A "birth family" refers to the biological family of an individual, including their parents and siblings. This family is the one that a person is born into, sharing genetic ties and often cultural backgrounds. The birth family plays a significant role in a person's early life, influencing their upbringing, values, and identity. In cases of adoption, the term "birth family" is often used to distinguish between the biological family and the adoptive family. While the adoptive family provides a nurturing environment, the birth family remains an important part of a person's history and may be sought out for medical information or personal connections.