DNA SURPRISE? AdoptION, DCP, NPE, MP

(Click for more terms - DCP: Donor Conceived Person, NPE: Non-Paternal Event, MP: Misattributed parentage)

Empowering individuals and Families impacted by misattributed parentage, adoption, donor conception, NPEs, and DNA surprises through education, support, advocacy, and community engagement since 2019.

you are not alone - 1 in 20 have misattributed parentage

We support everyone impacted by genetic identity issues and loss of genetic continuity from adoption, assisted reproduction, or non-paternal events (NPE) and promote understanding of the complex intersection of genetic information, identity, and family dynamics.

We encourage engagement to facilitate and create real change and are an inclusive organization that assists adoptees, donor-conceived, people with an NPE, birth parents, gamete providers, new genetic family, recipient parents, raising families, and significant others. In learning and growing from each other, we must put the voices of adoptees, donor conceived, and people with an NPE first.

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RESOURCES FOR NPEs DCP ADPOPTEES DNA SURPRISES

OUR IMPACT: Direct Assistance for 2679 Adoptees/DCP/People with an NPE, Impacted 6891 Families, and Reached Over 54,625 People in 15 Countries and ALL U.S. States

We need your financial support to continue offer our services for FREE and advocate for change

OUR Stories

Debbie Olson

November 4, 2024

COURAGEOUS. SUPPORTIVE. POSITIVE. I grew up always knowing my “dad” was not my biological father. I was 6 years old

Untangling Our Roots Conference
Atlanta GA, March 12-15, 2026

scroll over the photos to see all that’s happening at Right to Know, the services we offer, and available information

EVENTS: monthly FREE webinars and community & connection, plus meetups, other learning and healing events, and Untangling Our Roots Summit.

ADVOCACY: We work with regulating and advisory bodies and organizations, educate policy makers, and propose legislation to promote our genetic identity rights.

EDUCATION: Digital classes for people impacted by DNA surprises, MPEs, adoption, assisted reproduction, and NPEs AND continuing education clock hour courses for licensed therapists on these topics

HELP: Call 323-TALK MPE or send a request for assistance in identifying family, finding an MPE-competent therapist, or be paired with mentor. All services are FREE.

BEAR WITNESS: A powerful collection of interviews featuring those who have experienced genetic identity challenges or genetic continuity loss

MENTAL HEALTH: Directory of licensed mental health professionals with experience in adoption, donor conception, NPEs, and DNA surprises

KEEP IN TOUCH: Automatically receive links to our FREE events, quarterly newsletters and annual report, or news about new classes.

EDUCATION: Digital classes for people impacted by DNA surprises, MPEs, adoption, assisted reproduction, and NPEs AND continuing education clock hour courses for licensed therapists on these topics

"I would have never dreamed how much Right to Know would change my life and my family's in such a short time. They helped to fill the void that was created by a DNA test. There is nothing worse than feeling like everything is hopeless, but they were able to make me feel whole again."

"It's so simple, but so powerful: right to know. Who'd have thought personal identity would be so controversial, and so important? The people behind RTK are kind, and fierce, because they know the unsettling experience of genetic bewilderment firsthand. I am so proud of the work they are doing, and know that whenever I need support, they are a trusted resource."

"You've spent your whole life with the consistent feeling that you don't belong. Then a DNA test confirms your truth and you feel alone more than ever, until you find your peer group at Right to Know. We are all just walking each other home—wherever that might be."

“It’s not homophobic nor transphobic to say that every human deserves basic right to their identity. We don’t need to estrange our children from their genetic identity to embrace our identities and to have children. At the time of the creation of my children, I had no awareness that an anonymous gamete provider would estrange them from their genetic identity and kin. Know better, do better."

"Lies only create more lies and shroud the light of TRUTH in darkness. Even though the light can be painful from eyes that have been shielded , knowing WHO you really are is the only path to freedom. Right to Know has been the welcoming beacon to a safe harbor during my emotional storm."

"Truth should never live in the abstract. Every child has the Right To Know who their biological families are. With that knowledge comes the ability to fundamentally understand who we are and without that discernment, we stand to anonymously wonder who we could have been. The Right To Know organization’s mission is steeped in the purest form of humanity and should be supported at the highest level possible."

"There’s been a dearth of resources to lift up and inform individuals who’ve been rocked by a DNA surprise and left reeling—misunderstood and with nowhere to turn. Right to Know is rapidly filling the void with a broad range of supportive and educational initiatives. It aims high and offers compassion, fellowship, and practical tools to individuals who are suffering. In a short time, it has empowered people who’ve felt powerless, brought together those who’ve felt alone and unheard, and is making a significant difference in the lives of the ever-growing community of those with genetic identity concerns."

It is a fundamental human right to know your genetic identity