What happens when you grow up not knowing your family medical history?
Summary
Aaliyah, who was adopted as a baby and did not know her biological family's medical history, struggled to access this important information for years. After making a formal request to the local council, she finally received detailed family records that included health information, which she believes could have helped her understand her own medical issues.Key Facts
- Aaliyah was adopted as a baby and had no access to her biological family’s medical history.
- She found a lump in her breast but could not study genetic risks due to lack of family health records.
- She made an official data access request to Bradford Council to get her family information.
- The council sent her detailed records including medical history and social worker notes shortly before her 25th birthday.
- The documents contained distressing information about why she was taken into care.
- In the UK, adopted children get a new NHS number, which may not include their biological family’s health history.
- Access to family medical history for adoptees varies by local authority and support is inconsistent.
- Bradford Council apologized for not providing sufficient support when they released Aaliyah’s records and is improving its process.
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