Have adoptive people always been able to access data about their origins?

Have adoptive people always been able to access data about their origins?

Julia Feast (Search and Reunion Consultant) gives expert video advice on: Have adoptive people always been able to access data about their origins?; Will adoptive parents have any information about birth parents?; At what age can I obtain my birth records? and more...

Adoption was first legalized in 1926, and at that time and for many years after, it was thought that it should always be closed, that adopted people should have no right to information about their origins. It was, sort of a complete cut off. But since 1975, adopted people have been able to apply for information, which will enable them to get a copy of their original birth certificate. It was a big change, because people, until that time, believed that adoption should end all ties with the birth family. And for many years people believed that once a person was adopted, that would be okay, and it would be fine. But in fact, the experience of adopted people over the years since adoption was legalized in 1926, made people aware that adoption doesn't end with an order being made. It has lifelong issues and people may need to access information about their backgrounds. So the 1975 act was a good thing for those adopted people who wanted to find out more, because they had the choice and opportunity to do so.