Glossary
Understanding the terminology related to adoption scandals, DNA testing, and family reunification.
Adoption Scandal
A systematic practice where newborns were taken from their biological parents under false pretenses and placed for adoption, often involving falsified death certificates and forged documents.
Autosomal DNA
DNA inherited from both parents that can be used to identify relatives on both sides of your family tree. This is the type of DNA used by most consumer testing companies like AncestryDNA and 23andMe.
Baby Trafficking
The illegal trade of infants for profit, where babies are stolen or coerced from birth parents and sold through illegal adoption networks. This practice was widespread in parts of Eastern Europe between 1950-2010.
Birth Records
Official documents that record the birth of a child, including parent names, location, and date. In adoption scandals, these records were often falsified to hide the child's true origins.
CentiMorgan (cM)
A unit of measurement used to describe how much DNA you share with a genetic match. The higher the cM number, the closer the relationship. For example, you share approximately 3,400 cM with a parent or child.
Death Certificate (Falsified)
Forged documents claiming a newborn had died, when in fact the child was alive and being placed for adoption. Parents were shown these false certificates to prevent them from searching for their children.
DNA Match
A person who shares DNA with you, indicating a biological relationship. DNA testing companies will show you a list of matches along with the estimated relationship and amount of shared DNA.
Genetic Genealogy
The use of DNA testing combined with traditional genealogical research to determine biological relationships and build family trees. This method has been crucial in solving many adoption scandal cases.
Late Discovery Adoptee (LDA)
A person who discovers they were adopted later in life, often in adulthood. This can be particularly traumatic and may be discovered through DNA testing or family revelations.
Non-Paternity Event (NPE)
A situation where the assumed father is not the biological father. This can be discovered through DNA testing and may indicate adoption, infidelity, or undisclosed circumstances.
Original Birth Certificate (OBC)
The first birth certificate issued, showing the birth parents' names. In many adoptions, this document is sealed and replaced with an amended certificate showing the adoptive parents.
Reunification
The process of biological family members finding and reconnecting with each other after being separated by adoption. This can be facilitated through DNA testing, registries, and search assistance.
Search Angel
A volunteer who helps adoptees and birth families search for each other, often specializing in DNA analysis and genealogical research. Search angels provide their services for free out of compassion for separated families.
Stolen Babies
Infants taken from their biological parents without proper consent, often through deception, coercion, or outright theft. In many cases, parents were told their babies had died when they had actually been given or sold to others.
X-DNA
DNA from the X chromosome, which follows specific inheritance patterns. Men inherit their X chromosome only from their mother, while women inherit one from each parent. This can be useful in determining relationships.