Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Donut Holes

Arizona’s New Donut Hole Law: FAQ

First published on • Last updated on

The Arizona legislature enacted a new law in 2021 that blasted a hole into the middle of adoptee rights in the state. Whether you call that hole a gap, a pie hole, or a donut hole (as I do), it creates two unequal classes of adopted people in the state.

Michigan

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

Massachusetts

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

Arizona

First published on • Last updated on

Adoptee rights and Arizona law, focusing on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

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.