Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adoptees

Born, Placed, Adopted

Who Holds Your Truth?

Find Out

Main Content

An Adoptee-Driven Law Center

Original Birth Certificates

Some states recognize adult adoptees' unrestricted right to obtain a copy of their own original birth certificates. I represent those who are denied that right.

Citizenship

Intercountry adoptees may not have received United States citizenship—or may have trouble proving it—even after being adopted in the U.S. decades ago. That's wrong. I advocate to correct it.

Personal Information

Adult adoptees are entitled to their own personal information, which may include information that is in an agency, court, or other locations. I help adoptees get what's rightfully theirs.

The United States of OBC

Who Holds Your Truth?

I track state laws that restrict—or don't restrict—an adult adoptee's right to obtain an original birth certificate. See the list of states here or interact with the OBC maps.

Latest News and Issues

What Happens When You Question Adoption

The politicization of the Barretts’ adoptions from Haiti—which they’ve clearly politicized themselves—highlights the rift between concept and reality in intercountry adoption.

The OBC: Data, Information, and Maps

9unrestricted
22compromised
20restricted
51All 50 States + DC