Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Gregory D. Luce

Opposition to Idaho SB1320

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Idaho has a deeply flawed bill that undermines adoptee rights. It’s time to write to House committee members to request a NO vote.

“Dear Ms. Birth mother”

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Wisconsin’s Adoption Records Search Program is like a de facto extension of government tracking and surveillance, with birthparents its primary target.

Latest on Citizenship for Intercountry Adoptees

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A stripped down version of the Adoptee Citizenship Act has passed the House. But it’s not the actual ACA. It’s now an amendment to a much larger and unrelated bill.

What’s New in 2022

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Current numbers, an updated state map, and more info on each of the state legislative changes that developed over the past year. It’s what’s new in 2022.

Arizona’s New Donut Hole Law: FAQ

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The Arizona legislature enacted a new law in 2021 that blasted a hole into the middle of adoptee rights in the state. Whether you call that hole a gap, a pie hole, or a donut hole (as I do), it creates two unequal classes of adopted people in the state.

Immigration Provisions in the Build Back Better Bill

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The Build Back Better bill contains provisions that could help millions of undocumented people, including some intercountry adoptees, though its impact is limited.

Utah’s Discriminatory Law: FAQ

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How Utah’s new law will work, or more likely not work, for Utah-born adoptees who want their own original birth certificates.

Connecticut’s Equal Rights Law: FAQ

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What Connecticut’s new law does and how adopted people and their descendants may apply for an original birth certificate.

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.