Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Redaction

YIKES! Hot Mess of a Bill in California

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A newly-introduced and unexpected bill in California is a hot mess. It preserves court involvement plus creates new rights of redaction for birthparents. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to help.

Utah’s Discriminatory Law: FAQ

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How Utah’s new law will work, or more likely not work, for Utah-born adoptees who want their own original birth certificates.

Iowa’s New Redaction Law: FAQ

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Where things stand today and how Iowa’s HF855 will work if it is ultimately enacted and implemented.

Indiana

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

Illinois

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

Pennsylvania

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

Ohio

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

New Jersey

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

Missouri

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

Maryland

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Adoptee rights and Maryland law, with a focus 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.