Birth Family

In the adoption community, very little is considered taboo to talk about. However, there are certain words and phrases that are frowned upon as "negative" ways to express a thought. One such term is "real family." The terms birth family or biological family is preferred. A birth family is comprised of an adopted child's biological relatives. The actual term "birth family" is considered the most politically correct and neutral way to refer to the adoptee's relatives.

Birth families play a role that's far from neutral, however. Regardless if an adoption is open or closed after being finalized, there will always be an irreplaceable connection between an adoptee and a birth family. An adoptive parent will almost never be biologically related to an adoptee (with the exception of kin adoptions). Birth families are keys to understanding any medical issues the adoptee may develop as he or she ages. They may also play a role in certain behavioral traits.

A birth family does not play the same role as an adoptive family in a child's sense of stability and belonging. However, it may be instrumental in answering any questions an adoptee develops about his or her identity and pre-adoptive lifestyle. Birth family searches are not uncommon at all. Some searches lead to reunions, first meetings or rejection. Birth families may be far removed from where they were during the adoption. Adoptees should be ready to accept the changes and embrace the opportunity adoption gave them.