DNA testing and other search tools

Using DNA testing and other resources to help adult adoptees find answers to their most pressing questions.

As an adoptee, you may have many questions about your first family and your identity. You may wonder who your parents are, where you come from, and what medical history you should be aware of.

Finding answers to these questions can be a challenging and emotional journey. It's common for adult adoptees to have limited information about their families, and getting access to your original birth certificate can be especially difficult. However, recent changes in some states have made it easier for adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates. As of 2021, the following states allow adult adoptees to request their original birth certificates without the need for a court order: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. It's important to note that these laws may have specific requirements or restrictions, such as age limits or fees. Some states may also require that you have a notarized consent form from your first parent(s) or a mediator to obtain your original birth certificate.

Another way to find answers to your questions is through DNA testing. By analyzing your genetic material, DNA tests can provide valuable information about your ancestry and help you connect with long-lost relatives. If you have already taken a DNA test with one company, you may be able to upload your raw data to another company's platform to see your results on a different platform or access additional features or tools. DNA testing companies that allow you to upload raw data include AncestryDNA, 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, and MyHeritage. It's important to note that uploading raw data to another company's platform may not give you access to all of the features or tools available to customers who have taken a test directly with that company, and you may need to pay a fee to access certain features or tools. Before uploading your raw data, be sure to research the available features and tools and any fees or restrictions that may apply, and consider the privacy implications of sharing your DNA data with another company.

In addition to DNA testing, there are many other resources available today to help you on your journey of self-discovery. These may include adoptee-competent search angels, FB support groups, and adoption trauma-informed therapists.

Remember, this is your journey and you should take it at your own pace. It's okay to take breaks or seek support when you need it. You are not alone, and many resources are available to help you on your journey of self-discovery.