Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

A Better Place for the Adoptee DNA Project

First published on • Last updated on

It’s been a while since I said much here but the big news lately—other than New York—is my involvement in the creation of Adoptees United, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of adoptee rights, whether those rights relate to identity, U.S. citizenship, or any other issues. AU, as it’s known, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which means donations to it are tax-deductible. That’s key for a few reasons, but especially for one current project: the DNA Kit Donation program I’ve been single-handedly running for Adoptee Rights Law Center over the last two years.

Logo of Adoptees United Inc.As of August 1, 2019, that program and its current funds have been transferred to Adoptees United. The balance transferred is $561.14, and there are eleven donated kits ready to be sent out to those who qualify and need one (but please make sure you meet priorities of the program). Annette O’Connell, a board member of AU, will be overseeing the program for Adoptees United.

I’m thrilled to do this and it’s a long time coming, as all donations to the program will now be tax-deductible (and some employers will also match funds). So consider donating so that we can make as many kits available to those who need them. All statistics, money, and details of the program will now be through Adoptees United.

I’ll have more to say about AU and what it plans to do. I hope you’ll sign up with them (it’s free) and also consider donating not only to the DNA project but toward the issues Adoptees United plans to tackle.

—Greg

About Gregory D. Luce

I am a Minnesota lawyer, born and adopted in the District of Columbia, and the founder of Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC. I've been practicing law in Minnesota state and federal courts since 1993, and have been the executive director of Adoptees United Inc. since 2021. I also have a sense of humor.

Get Involved with Adoptees United Inc.

Logo of Adoptees United Inc.Did you find this post interesting? Then get involved nationally with Adoptees United Inc., a national tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to securing equality for all adult adopted people in the US. Find out more here, and join me and others in working for equality.

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  1. Carlton Beckford Dozier says

    I was born Carlton Beckford on 6/12/1966 in the French Hospital in NYC. I became a double below amputee two weeks after my birth. I was transferred to The Blythdale Childrens in Vahalla,NY were I became a foster child. I was taken in by The Harrison Family in Portchester,NY until I was adopted by the Dozier Family of Central Islip, NY in 1977. Leake and Watts in Yonkers, NY handled my adoption. I have been searching for my birth parents & three siblings since 1999. New York has the strictest adoption laws in the country. I just want my original birth certificate & identifying adoption records to be unsealed, & hopefully conect with my three biological siblings. Please help me!

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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.