Adopted rights are everyone's rights, and they deserve to be protected.

— DaShanne Stokes

Adopters deserve open records because deception and partial truths do not set us free.

— DaShanne Stokes

Adoption isn't just a childhood experience, it's a life-long experience.

— DaShanne Stokes

Being denied their original birth certificates isn't just a problem for adopters. It's a social problem, requiring social change.

— DaShanne Stokes

Blood can help make family, but family often transcends blood.

— DaShanne Stokes

Destiny is not always preordained. Life is about making choices. Our lives are the sum of all the choices we make, the bridges we cross, and the ones we burn. Our souls cast long shadows over many people, even after we are gone. Fate, luck, and providence are the consequence of our freedom of choice, not the determinants. When justice is served by following our principles, making good decisions brings us inner peace.

— Judith Land

Discovering that I was adopted redefined my entire world, but it taught me that who you are doesn't change.

— DaShanne Stokes

If the system were designed to protect adopters, why do, so many have to fight for their rights?

— DaShanne Stokes

If you should choose to look at those files, you will have to live with the consequences of your choices while, at the same time, being mindful that these choices will not only affect you, but will also infect, sorry, I intended to say effect, our entire family.

— Donna K. Childree

It's illegal to deny people their records due to race or gender. Adopters deserve the same rights and protections.

— DaShanne Stokes