Download Report

ACCESSCON N ECTlCUT.org
New law provides access to original birth certificates
for some adopted persons
HARTFORD (March 16,
2015)- Connecticut adoptees who will be 18 or older by July 1, 2015, your day
has come.
Beginning on that date, you will be able to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate from the
Connecticut Department of Public Health if your adoption was finalized after October 1, 1983.
A new law restores your right to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate. You are also eligible
to
receive a Contact Preference Form and Medical History Form, if they have been filed by your biological
parents with the Department of Children and Families.
To obtain your birth certificate, contact the Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office at (860)
509-7700. Contact Preference and Medical History forms may be obtained through the Department of
Children and Families, (860) 550-6300.
The new law was championed by Access Connecticut
- the grassroots
organization committed to
restoring the right of access to all Connecticut adoptees.
"This law is a major first step forward to ending discrimination against adoptees due to the
circumstances of their birth, and an end to a failed, shame-based experiment in adoption secrecy," said
Karen Caffrey, President of Access Connecticut. "We are grateful to Gov. Malloy and to lawmakers for
their support."
"We are pleased that this law also provides for biological parents to file updated Medical History Forms,
which may contain information critical to the health of adoptees and their children, as well as Contact
Preference Forms for them to express their wishes regarding contact with their adult offspring."
These documents, to be administered by the Department of Children and Families, will be provided
upon request to adult adoptees. The Contact Preference Form allows biological parents to indicate
whether or not, and how, they wish to be contacted. The Medical History Form allows biological
parents to provide current, updated medical health information.
Access a growing trend
Connecticut's access law, enacted last year, is the latest in a growing trend across the U.S. Connecticut is
the 13th state to give at least some adoptees access to their original birth certificates. Alaska, Kansas,
Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alabama allow unrestricted access to all adoptees over the age of
18. Rhode lsland adoptees older than 25 may receive their original birth certificates, while Washington
State, lllinois, and Ohio provide access with some caveats. Access bills are currently pending in several
states.
Access Conneqtlcut ls seeklng to ldentlfy adoptees wha ore eligible to receive their originol birth cenificate under
the new low and would be willinq ta be interviewed or speak ta the media. Please contact Carol Goodyear at (8601
558-6850 or Karm CaIfrcy
at F84 306-0900 for detatls.