Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

DNA Testing

A Better Place for the Adoptee DNA Project

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As of August 1, 2019, the DNA Kit Donation program and its current funds have been transferred to Adoptees United, a national charitable nonprofit organization.

A Year of Donated DNA Test Kits

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Whatever identity you have worn or celebrated or endured during this past November of “adoption” awareness, please consider donating a bit to assist adult adoptees with DNA.

Donate DNA Kits for #AdopteeRightsAwareness

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I want to do two things in November: 1) celebrate my birthday; and 2) help adoptees who cannot afford DNA test kits. Come celebrate with us.

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.