After much discussion and debate along with a review into the advancing medical field in terms of genetically susceptible disease and our knowledge regarding inheritabilty probabilities and the related medical managment such as screening procedures, we feel that the rights of the adopted child have not been fully considered in the current policy. It is our opinion that the adoptees right to genetic health information must not be overlooked. Our policy amendments therefore include a mandatory provision that both birth parents be required to submit a non-identifying updated family medical history every 5 years to the Ministry that is passed on the the adopted child. This requirement would no longer be required in the cases where the adopted child is re-united with a birth parent(s). However in the event that only one birth parent agreed to contact, the other birth parent would be required to continue with the mandatory medical history updates. We understand that this inclusion involves a shift in the policy framework as well as a shift towards the idological framework of civil liberty. This policy requirement also creates a fundamental change in responsibility on the part of the birth parents who now aquire a life long obligation to their child. However, at the same time, the rights of the birth parents to privacy will continue to be protected. D.
