Ontarians not have that right?”
The Adoption Information Disclosure Act, which passed with Liberal and NDP support, requires identification and personal information of birth parents, adoptive parents and adopted children to be accessible to all parties involved. Although other provinces have expanded their disclosure laws, Ontario is the only province to have the law apply retroactively without the individual’s option to veto this disclosure. According to the Act, Ontario adoptees or birth parents wishing to avoid disclosure will have to appear before a tribunal and argue that revealing the contents of their file would cause them physical harm or mental anguish.
Barrett supports greater disclosure of adoption information but believes the rights of the minority must be protected. Privacy commissioners from every province and the Federal Government hold the same position.
Bill 183 neglects to account for adoption cases in which full disclosure can be damaging, where a reunion is traumatic and unwanted.
“Adoption cases that have developed out of regrettable circumstances such as rape or child abuse, can be very delicate matters in which privacy should be respected and adhered to,” said Barrett. “It is truly unfortunate that the Liberal government does not see it that way.”
Gustavo Valdez, Family Coalition Party, Davenport
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes.
Yes.
Tim Van Bodegom, Green Party, Sarnia-Lambton
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I'm not sure.
I'm not sure.
Tom Teahen, Liberal Party, Beaches-East York
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
It was the McGuinty government that passed the Adoption Information Disclosure Act to make it easier for adult adoptees to get information about their own identity, family history, personal and medical histories.
There was a recent constitutional challenge which struck down the legislation. The government is now reviewing the court's decision in this case.
Until that review is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
It was the McGuinty government that passed the Adoption Information Disclosure Act to make it easier for adult adoptees to get information about their own identity, family history, personal and medical histories.
There was a recent constitutional challenge which struck down the legislation. The government is now reviewing the court's decision in this case.
Until that review is completed, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
Teresa Ceolin, Family Coalition Party, Etobicoke North
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I know that at one point or another in an adopted child's life he/she will want to find out about their biological parents. However, it is not always known what is the best time to have this information disclosed. I will answer "I'm not sure" because it depends on at what age we describe someone as an adult. In short, I think that a 17 -18 year old (let's say male) may be too young or too emotional and may need a few more yearws of development to hear all the details of his biological parents. And so I believe that, if for some reasons adoptive parents have not disclosed the information about the biological parents to a child, it should remain undisclosed until the child (although legally an adult) is at least 21 years old.
I know that at one point or another in an adopted child's life he/she will want to find out about their biological parents. However, it is not always known what is the best time to have this information disclosed. I will answer "I'm not sure" because it depends on at what age we describe someone as an adult. In short, I think that a 17 -18 year old (let's say male) may be too young or too emotional and may need a few more yearws of development to hear all the details of his biological parents. And so I believe that, if for some reasons adoptive parents have not disclosed the information about the biological parents to a child, it should remain undisclosed until the child (although legally an adult) is at least 21 years old.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Deb Matthews, Liberal Party, London North Centre
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
As you may know, I voted in favour of our government’s Bill on this issue and I support the legislation as written.
As you may know, I voted in favour of our government’s Bill on this issue and I support the legislation as written.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Lloyd Helferty, Green Party, Thornhill
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I'm not sure
Comments: What are the specific rights that have been given to non-adopted adults with regard to identifying information about his or her origins?
I'm not sure
Comments: What are the specific rights that have been given to non-adopted adults with regard to identifying information about his or her origins?
David Brown, Progressive Conservative Party, Mississauga-Erindale
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I do not know enough about this issue to offer an informed opinion and therefore I will not be answering your survey.
Should I be honoured to represent Mississauga-Erindale after October 10, I will gladly meet with you and discuss this matter.
I do not know enough about this issue to offer an informed opinion and therefore I will not be answering your survey.
Should I be honoured to represent Mississauga-Erindale after October 10, I will gladly meet with you and discuss this matter.
John O'Toole, Progressive Conservative Party, Durham
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Generally, I would answer yes. That being said, I do have concerns over rare cases when extenuating circumstances may favour not disclosing this information. There are also concerns over previous commitments of confidentiality that may have been given to parents when their children were adopted. These matters must also be considered in the light of the recent court decision regarding access to records under new adoption disclosure legislation.
Generally, I would answer yes. That being said, I do have concerns over rare cases when extenuating circumstances may favour not disclosing this information. There are also concerns over previous commitments of confidentiality that may have been given to parents when their children were adopted. These matters must also be considered in the light of the recent court decision regarding access to records under new adoption disclosure legislation.
Andrea Nemeth, New Democratic Party, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes
Comments:
During her time in office, former NDP MPP for Beaches-East York Marilyn Churley worked tirelessly to pass legislation that would allow adult adoptees the right to their own identifying information and fought to bring Ontario up to date with other jurisdictions in Canada with respect to adoption disclosure. As a reunited adoptee myself, I am committed to advocating for the rights of adopted persons and their families.
Yes
Comments:
During her time in office, former NDP MPP for Beaches-East York Marilyn Churley worked tirelessly to pass legislation that would allow adult adoptees the right to their own identifying information and fought to bring Ontario up to date with other jurisdictions in Canada with respect to adoption disclosure. As a reunited adoptee myself, I am committed to advocating for the rights of adopted persons and their families.
Bernadette Manning, Green Party, Markham-Unionville
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I would have to caution on the side of unsure to yes. I think every case would have to be looked at individually. It's far to a delicate situation to bring in standardized requirments for each case
I would have to caution on the side of unsure to yes. I think every case would have to be looked at individually. It's far to a delicate situation to bring in standardized requirments for each case
Ted Arnott, Progressive Conservative Party, Wellington-Halton Hills
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Thank you for sending your survey. Mr. Arnott is busy campaigning across his riding, but if you contact him after October 10th he would be happy to meet to discuss this issue at that time, should he be re-elected.
Thank you for sending your survey. Mr. Arnott is busy campaigning across his riding, but if you contact him after October 10th he would be happy to meet to discuss this issue at that time, should he be re-elected.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Colin Jones, Green Party, Kitchener-Conestoga
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
You have posed a very difficult question that has no simple answer. I believe that any adult adoptee has the right to any medically pertinent information which can be collected from their birth parents. Regarding access to further information the rights of the birth parent must be taken into account. Many parents, I'm sure, placed their children up for adoption with the understanding that their identities would never be released and, given that, I would have trouble releasing this information as a matter of course. I believe that the solution to this issue is a national database which can be accessed by parents and children and allows them to alter their privacy settings. Essentially, the system would allow for the automatic transfer of pertinent medical records between concerned parties and the transfer of other personal data only when both parties agree to it. The phrasing of your question implies that you see access to this information as a rights issue, but I don't know that I agree with this assessment. I don’t see this as an equality issue. So far as I know the Charter doesn’t compel any parent to be truthful with a child regarding their origin. Families, for many reasons, often wish to hide their backgrounds from their children. While I don’t condone such a practice, I think it is a personal matter. While our hearts go out to the adopted children, I think our focus must remain on the privacy rights of both parties. One could similarly make the argument that a parent who gave their child up has a equal right to information concerning that child as does the adoptive parent, which I don’t think they do. I hope my position is clear.
You have posed a very difficult question that has no simple answer. I believe that any adult adoptee has the right to any medically pertinent information which can be collected from their birth parents. Regarding access to further information the rights of the birth parent must be taken into account. Many parents, I'm sure, placed their children up for adoption with the understanding that their identities would never be released and, given that, I would have trouble releasing this information as a matter of course. I believe that the solution to this issue is a national database which can be accessed by parents and children and allows them to alter their privacy settings. Essentially, the system would allow for the automatic transfer of pertinent medical records between concerned parties and the transfer of other personal data only when both parties agree to it. The phrasing of your question implies that you see access to this information as a rights issue, but I don't know that I agree with this assessment. I don’t see this as an equality issue. So far as I know the Charter doesn’t compel any parent to be truthful with a child regarding their origin. Families, for many reasons, often wish to hide their backgrounds from their children. While I don’t condone such a practice, I think it is a personal matter. While our hearts go out to the adopted children, I think our focus must remain on the privacy rights of both parties. One could similarly make the argument that a parent who gave their child up has a equal right to information concerning that child as does the adoptive parent, which I don’t think they do. I hope my position is clear.
Daniel Kidd, Family Coalition Party, Don Valley West
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
If the parents desire to remain anonymous then that is their decision and should be kept so. Any important medical information should be available but in an anonymous manner. Giving up a child for adoption is not an easy decision and reopening the past is often a painful process, which should be avoided unless both parties agree. One individual should not be able to force another to compromise their privacy. We should work toward more open adoptions in the future, and encourage greater awareness of the benefits of open adoptions.
If the parents desire to remain anonymous then that is their decision and should be kept so. Any important medical information should be available but in an anonymous manner. Giving up a child for adoption is not an easy decision and reopening the past is often a painful process, which should be avoided unless both parties agree. One individual should not be able to force another to compromise their privacy. We should work toward more open adoptions in the future, and encourage greater awareness of the benefits of open adoptions.
Catherine Fife, New Democratic Party, Kitchener-Waterloo
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes, an adopted adult should have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults.
The NDP position on this issue was embodied by Marilyn Churley's Private Member's Bill, which became law and, as I'm sure you know, was subsequently struck down by the courts.
Yes, an adopted adult should have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults.
The NDP position on this issue was embodied by Marilyn Churley's Private Member's Bill, which became law and, as I'm sure you know, was subsequently struck down by the courts.
Michael Gravelle, Liberal Party, Thunder Bay-Superior North
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
The simple answer is "yes."
Of course, the rights and wishes of birthparents to maintain non-contact absolutely must be observed, but I do believe that adopted individuals should have access to information about their familial history, particularly with respect to health related issues.
The simple answer is "yes."
Of course, the rights and wishes of birthparents to maintain non-contact absolutely must be observed, but I do believe that adopted individuals should have access to information about their familial history, particularly with respect to health related issues.
Bob Bailey, Progressive Conservative Party, Sarnia-Lambton
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I'm not sure.
I'm not sure.
David McGruer, Freedom Party, Ottawa-Orleans
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
No. There can be no such thing as a right to encroach on the rights of another individual. If someone puts their child up for adoption and does not wish to be identified in the future then that is his/her individual right. Only with consent from both parties should identification be made. In a similar way, if a parent chooses to sever all contact with an adult child then it is his/his right to do so. Adults have a right to pursue their own path in life, but not to determine the path of anyone else, including their parents.
No. There can be no such thing as a right to encroach on the rights of another individual. If someone puts their child up for adoption and does not wish to be identified in the future then that is his/her individual right. Only with consent from both parties should identification be made. In a similar way, if a parent chooses to sever all contact with an adult child then it is his/his right to do so. Adults have a right to pursue their own path in life, but not to determine the path of anyone else, including their parents.
Charles Sousa, Liberal Party, Mississauga South
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
In response to your question, we are curious as to what the current standard is in terms of origin knowledge. If there is some sort of disparity between these rights, Charles feels that all people should have the same rights regardless of the circumstances of their family situation and birth.
In response to your question, we are curious as to what the current standard is in terms of origin knowledge. If there is some sort of disparity between these rights, Charles feels that all people should have the same rights regardless of the circumstances of their family situation and birth.
Anita Payne, Green Party, Perth-Wellington
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I’m not sure.
I do believe that an adopted adult should have access to family medical records in case they have some problems that are hereditary.
However I also believe that the birth parents also have the right to privacy if they do not want to be contacted. Also the adopted child should have privacy if they do not want to be contacted.
I’m not sure.
I do believe that an adopted adult should have access to family medical records in case they have some problems that are hereditary.
However I also believe that the birth parents also have the right to privacy if they do not want to be contacted. Also the adopted child should have privacy if they do not want to be contacted.
Larry Verner, Green Party, Timmins-James Bay
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes
Comments:
I was abopted when I was 2 months old in 1952 by my aunt Margaret and her husband Benjanin Verner. I was from a large family and abopted into a large family. My oldest sister was also adopted into my family, so I was raised with my sister. Benjamine and Margaret Verner were the finest people who ever lived. I owe my life to them. They had one child of their own, but raised 28 children (not all at the same time). They were honest with me and I knew, that I was adopted at a very early age. As a young boy I fantized as to who my real parents were (like in the movies, a Prince who was separated from his lover by death or some other misfortunate event) It was with some dismay that I found out that my real father was my crazy uncle Clifford. And then to find out that my mother was handicaped, sick, and died when I was two years old.
My point here is that all adopted children should know who there real parents are, even if those parents have unfortunate backgrounds. It gives the children a sence of history, of being grounded, knowing where they came from.
For example, one of my sisters got married when she was 24, that is when her abopted partents told here that she was abopted and has 10 brothers and sisters. This was a tramatic experience for her, however, it was with delight that she got to meet all of us, and most of us attended her wedding.
Abotped children should know who there biological parents are.
Yes
Comments:
I was abopted when I was 2 months old in 1952 by my aunt Margaret and her husband Benjanin Verner. I was from a large family and abopted into a large family. My oldest sister was also adopted into my family, so I was raised with my sister. Benjamine and Margaret Verner were the finest people who ever lived. I owe my life to them. They had one child of their own, but raised 28 children (not all at the same time). They were honest with me and I knew, that I was adopted at a very early age. As a young boy I fantized as to who my real parents were (like in the movies, a Prince who was separated from his lover by death or some other misfortunate event) It was with some dismay that I found out that my real father was my crazy uncle Clifford. And then to find out that my mother was handicaped, sick, and died when I was two years old.
My point here is that all adopted children should know who there real parents are, even if those parents have unfortunate backgrounds. It gives the children a sence of history, of being grounded, knowing where they came from.
For example, one of my sisters got married when she was 24, that is when her abopted partents told here that she was abopted and has 10 brothers and sisters. This was a tramatic experience for her, however, it was with delight that she got to meet all of us, and most of us attended her wedding.
Abotped children should know who there biological parents are.
Larry Stevens, Libertarian Party, Kitchener-Conestoga
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
No, an adopted adult has not right to identifying information about his or her origins. A non-adopted adult knows his or her parents because they chose to raise him or her. In the case of an adopted adult, his or her original parents chose to put him or her up for adoption. By doing so, they gave up their responsibility to raise him or her in favour of his or her adoptive parents. Their having done so and their reasons for doing so are their personal information and no one has a right to that information without their prior consent.
An adopted adult wanting to identify his or her origins should ask the agency that mediated in the adoption for that information. If the agency wishes to process his or her request, it would charge the adopted adult a fee to cover the full cost of the process. The agency must then get the permission of both original parents (and any other relevant persons) before disclosing the information. If either original parent (or any relevant other) declines and the adopted adult later determines their identity, the adoption agency would then be required to compensate both original parents (or all other relevant persons) for its failure to keep the identities of the original parents secret. The full cost of such compensation (including all legal and other costs of the agency, both original parents and all relevant others), must be built into the fee the adopted adult pays. No taxpayers money must be used to cover any part of this process.
Under no circumstances, must an adoption agency or any parent (or other relevant person) who was involved in the adoption be required to disclose or agree to the disclosure of any information concerning the adoption without their voluntary consent.
This is my personal opinion and should not be taken to be that of the Ontario Libertarian Party or any of their other candidates.
No, an adopted adult has not right to identifying information about his or her origins. A non-adopted adult knows his or her parents because they chose to raise him or her. In the case of an adopted adult, his or her original parents chose to put him or her up for adoption. By doing so, they gave up their responsibility to raise him or her in favour of his or her adoptive parents. Their having done so and their reasons for doing so are their personal information and no one has a right to that information without their prior consent.
An adopted adult wanting to identify his or her origins should ask the agency that mediated in the adoption for that information. If the agency wishes to process his or her request, it would charge the adopted adult a fee to cover the full cost of the process. The agency must then get the permission of both original parents (and any other relevant persons) before disclosing the information. If either original parent (or any relevant other) declines and the adopted adult later determines their identity, the adoption agency would then be required to compensate both original parents (or all other relevant persons) for its failure to keep the identities of the original parents secret. The full cost of such compensation (including all legal and other costs of the agency, both original parents and all relevant others), must be built into the fee the adopted adult pays. No taxpayers money must be used to cover any part of this process.
Under no circumstances, must an adoption agency or any parent (or other relevant person) who was involved in the adoption be required to disclose or agree to the disclosure of any information concerning the adoption without their voluntary consent.
This is my personal opinion and should not be taken to be that of the Ontario Libertarian Party or any of their other candidates.
Jeanie Warnock, Green Party, Leeds-Grenville
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes.
Yes.
Ron Yurick, Green Party, Algoma-Manitoulin
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Every adopted person (and the adopting parents in the case of a very young person) should have the right to know about any medical, mental, psychiatric, genetic, etc. conditions in the adopted person's "biological" family, to the extent known, amongst that individual's parents and any siblings, and amongst the parents' parents and siblings, but on condition of anonymity for all of these relatives.
Beyond that, I feel that if an adopted adult wishes to reconnect with her/his natural parents or other "biological" family members, the government should assist in the process, but not go so far as to actually identify any of those other relatives if they wish to remain anonymous. That said, I understand that many people who've given up a child to adoption want to conceal their identity because they are fearful, ashamed, etc., and that it is these feelings that sometimes delay or even block a reunion.
Fortunately, such feelings are often overcome with time and maybe some counselling, and I think the government should facilitate that process by offering assistance to these individuals to overcome their "reluctancies". This could involve encouragement to seek counselling, and also serving as an occasional messenger to pass on communications from the person who is seeking the reunion but, again, only on condition that the "seeker" cannot learn the identity of the "sought" if they do not want their identities to be divulged. Hopefully, those individual(s) who are being "sought" will eventually agree to a reunion, but if they choose the opposite, my sense is that it should not be forced upon them.
Every adopted person (and the adopting parents in the case of a very young person) should have the right to know about any medical, mental, psychiatric, genetic, etc. conditions in the adopted person's "biological" family, to the extent known, amongst that individual's parents and any siblings, and amongst the parents' parents and siblings, but on condition of anonymity for all of these relatives.
Beyond that, I feel that if an adopted adult wishes to reconnect with her/his natural parents or other "biological" family members, the government should assist in the process, but not go so far as to actually identify any of those other relatives if they wish to remain anonymous. That said, I understand that many people who've given up a child to adoption want to conceal their identity because they are fearful, ashamed, etc., and that it is these feelings that sometimes delay or even block a reunion.
Fortunately, such feelings are often overcome with time and maybe some counselling, and I think the government should facilitate that process by offering assistance to these individuals to overcome their "reluctancies". This could involve encouragement to seek counselling, and also serving as an occasional messenger to pass on communications from the person who is seeking the reunion but, again, only on condition that the "seeker" cannot learn the identity of the "sought" if they do not want their identities to be divulged. Hopefully, those individual(s) who are being "sought" will eventually agree to a reunion, but if they choose the opposite, my sense is that it should not be forced upon them.
Anita Lalchan, Green Party, Pickering-Scarborough East
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
I believe that it is our right to have access to information about our origins.
I believe that it is our right to have access to information about our origins.
Andrew McAvoy, Green Party, Windsor-Tecumseh
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes
Yes
Mike Kenny, New Democratic Party, Don Valley West
Should an adopted adult have the same rights to identifying information about his or her origins as all non-adopted adults?
Yes.
Yes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)