Is everyone "entitled" to search? Who “should” search? Is this a clear-cut issue? Do only adoptees have the "right"? Alternatively, should no one search?

All of the people listed below may initiate an adoption search:

 Adoptees;
 Birth Parents;
 Adoptive Parents;
 Siblings; or
 Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other family members;

There are many opinions as to who is entitled to search. Angela, Ukrainian Blogger,(Angela's Blog) brought to my attention a forum discussion mainly with adoptees who feel that birth parents should not search.

She mentioned that many adoptees in the discussion were saying that they felt "The search belongs to adoptee". "And adoptive parents have no right to search for their 2 year old, 8 year old, etc.. child."

So, who do you think should search?

Adoptees:

Some people feel strongly that a search should be initiated only by the adoptee. I have heard the opinion that since adoptees had no initial control as to their adoption; they should have control as to whether there is a reunion. I can certainly understand the reasoning behind that opinion.

Not everyone understands the reasons adoptees search, but, of the triad members, I believe it is acknowledged that adoptees are most entitled to search.

Birthparents:

Other adoptees say they believe if their birth family loved them or had any interest in knowing them, they would search for them. Some adoptees express disappointment that no one is searching for them. My standard retort to that is, “You do not know if anyone is searching for you or not. You can only know for certain that they have not yet found you.” Some adoptees would love to be found; others might not.

Many people feel that birth parents have no right to search. “You gave up your rights,” they say. While it is true that birth parents give up their legal rights to raise their children, I question whether that means that they also give up any right to ever know their children.

To be continued......