Five years ago, I made the heart-wrenching decision to give my daughter up for adoption. The adoptive parents promised me regular visits, a promise that was instrumental in my decision-making process. However, they have not kept their word. As a birth parent with autism, I feel like my rights were disregarded as soon as I signed those adoption papers.

This is not just about me; it's about all birth parents who are part of open adoptions in Ohio. Currently, there are no laws that protect the rights of birth families to maintain contact with their children after adoption. This lack of legal protection leaves many birth parents feeling helpless and disconnected from their children.

Open adoptions should mean exactly that - openness and transparency between all parties involved for the best interest of the child. It is crucial to establish enforceable visitation requirements during special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.

The absence of these protective measures can lead to situations where adoptive parents can easily break promises made during the adoption process without any legal repercussions - just like what happened in my case.

By signing this petition, we urge lawmakers in Ohio to enact legislation that would require adoptive parents in open adoptions to set up legally enforceable visitation schedules with birth parents. This will ensure that all parties involved respect and uphold the spirit of open adoptions while protecting the emotional wellbeing of both children and their biological families.

Please sign this petition today; let's make sure no other parent has to endure what I have been through.