Originally written by Carolyn Griffin.

To All Ohio Legislators:

I am the mother of an adopted child.  He is grown up now.  Can you understand how painful it is not to have any information on a baby or a child's family background?  What can I tell my son?  It is not in my child's best interest for YOU to block out his or her family's history. 

What are some of the things that run in his family as far as health is concerned?  Do you understand the danger in that?  What if he or she has a hereditary condition that might take their life?  How do you explain THAT to the parents of an adopted child?

Okay, I understand.  The birth parents don't want anyone to know who they are.  But, my adopted son is diabetic.  I want to know what else runs in his family. 

Do you know what it is like when you take your son or daughter to a hospital, and the doctor asks you about their medical history.  You tell them you don't know, because your kid is  adopted, and you don't have that information, because the birth parents won't release it to you and the government doesn't want to help?

Please, PLEASE, release the records for medical reasons.  You owe my son that much.  His birth mother loved him enough to give him up for adoption.  She should also have the heart to help him out when he needs it the most.

And to the Ohio legislators who oppose this bill (HB 7): at least you know your family's history.  How would you feel if you never knew where you came from?  At least give out the family's medical historty, even if the birth parents choose to be anonymous.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Ohio_HB_7