Using Ancestry DNA Testing to Find Your Birth Parents in a Closed Adoption
If you were adopted as a child and are now looking to find your birth parents, you may be wondering where to start. One option that many people in your situation choose is to use Ancestry DNA testing to try to locate their birth parents.
AncestryDNA links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our all-volunteer nonprofit.
Ancestry DNA testing involves providing a saliva sample, which is then analyzed to identify specific genetic markers. These markers are then compared to the markers of other people in the Ancestry DNA database to see if there is a match. If there is a match, it is possible that the person with whom you have a match is a relative, including a birth parent.
AncestryDNA links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our all-volunteer nonprofit.
While Ancestry DNA testing is not a guarantee that you will be able to find your birth parents, it is often the best place to start. This is because the Ancestry DNA database is extremely comprehensive and is constantly being updated with new information. As a result, there is a good chance that you will be able to find a match if your birth parents have also taken an Ancestry DNA test.
AncestryDNA links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our all-volunteer nonprofit.
If you do find a match through Ancestry DNA testing, it is important to be mindful of the fact that your birth parent may not be ready or willing to be found. It is important to respect their privacy and to be prepared for the possibility that they may not want to have contact with you.
If you are unable to find your birth parents through Ancestry DNA testing, there are other options that you can consider. Some people choose to hire a private investigator to try to locate their birth parents, while others may turn to a “search angel” to provide support and guidance during the search. That’s what we are! You can request help with your search here:
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE STARTER GUIDE
ALREADY HAVE TEST? REQUEST HELP HERE
In conclusion, if you are looking to find your birth parents in a closed adoption, Ancestry DNA testing is often the best place to start. While it is not a guarantee that you will be able to find your birth parents, the comprehensive Ancestry DNA database and the increasing popularity of DNA testing make it a valuable resource for many people in your situation. If you do find a match, it is important to respect the privacy of your birth parent and to be prepared for the possibility that they may not want to have contact with you.
More from our blog
How to search for a birth parent(s) if you know their name – Part 1
We frequently get requests for help to find birth parents from adoptees and others, and a good portion of them already have…
Read more
Watch the Replay: Finding Our Fathers – A DNA Journey to Identity and Healing
Last week, people from across the country—and across time zones—gathered online for something deeply meaningful. Finding Our Fathers: A DNA Journey to…
Read more
What is an Adoption Agency?
An adoption agency plays a crucial role in facilitating the complex and sensitive process of adoption. It provides essential services for birth…
Read moreReading this and wondering about your own search?
Our volunteer Search Angels are ready to help. Free, confidential, and we respond promptly.
Request Free Help