Sir, - I have followed the recent press coverage of adoption and subsequent searches for birth relatives with interest. As a 24 year old adoptee who has recently met both my birth parents, I have become increasingly dismayed by the continually negative manner in which adoption and its consequences are portrayed. I therefore very much hope that the positive tones underlying "Is Adoption now a Bad Word?" (May 14th), will herald a more even handed approach to the coverage of this highly emotive issue.
The search for birth relatives can be a fruitful, positive and rewarding experience for all concerned - the adoptee, the birth parents and the adoptive parents. While I empathise fully with the difficulties encountered at times by people undertaking such searches, I regret that the positive experiences of many are being eclipsed. I fear that ongoing coverage of adoption and related issues in a negative light may deter other adoptees from initiating searches for birth relatives; searches which can answer long held questions and lead to rewarding relationships. Surely press discussion of adoption should reflect this - are not the positive aspects of adoption as deserving of our attention as any other? Yours, etc.,
Douglas Road,
Cork.