Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Gregory D. Luce

Utah’s Discriminatory Law: FAQ

First published on • Last updated on

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.

FAQ: U.S. Citizenship and Intercountry Adoptees

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Information about issues concerning US citizenship and intercountry adoptees, including how federal legislation could resolve those issues.

Sign Up: National Week of Action

First published on • Last updated on

Take action—a full week of action. I’m launching a National Week of Action and encouraging you—my friends, allies, and colleagues—to join me.

Iowa’s New Redaction Law: FAQ

First published on • Last updated on

Where things stand today and how Iowa’s HF855 will work if it is ultimately enacted and implemented.

Let’s Rise for Rhode Island

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If you are involved in adoptee rights work or in adoption reform, please sign on to support Rhode Island SB250/HB6189.

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.