Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Gregory D. Luce

The Unsettled Issues of Jonas Hubley’s Adoption

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Important pieces are missing from the story being told about the adoption and immigration issues for Haitian adoptee Jonas Hubley.

It’s My Birthday. How About a Cup of Coffee?

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To celebrate my birthday, why not donate the cost of a really nice cup of coffee to Adoptees United Inc. It’s easy.

Another Coalition, This Time for Michigan

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Adoptee Rights Law Center is proud to be part of another state-level adoptee rights coalition, this time dedicated to repealing a discriminatory birth record law in Michigan.

We Did It!

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Thanks to all who pitched in for this effort. Collectively we raised $2,700, more than our goal.

The Byzantine Bill Known as AB1302

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A California bill known as AB1302 is a bureaucrat’s nightmare, or maybe it’s a real joy if you prefer a bundle of red tape and a meaningless, outdated government fixation on paper shuffling and secrecy.

South Dakota’s Equal Rights Law: A FAQ

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What South Dakota’s new law does, plus how adopted people can now apply for copies of their own original birth records.

YIKES! Hot Mess of a Bill in California

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A newly-introduced and unexpected bill in California is a hot mess. It preserves court involvement plus creates new rights of redaction for birthparents. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to help.

We Can Do This (Because We Must)

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What’s to do after Congress failed yet again to fix US citizenship for intercountry adoptees? Our own work.

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.