Speaking from direct experience, I do believe the child has every right to know.
Why do I believe this? I was that adopted child wanting to know.
Did my adopted parents hesitate and frown at the idea of telling me? Sure they did.
However, at the age of twelve it was made known and who it was as well.
Did they have to tell me who? No, but they did.
Did it change our relationship? Yes, for the better and for the rest of ourlives.
Seventeen years later I found and met my biological father.
Was it scary? You bet.
Was it necessary.
You bet.
Was it right? You bet.
Do I still love my adopted parents? More than life.
My personal opinion is; I would not have found who I am, and where I came from without permission from my adopted parents.
Parents, this decision is not about you.
It's about your child.
Is it a risk? Yes.
But a well worth one.
In today's world, it is a lot simpler and less painful getting to the source.
This is not the end of the world for a family, but a new beginning.
If the child does not know, he/she will always wonder, suffer from poor self esteem and maybe not reach their full potential.