Kathy Hodgson, a 68-year-old woman from Kingston, southeast of Brisbane, is facing a significant challenge in her quest for identity recognition. After more than two years of effort, she is appealing to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to acknowledge her as the biological daughter of a woman she believes was misled about her fate at birth.
Hodgson’s fight stems from a deeply personal revelation she received in 2006. Following the deaths of her adoptive parents, her adoptive brother disclosed the shocking news that she was adopted. “Dad’s not your dad. You were adopted,” he told her, a moment that shattered her understanding of her own identity. Despite her upbringing and a birth certificate indicating otherwise, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice confirmed there was no adoption order on file, leading her to shelve the matter until personal tragedies forced her to reconsider.
In 2022, motivated by lingering questions about her origins, Hodgson decided to take action. With the proliferation of home DNA testing kits, she submitted a sample, which revealed a startling connection to a woman named Kylee, who turned out to be her biological half-sibling. This connection led to further testing that confirmed a match with her biological mother, Nita, indicating a “relative chance of maternity” of 99.9999971747 percent. Despite this significant evidence, the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages denied Hodgson’s request to amend her birth certificate, prompting her appeal to NCAT.
As Hodgson prepares for a pivotal hearing, she reflects on the emotional toll this journey has taken. Repeated illnesses and a significant weight loss of four kilograms have marked her struggle to reclaim her identity. This battle extends beyond mere documentation; it delves into family secrets, trust, and the pursuit of truth.
In June 2023, Hodgson finally met her biological family, including her mother, who was living in a nursing home and suffering from dementia. Their emotional reunion revealed a striking resemblance between them, confirming their bond despite decades of separation. “As I walked around the corner, they just took one look and came racing over and put their arms around me,” Hodgson recalled, overwhelmed by the warmth of their connection.
The history surrounding Hodgson’s adoption is complex. The Fairview Private Hospital, where she was born, has a troubling past, including a case of fraud involving forged birth certificates. This raises questions about the legitimacy of her existing birth certificate, which she argues is a fabrication.
Hodgson’s case is not isolated. Another NSW adoptee, Peter Capomolla Moore, successfully appealed to NCAT in 2023 to add his biological father’s name to his birth certificate. Advocates for adoptee rights suggest that Hodgson’s situation reflects broader issues faced by many who were adopted under similarly dubious circumstances.
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages stated that it cannot comment on individual cases but emphasized the legal framework governing birth records. This includes circumstances under which a parent can be added to a birth record, typically requiring a court order or joint application from both parents.
Elise Fordham, a family law specialist, acknowledged the difficulties many face in navigating the legal complexities surrounding adoption. Hodgson’s plight resonates with many who were adopted during the “forced adoption” era, where children were often removed from their biological parents without proper documentation.
A Senate inquiry report from 2012 highlighted the illegal removal of children from unwed mothers and called for better support for those seeking to reclaim their identities. While some progress has been made, advocates express concern that many individuals still encounter significant barriers.
As Hodgson continues her fight, she remains hopeful. She is determined to obtain the correct birth certificate, not just for herself but to validate her connection with her biological family. “All I’m asking them to do is to correct the details in the registry,” she said, expressing her desire for peace and closure.
With her newfound family by her side, Hodgson is ready to face the challenges ahead. “Now, I’ve found my real family, and they’re just wonderful,” she declared. “They are backing me all the way.”
