Mr. Chairman, and members of the Subcommittee, I have discussed the proposed legislation authorizing the creation of the federal Mutual Voluntary Adoption Registry with many people throughout the country, some of whom are involved in adoption issues, but most of whom are not. They cannot believe that there could be any controversy in allowing adult adoptees to contact biological parents or siblings who have indicated that they, too, want contact. What the Senate legislation would authorize is, simply, a mutual and voluntary registry at no cost to the federal government, and available only to adults. This can be done, but only if there is the will to do it. Thank you very much for allowing me to testify on an issue of such public significance.
Institutional affiliation is for identification purposes only.
This testimony does not necessarily reflect the views of George Washington University. A Search for Roots , Cin. Carp, supra note 6, at 43. 8 .