One True Benefit to Children from Open Adoption

The benefits of open adoption are widely and often angrily debated among members of the triad and society at large. Differences of opinion and in experience can make it hard to find a middle ground of understanding, especially as we are still learning the ins and outs of how to implement and “perfect” the contact. However, there is one benefit to adopted children from the open adoption system that not too many people could contest.

What is this true benefit? Access to medical information, especially as it changes over the years.

This topic has hit home again in our family. My mother just had three biopsies done this past Friday and we’re waiting for the results to see if it’s “nothing” or if we’re facing a bigger battle in the near future. While this is a hard time for my family in general, my spirits were lifted not only by the emotional support offered by Munchkin’s Mom but by the fact that I am able to share this information with her so it is updated in her medical records.

In today’s era of adoption, even in the most general sense of openness, medical information is shared from the birth parents when initial forms are filled out. However, medical histories are not usually stagnant. They change as time passes. Open adoption has allowed for the continued passing of information, back and forth, so that these changes can be known and noted for future reference.

Specifically in our family, we started out with some minor health concerns. Prior to the placement, my paternal grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes and my paternal grandfather had some heart and cholesterol problems. If the flow of information had stopped with the birth of the Munchkin, a lot of pertinent health information would have been left out.

For example, the true extent of my kidney disorder, discovered during the pregnancy with the Munchkin, was not fully known until almost six months after her birth and placement. Then my own father started to have some cholesterol and heart problems. Then my maternal grandmother was also diagnosed with diabetes. Then the Munchkin’s biological paternal grandmother was diagnosed with and successfully beat breast cancer. And now we’re facing the unknown with my own mother’s health. Because of our ongoing relationship, I have been able to inform her parents of each of these changes (though it’s a phone call I always dread making!) so that the Munchkin’s health records are fully up to date and her doctors can be fully informed when any health concerns of her own come into play.

The truth about one’s health history can be the difference between life and death. Being able to share those continued changes in one’s family health history can really make a difference in the life of an adoptee, especially as they enter adulthood and start having to make decisions regarding their own health, including information that is relevant to procreation. In situations where open adoptions are suddenly closed, even if for a valid concern, the flow of this vital information is suddenly stopped as well. Questions will be left unanswered until, when and if, reunion occurs. A lot of health issues can creep up during that time.

Of course, to truly benefit the adoptee, the birth and adoptive families must be willing to both share and accept this information, even when the exchange isn’t positive. Hearing that your child’s biological roots are at risk for even a minor illness, let alone something severe, can be a hard pill to swallow. Adoptive parents should keep in mind that the information is not being shared to hurt the family or child while birth parents should keep in mind that the information may be somewhat daunting and not take it personally.

Furthermore, if you’re a birth parent and you haven’t updated your child’s family with changes to your health history (or your adult child), please do so. The information that you hold could be very important to them down the road. Don’t wait until an issue arises and you’re contacted to see if it’s because of your genetic strain. Let them know as soon as possible so that they may best watch for signs.

Tomorrow I’m going to talk about a somewhat more controversial issue that concerns the release of adoptive parents’ medical histories to expectant parents considering adoption and why it’s vitally important.

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For More on Open Adoption, read:

1. How to Succeed with an Open Adoption by Jan Baker.

2. Open Adoption – Easier or Better? by Jan Baker.

3. New Study on Increase in Openness by Jenna Hatfield.

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