Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

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It’s My Birthday. Let’s Celebrate.

First published on • Last updated on

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

Ask an Adoptee Rights Lawyer

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I’m taking audience questions about adoptee rights, whether they relate to basic rights or more cutting edge issues.

Help an Adoptee Friend

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A friend, colleague, and advocate seeks mutual aid for a financial crisis.

Congress Introduces the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024

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Congress has introduced the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024, continuing the fight to secure US citizenship for all adopted people brought to the United States for adoption.

A Request for Help

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A young international adopted person could use temporary financial support from our community.

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.