Sir, - I believe that either adopted persons seeking to trace their origins or natural mothers seeking to know what has become of their adopted offspring should not be denied what I and many others believe is a natural right.
Taking into account what Jan Reist says (June 23rd) about undermining the rights of the adopted family, I feel that access to records should be available only to adult adoptees and even then only with the agreement of all the individuals concerned.
I question whether the desire to have a say in the actions of those wishing to trace is wholly based on the protection of the rights of the adopted family. Rather, I believe it, is based on the fear and insecurity of individuals.
In reality, what we are talking about is an attempt to control adult people and deny the right to self-determination. A voluntary Contact Register is just that - voluntary, allowing adult people to have choice.
No amount of legislation can change or control the hearts of humans and isn't that a wonderful thing? A thing to be celebrated, not controlled.
My opinion does not seek to undermine adoptive parents or adoptive families, but surely a loving secure parent wishes their sons and/or daughters to be whole, complete human beings and therefore would not deny them this knowledge should they hunger to know.
We are talking about the Natural Law here. Deny it, Jan Reist - if you can! - Yours, etc.,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.