Connecticut State Medical Society Supports Adoptees’ Access To Original Birth Certificates
Connecticut Organizations That Support Open Access
The following Connecticut, national and international experts have issued public statements in support of the unrestricted right of adult adoptees to obtain a copy of their true, original birth certificate.
The Connecticut licensed child-placing agencies* and social welfare organizations listed below endorse the following statement:
“This agency supports restoring the right of adult adoptees to receive a copy of their original birth certificate upon reaching the age of majority. We believe this right should apply retroactively as well as prospectively.”
(*Access Connecticut seeks to re-establish the right of access for adult adoptees only. However, adoption and child welfare organizations are in a position of trust in regard to minor adoptees, and have an obligation to preserve their rights until they reach the age of majority.)
National & International Endorsements
Concerned United Birthparents (CUB)
“CUB supports adult adoptees’ right to access their records, without restrictions or qualifications.”
National Foster Parent Association
“Be it Resolved that the [we] support open access to original birth certificates for adult adoptees…”
American Adoption Congress
“We advocate legislation that will grant every individual access to information about his or her family and heritage.”
American Academy of Pediatrics
In March 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the National Adoption Center: Open Records’ policy stating they ‘believe[s] that it is an inalienable right of all citizens, including adopted adults, to have unencumbered access to their original birth certificates.”
Holt International
“Holt International Children’s Services supports access by adoptees and birth parents to identifying information about each other.”
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
“The need and right of adoptees to know their birth origin should be recognized and respected. This right extends to requests from adult adoptees for identifying information.”
North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
“NACAC supports their right to this information and supports access to original birth certificates to any adult adoptee at age of majority.” (Statement for NJCARE linked.)
Donaldson Adoption Institute
“Every state should restore unrestricted access to original birth certificates for all adult adoptees, retroactively and prospectively.”
National Adoption Center
“The National Adoption Center believes that it is an inalienable right of all citizens, including adopted adults, to have unencumbered access to their original birth certificates.”
Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform (PEAR)
“PEAR supports unrestricted access to birth records for all adults adopted as minors.”
Many more national experts and influencers support adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates including: