Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Gregory D. Luce

What Equality Could Like in New York

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In order to settle questions and rumors, I’ve laid out some quick answers to what I’ve seen, heard, and been privy to with current New York adoptee rights legislation.

Action Alert: Contact South Carolina Senators

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South Carolina’s expensive and discriminatory H.3775 is headed for a Senate vote. Contact senators and ask them to vote No.

What This Bad Bill Does

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The bill will shift the law in South Carolina and give birthparents silent veto rights over an adoptee’s original birth certificate—typically not allowing release, if at all, until well after 2030.

Say NO to Louisiana SB392

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The bill requires psychological counseling, registration with an adoption registry, and consent by birth parents to release an original birth certificate. It also gives birth siblings veto power over release of the OBC.

It’s Time to End the War Against the AAC

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Right the Ship is a failed personalized attempt for revenge, not a legitimate vehicle for reform. It’s time to end what has become a petty war against the AAC. It’s time to move on.

Legislative Update: Florida, New York and All Others

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The latest in adoptee rights legislation, with sessions just getting started, in full swing, or even close to adjournment. New York and Florida are the big ones but others hang on to the promise of clean.

The Myth of the One-Chance OBC

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Two states, Illinois and Texas, have recently said they provide one copy—and only one—of the original birth certificate, no matter what happened to your first.

What a Veto Means Today

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If you didn’t think a veto in New York would happen before, think again of what can happen today.

What the Missouri Is Going On?

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Two recently introduced bills in Missouri don’t make a lot of sense, plus it’s confusing as to why they are necessary or who is advocating for the changes.

Contact Governor Cuomo Today

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You can tweet, post, yell, pray, or fill out an online form. But it’s now best to call. Tell Gov. Cuomo to veto A53036B.

What’s an Original Birth Certificate?

Most adopted persons know what an original birth certificate (OBC) is. Many non-adopted people do not. An original birth certificate is the initial birth certificate created shortly after a person's birth. For most people, it is their only birth certificate.

For persons born and adopted in the United States, a new or "amended" birth certificate replaces the OBC once the adoption is final. In addition to replacing the original, the names of the birth parents are also replaced with the names of the adoptive parents. Some states may also alter or omit additional information on a new certificate, including the adoptee's specific place of birth.

Depending on state law, an original birth certificate is sealed and remains unavailable to the adopted person, even when they become an adult. If you are not adopted, your original birth certificate is your only birth certificate---and it is always available to you upon request.