communications

SPEE 200- Speaking Outline Example: Professor Hawkins

Why Closed Adoptions Policies Need to Be Reevaluated

Attention Getter: I would like for you to consider this scenario.

How would YOU feel if you never had access to your birth certificate? Or, never had any record of your

medical history? Imagining this scenario may feel uncomfortable and rightfully so. Yet, sadly, this is the

scenario for too many children. It is to be assumed that making the choice to place a child up for

adoption is not always the preferred choice, but according to CNN.com a recent survey found that 100

infant adoption programs in the United States reported 5% of their adoptions were completely closed,

while 55% were fully open and 40% were mediated through an agency, the study said. 5% is still too

many!

Introduction

I believe closed adoption polices need to be reevaluated, due to the rise of social media, improvement

of technology and our growing access to data. Each of these factors are making it tremendously difficult

for new-age families to keep closed adoptions…closed. I would like to let you into my live personally,

as an adult who is product of open adoption.

My hope is that through clear definition, reasoning, and stories you will leave today feeling well informed

and motivated to help me make a change to closed adoption polices in North Carolina. Though you may

not know someone directly (until now) who was adopted, as college students it is not uncommon

that you or a friend may be forced to make such a decision. Let’s face it, pregnancies happen and

sometimes unexpectedly. Yet, who a pregnant young woman is at 18-20 years old will not be the

same person she is 10-15 years down the road. Therefore, I believe closed adoption policies should

make room for the possibility for a change of heart.

Though we know adoption can take place at any stage of life, during my speech most scenarios and

statistics will surround adoptions that occur at the birth. Before I get started, I feel it important to

acknowledge, some birth parents choose closed adoption due to circumstances, and some of those

circumstances are out of their control. This speech is not intended to trample over the choices some

parents bravely decide to make, but instead to highlight the benefits of opening an adoption when and if

there is emotional/mental space for it.

Today we will discuss four main points:

• First, I will provide clear definitions for both open and closed adoption

• Secondly, the problem with closed adoption (problem)

• The answers that open adoption provide (solution)

• And lastly, we will discuss the possibilities that grow from adopting my plan (visualization)

{First, allow me to define both open and closed adoption]

I. Defining Open and Closed Adoption

a. According to American Adoptions.com “a closed adoption is a type of adoption in which

the adoptive family and birth parents share little to not contact with one another.

b. Demonstrate & explain closed adoption for audience (consideringadoption.com &

findlaw.com)

c. Childware.gov says “open adoption is a form of adoption that allows birth parents to know

and have contact with the adoptive parents and the adopted child.”

d. Demonstrate & explain open adoption for audience.

{Now, that we have clearly defined both closed and open adoption lets discuss the problem with choosing

closed adoption}

II. Body

A. Problem-According to Americanadoptions.com the largest problem with closed adoption

is that they are becoming more difficult to maintain due to social media and at-home DNA

test.

1. Quickly discovering identities of biological relatives; welcomed or not. (Tell story found on

Cnn.com)

2. Importance- social media and technology will only improve over time, which will continue to

increase the difficulty of keeping closed adoptions under wraps. According to The

Guardian.com not only is the rise of social media a problem for closed adoptions, but there

is also no road map—we are well beyond the first generation to grow up with social media.”

3. Unsolved- Lives will continue to be disrupted (both biological parents and adoptive

children)- Explain, challenges answering questions; missed opportunities; emotional

challenges for birth parents

{Now that we have tackled the problem at hand, let us talk about how this can be resolved.}

B. Solution Step

1. For adoptions that take place at birth, I propose that in the state of NC closed adoptions

after 2021 should require birth and adoptive parents to remain in contact with the agency

in which the closed adoption occurred. Thus, making it a 5-10-year requirement to

reassess the case and apply for some form of open adoption as deemed appropriate. This

agreement would specify that both parties must agree to opening the adoption.

i. Counter this solution- birth mothers are grieving when they make the choice for

adoption. Asking a mother to revisit this 5 years later could be traumatizing. This is why I

am proposing that this option simply be available for birth parents who choose closed

adoption; one they aren’t forced to make but one that is available.

2. According to Pewtrusts.org “as of today about half of all states allow adult adoptees

some form of access to their original birth certificate without even going to court. In at

least nine states, adult adoptees have unfettered access to those records.”

3. This plan puts the birth and adoptive parents in control while also considering major

factors as time goes on like social media and DNA kits.

4. Getting ahead of greater problems (explain)

{Lastly, let us explore the possibilities that can grow from choosing open adoption at birth or if my plan was

put into effect}

C. Visualization Step

1. Results- Birth parents gain peace of mind; adoptees will have knowledge of their

background; adoptive parents will know more about their child’s family history and more

expectant parents may choose adoption.

2. Relate-College students- Today’s decisions may not be tomorrow’s (ten years from now)

reality.

3. Consequences- Missed opportunities with children; lifelong grief, etc.…

4. My story.

5. Call to Action- [I will use this time to give my audience my 100% eye contact]

{We have discussed a lot today, so I would like to wrap up my talk}

III. Conclusion

A. Social media, technology and our access to data will only improve over time.

B. Reiterate call-to-action

C. End

References

Emanuella Grinberg, C., 2021. Internet reveals secrets of 'closed' adoptions, report says - CNN.

[online] CNN. Available at: <https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/13/living/adoption-

internet/index.html> [Accessed 7 July 2021].

American Adoptions, I., 2021. American Adoptions - Closed Adoption – What You Need to Know.

[online] Americanadoptions.com. Available at:

<https://www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/closed-adoption> [Accessed 7 July 2021].

Considering Adoption |. 2021. Closed Adoption - How Closed Adoption Works - Pros and Cons |

Considering Adoption. [online] Available at: <https://consideringadoption.com/adopting/open-

adoption/closed-adoption-a-fragmented-relationship/> [Accessed 7 July 2021].

Findlaw. 2021. Adoption - FindLaw. [online] Available at:

<https://www.findlaw.com/family/adoption.html> [Accessed 7 July 2021].

Childwelfare.gov. 2021. [online] Available at:

<https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/adoptive/before-adoption/openness/> [Accessed

7 July 2021].

the Guardian. 2021. How social networking sites threaten the security of adopted children. [online]

Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/23/how-social-networking-

sites-threaten-the-security-of-adopted-children> [Accessed 7 July 2021].

Pewtrusts.org. 2021. With Push From Adoptees, States Open Access to Birth Records. [online]

Available at: <https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-

analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/08/12/with-push-from-adoptees-states-open-access-to-birth-

records> [Accessed 7 July 2021].