In case you didn't read a single adoption related blog (outside of our network) this weekend, I need to inform you about a video that is making its rounds on blogs (via YouTube, of course). It's an important video, especially to families touched by adoption. It focuses on adoptees, their rights and how those rights are trampled upon by their lack of access to pertinent information about their health history, their lineage and their birth.

You can watch the video here.

The video is entered in a contest for Dashboard Confessional's (a band) song, "Thick as Thieves." In short, this means that the video is getting some widespread viewing by people who wouldn't ordinarily think twice about adoption issues. People who have access to their original birth certificates and don't think twice about them (unless they need them for a trip and they can't find it at that point) are now thinking, "Well, gee, that doesn't seem quite right." People are, for two minutes and twenty-two seconds, thinking about the people that they might know who are adopted and wondering why that person is getting the short end of the stick.

Even more interesting are the line of comments coming out of this video. I'm sure that, initially, some people who are untouched by adoption might view this video and think, "But wait! Those (heartless!) mothers who gave their babies away don't want to be found!" Thankfully, that line of thinking is being debunked in the comment section of the video. What an education these viewers are getting!

In fact, there was an exchange about that very thing. Let's look at it!


From a user named bramasolecrafts:

Well done - a subject many seldom think about. I told KT I thought those who gave their babies up for adoption had the right to privacy. I still believe the possibility of privacy encourages more to consider adoption over abortion, but I agree that more problems are created by the unknown. These adults are missing vital info that could effect their lives, their children's & more. These adults have a right to know as much about their origins as possible. Thanks, KT, for making us aware. Great job

Of course, we know that the majority of mothers were not promised privacy, nor did they expect it. (View the petition here!) And another user, named Gramto3, replied in kind!

Loved your video - good job. To bramasolecrafts. As a mother who relinquished a child to adoption, we were not promised privacy, nor do we need it. Nor do statistics indicate that privacy encourage more adoptions - the majority of adoptions are now open.

A great reply, in my opinion. It's from a birth mother, speaking to the fact that we (as birth parents) do want our children to have that access. This mother also debunked the myth that today's expectant mothers considering placement are in search of that privacy. The majority, in fact, are not and are deeply scarred when their child's parents decide to force them out of the picture, thus bringing about highly unwanted "privacy." Plus, that mother said it in a respectful way! Go Mama!

Reading through the comments, by all kinds of people, you can't help but be moved. This video is encouraging mainstream talk about something so vital: opening adoption records. Birth mothers are joining in and stating that, no, we didn't want this privacy and yes, we want our children to have access to their information. People are getting an education from YouTube of all places!

For those curious, this video was produced by Mia, Theresa, Andie and Kevin. Check out their blogs for some great reading to boot!

And, by the way, the winner of the contest gets the video played on MTV. Talk about major coverage. Good luck, guys!

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For more, read:

1. Decreasing Abortions Equals Increasing Adoptions?

2. One True Benefit to Children from Open Adoption.

3. Congratulations Maine Adoptees!