Latest

Interactive Map of OBC Access

First published on March 25, 2017 • Last updated on May 30, 2017

As part of a 50-state review, I created a map to illustrate where access to an original birth certificate is unrestricted, conditionally restricted, or completely restricted.

When an Adoption Agency Goes Belly Up

First published on March 24, 2017 • Last updated on May 23, 2022

Independent Adoption Center, which operated in at least eight states, recently went bankrupt. What happens to its adoption records? We sent letters to find out.

Indiana

First published on March 20, 2017 • Last updated on June 10, 2023

Adoptee rights and Indiana law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Illinois

First published on March 17, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and Illinois law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Wyoming

First published on March 16, 2017 • Last updated on March 4, 2023

Adoptee rights and Wyoming law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Wisconsin

First published on March 16, 2017 • Last updated on November 22, 2022

Adoptee rights and Wisconsin law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

West Virginia

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and West Virginia law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Washington

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on November 22, 2022

Adoptee rights and Washington law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Virginia

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on March 4, 2023

Adoptee rights and Virginia law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Vermont

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on July 1, 2023

Adoptee rights and Vermont law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Arizona. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, which became effective on January 1, 2022. It allows only some adoptees to request the OBC--- based on their date of birth---but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of Arizona-born adopted people. Read more.

Arkansas.While Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files, the request is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. A FAQ with information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is here.

California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain a copy of their own original birth record. Read more.

15 UNRESTRICTED
19 COMPROMISED
17 RESTRICTED
51 VIEW ALL
What do these mean? Some maps and an explanation.</>