Why are Birthfathers Important?

By Mary Martin Mason

• Because a child’s identity is connected to both of his or her biological parents.
• Because a child who is denied information about his or her birthfather loses access to half of his or her genetic, health, social and family history.
• Because a child who has no clear picture of why his or her father is not parenting him or her feels abandoned.

Relinquishing a child is profoundly different for birthfathers and birthmothers. Birthfathers do not have the physical connection of birth and have less access to the decision-making and (adoption) process.