Chapter 10 - The sealed adoption file
Michael petitioned for access to the original adoption records.
Because he was an adult adoptee, the process was possible under the applicable state procedures, though not instantaneous.
The court granted access to certain records.
Original birth record:
Mother:
Claire Anne Hayes.
Age:
Sixteen.
Child:
Michael Andrew Hayes.
Father:
Not listed.
Then adoption documents.
Prospective adoptive parents:
Jessica Hayes.
Harold Hayes.
Relationship:
Maternal aunt and uncle.
Claire’s consent:
Signed.
Notarized.
No forged signature.
No kidnapping.
No secret exchange of a baby in a hospital hallway.
Legally valid on its face.
Then the social-worker notes.
That was where the story changed.
Claire had been placed temporarily in a private maternity residence during pregnancy.
Why?
“Family conflict.”
Jessica’s mother, Bernice Hayes, reportedly said the pregnancy would:
“destroy Claire’s prospects and embarrass the family.”
Claire initially expressed desire to raise the child with family support.
Later notes:
“Minor appears increasingly resigned to adoption plan.”
Then:
“Family strongly prefers placement with older sister.”
And:
“Claire reports she has been told she will not be allowed to return home if she refuses consent.”
There.
Coercive pressure.
Not necessarily enough decades later to invalidate a finalized adoption.
But morally different from:
May you like
Claire willingly gave away her baby and disappeared.
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