Where we stand with state OBC laws, what I’m seeing and working on, and where things may be going from here.
Getting an Arkansas Original Birth Certificate
Discussion, questions, and a flow chart to help people understand how the new Arkansas OBC law works as well as its discriminatory limitations.
A Law Known as “Indiana”
While some advocates promote a new Indiana law as one of “open records,” the reality is not one of equality. Here’s an illustration demonstrating how the new law actually works.
What Equality Could Like in New York
In order to settle questions and rumors, I’ve laid out some quick answers to what I’ve seen, heard, and been privy to with current New York adoptee rights legislation.
Action Alert: Contact South Carolina Senators
South Carolina’s expensive and discriminatory H.3775 is headed for a Senate vote. Contact senators and ask them to vote No.
What This Bad Bill Does
The bill will shift the law in South Carolina and give birthparents silent veto rights over an adoptee’s original birth certificate—typically not allowing release, if at all, until well after 2030.
Say NO to Louisiana SB392
The bill requires psychological counseling, registration with an adoption registry, and consent by birth parents to release an original birth certificate. It also gives birth siblings veto power over release of the OBC.
It’s Time to End the War Against the AAC
Right the Ship is a failed personalized attempt for revenge, not a legitimate vehicle for reform. It’s time to end what has become a petty war against the AAC. It’s time to move on.
Legislative Update: Florida, New York and All Others
The latest in adoptee rights legislation, with sessions just getting started, in full swing, or even close to adjournment. New York and Florida are the big ones but others hang on to the promise of clean.
The Myth of the One-Chance OBC
Two states, Illinois and Texas, have recently said they provide one copy—and only one—of the original birth certificate, no matter what happened to your first.