Have you ever seen a new doctor and completed the required family medical history paperwork? After recently moving, I went to see a new doctor. I had to get all these papers filled out. It was easy because I know all the information or can get it. Most people know who their biological family is and therefore also know their medical history. However, by the 1940s, many adoptees' birth certificates were sealed. This continued to happen for four decades. Now, depending on the state the adopted person lives in and how laws change, they may not be able to easily access their original birth certificate like everyone else. Adoptees should have full access to their birth certificate and family medical history because this information will help them understand where they come from and know the likelihood of contracting various genetic diseases. Children need to know where they come from so they can avoid embarrassing and awkward situations later in life, like Luke and Leia Skywalker from Star Wars. It will also give them a sense of belonging in the world. Full access to an original birth certificate is something many people take for granted. For people who have been adopted, an amended birth certificate is provided with the names of the adoptive parents. As an adopted child grows, most will become curious. For Jeffrey Hannasch, his curiosity began when his daughter (Ensslin) was born. He embarked on a journey in search of his parents. After finding some papers in his adoptive father's possessions, he was able to know his mother's name. Some internet research and letter writing later, he was able to discover that she didn't actually know who her father was. She was also shocked that it was ... middle of paper ... disclosure of information (Access). Works Cited Bahrampour, Tara. “Invisible links with distant lands”. Washington Post January 22, 2012: A.1. Internet. 28 January 2014. Child Protection Information Gateway. (2012). Access to adoption files. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau. Ensslin, John C. "Historic Adoption Determines Bittersweet Victory for Falcon Man." Gazette (Colorado Springs, CO) August 2, 2009: Np Web. November 26, 2013. Hamilton, James M. "Adopted adults should have unconditional access to their original..." MinnPost.com [Minneapolis] March 14, 2013: Np Web. November 20, 2013. O'Connor, John. “Unsealed birth certificates give adoptees a glimpse into the past.” Daily Register July 28, 2013: Np Web. November 26, 2013. Reyes, Emily Alpert. “The Internet lifts the veil of secrecy on adoption.” Los Angeles Times December 12, 2013: A.15. Internet. January 28. 2014.