The Hidden Health Risks of Not Knowing Your Family Medical History

For hundreds of thousands of care-experienced individuals, not knowing their family medical history is a common reality that can have serious health implications. Without this information, accessing proper healthcare becomes a challenge, from identifying inherited conditions to obtaining necessary assessments like autism evaluations. In some cases, the lack of knowledge can be life-threatening, as people remain unaware of genetic conditions that put them at risk. BBC journalist Sophia Watkins traveled across the UK to meet adopted and care-experienced people who are navigating these uncertainties and advocating for better access to their medical backgrounds. The stories highlight a systemic issue: the need for improved record-keeping and support for those who grow up without familial health information. As awareness grows, there is a push for policy changes to ensure that everyone has the tools to manage their health proactively.