Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Tennessee

Tennessee Dumps Its Contact Veto

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Tennessee in 2022 eliminated its onerous and discriminatory contact veto, which had criminalized contact in the context of adoptions.

Bill Actions for the First Week of March

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Bills in Arizona, Idaho, and Tennessee are up for consideration in committee this week, plus bills in Iowa and Mississippi are facing critical deadlines.

Crunch Week: What You Can Do

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Adoptee rights bills are being heard in numerous committees this week. Here’s what is on those agendas as well as recommended actions.

When the Biggest Opposition is a Pandemic

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Remaining genuine equal rights bills are trying to get attention while a pandemic closes down capitols. Here’s a legislative update.

Tennessee

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Adoptee rights and Tennessee 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.