Dear Supporter,
Thank you for your ongoing support for our campaign. Our petition has advanced considerably and we are continuing our efforts to push for reform and open access for Adoptees to their own information.
With the help of our members, we have succeeded in ‘pausing’ the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 in the Seanad, allowing Minister Zappone an opportunity to find ‘a way forward’ for this Bill.
Our members participation in opposing this Bill was acknowledged in the Seanad by Senator Marie-Louise O’Donnell and Senator Colette Kelleher.
The Adoption legislation regarding this area is dating from 1952, 67 years ago. Our public petition combined with our supporting council motions are illustrating a very significant mandate and willingness for change and reform.
We want Adoptees, birth parents and those linked to Adoption involved in our campaign in order to find a way forward that is fair for all. We want to support and encourage those who have not been heard to make their voices heard now.
As well as our main Aitheantas group on Facebook where you can keep updated on our campaign, we also have two other Facebook groups which can be accessed from our main Aitheantas Facebook page.
Aitheantas Lobby Group is for those who would like to be a bit more involved with our campaign in a practical way.
Adoptee Support Circle is a support group for Adoptees to discuss adoption, their views and feelings in a safe space.
The last number of weeks have been particularly difficult for the Adoptee community and while we came out in force to oppose Minister Zappones Bill, for many it has reopened old wounds and hurt. It is important that Adoptees know that there is a ‘safe space’ where they are encouraged, supported and understood.
We would ask that you keep sharing our petition and encouraging others to sign, every signature is a step forward out of the shadows, a move away from the failed social policies of the past.
Access for Adoptees to their own information is something that has been denied for a long time, despite various social reforms over the last number of decades Adoptees rights over their own identity has not changed, there has been no substantive progress at all.
We have kept pressure on as a result of our campaign and we will continue to do so with your support.
We will have our way and we will have our day.
Thank you,
Maree & the Aitheantas team