Adoptee Rights Coalition

A5036B - New York's terrible horrible no good very bad bill

2017-09-05T02:51:00.000-04:00

What could possibly go wrong?

Quite a bit, actually.

Many adoptee rights advocates have taken aim at NY's A5036B and have denounced it as "not adoptee rights", "setting us back" and "a perpetuation of the Tann/Lehman legacy" (a reference to how NY's Gov. Lehman adopted children from notorious "baby thief" Georgia Tann, and then promptly signed the 1936 law that retroactively sealed adoption records and original birth certificates in New York).

A5036B passed the Assembly on June 20 and the companion bill, S4845B, passed the Senate on June 21. As of this writing, the bills have yet to be delivered to Gov. Cuomo.

In late July, some 46 organizations, along with over 500 individuals, endorsed a letter to NY's Gov. Cuomo urging him to veto the bill. That's a pretty impressive turnout and our deepest thanks go to Greg Luce of Adoptee Rights Law for making it happen.

Other recent efforts include a postcard campaign by New York State Adoptee Equality and updates to a longstanding petition from Tim Monti-Wohlpart.

Now, there are still a few supporters of A5036B and they are just as adamant that it would be "the only chance" for many NY-born adoptees to obtain their original birth records. A5036B has been called "half a loaf" and "baby steps" by other supporters, the idea being that some/many NY adoptees will get their OBCs under this bill and the rest will be taken care of by some future amendments that advocates have been promised if they would just support the current bill as "the best we can do right now".

The history of this bill is somewhat troubling. Suffice to say New York once had a clean, unrestricted access bill which had been sponsored by over 2/3 of the Assembly. In June 2014, that bill was inexplicably "amended" to what we have before us now. No hearing. No debate. Completely different language just magically appeared. Many sponsors didn't even know about the last minute changes or assumed the changes were relatively minor. They weren't.

That version of an "Adoptee Rights Bill" has been with us ever since, passing the Assembly, but not the Senate, in 2015 and 2016, and both chambers this year. Interestingly, A5036B's lead sponsor, Assm. David Weprin, also introduced A6821A, the "same as" companion to the clean, unrestricted access bill S5169A introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tony Avella. Neither bill made it out of committee while the bad bill that is A5036B/S4845B advanced. Advocates for adoptee rights are trying to get A6821A/S5169A back on track.

On August 22, Senate Democratic Conference Whip Kevin S. Parker sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo urging him to veto A5036B and to "work with the Legislature to pass S5169A/A6821A so that we may enact a worthy New York Law of Adoptee Rights."

https://www.change.org/p/advance-clean-ny-bill-of-adoptee-rights/u/21170764

But how bad is A5036B, really?

It is similar to Pennsylvania's short-lived "search and consent" experiment (part of Act 101) and we all know what happened there.

Last year, Pennsylvania repealed that cumbersome, inequitable, and costly experiment, and replaced it with a centralized procedure, allowing adoptees to obtain original birth records directly from the Department of Health within 45 days of application. Cost to the adoptee: $20. A5036B should not be New York's "experiment" as Act 101 was in Pennsylvania.

Supporters of A5036B argue that it's "only a first step" that will still help many adoptees. How many will actually be able to obtain their OBCs depends largely on how the Surrogate's Court judges react to implementation of a new law. So far, they've been strongly opposed to any changes to existing law.

From the June 7, 2016 Assembly floor debate on A2901C, similar to A5036B
Assembly Member Helene Weinstein

"...the majority of them in the Surrogate's Court Association feels that the current law is sufficient."

From the January 2014 Assembly Health Committee hearing on A909A, which would have allowed unrestricted access

Hon. John M. Czygier, Jr.
Suffolk County Surrogate's Court Judge and President of the New York State Surrogates Association

"...the current law, Domestic Relations Law 114, already effectively balances these somewhat competing interests by permitting access to sealed adoption records for good cause shown."

"...the existing procedure we have to provide for the release of information for legitimate reasons is a procedure that works. The proposals to expand access to information for no discernible reason other than a desire to know, could result in devastating consequences."

Hon. Peter Kelly
Queens County Surrogate's Court Judge and Executive Chair of the New York State Surrogates Association

"... it is clear that this rationale [for unrestricted access] is simply a smokescreen for the true purpose of this bill, which is the forced revelation of a birth parent's identity without their consent and is in actuality a violation of their human rights."

"The Surrogates Association is willing to endorse any legislation that would improve the administration of justice or establish a meaningful remedy for individuals who are in need thereof. Regrettably, this proposed legislation does neither and in fact, in the opinion of the majority of our members would cause more harm to a greater number of persons than it would in fact assist. Therefore, we must oppose its passage."

It looks like the judges who will be reviewing your application are the same ones who have been denying 99.9% of petitions under the current law and they think current law is just fine as it is.

So what does A5036B actually say?

On its face, A5036B would provide OBC access in accordance with some basic rules:

If birth parent consent is obtained by the Department of Health, the Court would order the DOH to release the OBC without redaction.

If a "confirmation to maintain confidentiality" (aka disclosure veto) has been submitted, the Court will order the DOH to release the OBC with that parent's identifying information redacted. Note that in New York State, identifying information includes the adoptee's actual place of birth and the places of birth of the biological parents.

Otherwise, the Court decides if releasing an unredacted copy would be "clearly detrimental to the welfare of the birth parent or parents".

Sounds like the standard "only a few will be denied" scenario, right?

The devil is in the details...

Here are the steps. Read them with the knowledge that judges will be determining policy and procedure at most points in the process.

STEP 1: "AN ADOPTED PERSON WHO HAS ATTAINED THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS MAY APPLY TO THE COURT IN WHICH THE ORDER OF ADOPTION WAS MADE, OR TO THE SUPREME COURT, TO REQUEST AN ORDER RELEASING A CERTIFIED COPY OF HIS OR HER ORIGINAL LONG FORM BIRTH CERTIFICATE..."

Map Courtesy of Digital-Topo-Maps.com

Each of New York's 62 counties has a Surrogate's Court, a Family Court, and a Supreme Court. Are they all going to have the same forms, the same procedures, and the same costs for obtaining the OBC under A5036B? Probably not.

In Pennsylvania they didn't.

Like A5036B would do,Pennsylvania law had previously required adoptees to apply to the Courts where, according to Julie Sterner of Pennsylvania Adoptee Rights"there were huge disparities between costs and procedures in different counties".

STEP 2: "THE COURT SHALL PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, OR ORDER THAT SUCH DEPARTMENT BE PROVIDED, WITH THE IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF THE ADOPTED PERSON'S BIRTH PARENT OR PARENTS..."

The New York State Adoption Information Registry at the DOH is already sitting on identifying information for over 40,000 adoptions. Presumably, most adoptees requesting their OBCs would have already registered with the DOH and their information would have previously been obtained from the court - a process that usually takes at least six months according to the Registry and even up to a couple of years according to long time adoptee support group admin Joan Edelman. Will A5036B make the courts move any faster? If the adoptee tells the court that the DOH already has their identifying information, will that help?

STEP 3: "THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHALL ... DETERMINE WHETHER SUCH PARENT OR PARENTS HAVE ALREADY FILED A WRITTEN CONFIRMATION [to maintain confidentiality] WITH THE COURT OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ... OR A BIRTH PARENT REGISTRATION CONSENT FORM WITH THE ADOPTION INFORMATION REGISTRY..."

Consent or "confirmation to maintain confidentiality" can be filed at the DOH or at any of the courts in any of NY's 62 counties. Can the adoptee simply attach a notarized consent (or even a copy of one filed elsewhere) to the application? That would tell the DOH where to look at least.

STEP 4: [If no "confirmation to maintain confidentiality" or consent is found,] "THE COURT SHALL ... DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MAKE A REASONABLE AND GOOD FAITH EFFORT, DOCUMENTED IN WRITING AND COMPLETED WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS, TO NOTIFY THE BIRTH PARENT OR PARENTS AND ADVISE SUCH PARENT OR PARENTS THAT THE ADOPTED PERSON HAS MADE AN APPLICATION PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION."

Supporters of A5036B point to the 120 day window as indicative of when they'll be able to obtain their OBCs. If the courts continue to move at a glacial pace (see STEP 2), adoptees won't even reach this point until several months after application. Further, no funds have been requested to train DOH employees in search methods, or to hire experienced searchers. We've been assured that the expenditures will be minimal and that adoptees will NOT have to pay for the searches.

One wonders if the adoptee could simply submit a copy of a parent's death certificate to save the DOH the time and expense of "searching" in the first place. Most adoptions are not voluntary infant surrenders. In cases of step-parent adoption, is the DOH going to try to get consent from a possibly abusive ex-spouse? In cases of adoption from foster care, will the DOH contact birth parents whose parental rights were terminated due to abuse or neglect, requiring the adoptee to get "permission" from his or her abusers even if the adoptee knows their names?

As usual, the court dictates the parameters of the search and notification process.

"SUCH NOTIFICATIONS AND ADVISORY GIVEN SHALL COMPLY WITH ANY TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH BY THE COURT AND SHALL BE MADE BY MEANS DESIGNED TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE PERSONAL NATURE OF THE MATTER."

One hundred twenty days.

Given that there would probably be a rush of OBC applications on April 15, 2018, when the law is set to take effect, when does the 120 day clock start ticking? How will the DOH cope with conducting hundreds of court prescribed searches all at once? Of course, the predictable backlog at the DOH is only a problem if the courts are quick to tell them - "You already have this information. Feel free to use it."

How many parents will actually be found and contacted by DOH personnel within the 120 day window? Could the DOH conceivably run out of time to complete many of the searches? Do you see a problem here?

Which brings us to Step 5

STEP 5: " IF ... THE BIRTH PARENT IS UNABLE TO BE NOTIFIED OR DOES NOT RESPOND TO SUCH NOTIFICATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHALL SO NOTIFY THE COURT."

I think it's fair to say that any parent who is already deceased will be "unable to be notified" and/or will not respond. So in that case, the adoptee gets the OBC, right?

That's NOT what the bill says...

"UNLESS THE COURT, IN ITS DISCRETION, FOR GOOD CAUSE SPECIFIED IN ITS ORDER, DETERMINES THAT THE RELEASE OF SUCH BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION WOULD BE CLEARLY DETRIMENTAL TO THE WELFARE OF THE BIRTH PARENTS, THE COURT SHALL: RELEASE ... AN UNREDACTED, CERTIFIED COPY OF THE LONG-FORM BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO THE ADOPTED PERSON ... "

So the default is NOT for the adoptee to get the OBC if the parents are deceased. The Court weighs in first. How does the Court make a determination as to whether release would be "detrimental"?

Good question.

With A5036B, the judge will need "good cause" to redact identifying information from the OBC - but he or she will have wide latitude.

"FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH, GOOD CAUSE SHALL INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE WISHES OF THE BIRTH PARENT REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY AS EXPRESSED AT THE TIME OF THE ADOPTION OR SURRENDER."

"Including but not limited to" allows the judge to look at anything he or she believes may be informative as to the wishes of the biological parents several decades ago, including discussions with colleagues about their past practices, and possibly even the judge's own general recollections, assumptions, and bias.

From the January 2014 Assembly Health Committee hearing on A909A, which would have allowed unrestricted access

Suffolk County's Judge Czygier:

"In most cases, the parent would say, no, I'm giving this child up for a reason because if I have a family 30 years from now with three children and a husband, I may not want someone knocking at my door saying, guess who I am?"

"...in every case where there was a promise made of confidentiality, I think that promise must be honored."

"It should, it can also be presumed, I think, that that natural parent may not want to relive that decision sometime in the future, based solely on the curiosity of someone who wants to view the birth certificate."

Queens County's Judge Kelly:

"... this legislation provides that the identity of the birth parent be made public in spite of the state's past promises of anonymity. On that basis alone, the retroactive application of this legislation is totally unjust."

It's difficult to predict what judges will do as the only available case law has been developed under current statute, but the testimony by high ranking Surrogate's Court judges at the 2014 Health Committee hearing may offer some clues - and it doesn't look like they'll be lenient.

So what are the chances that a New York adoptee will be successful in obtaining their OBC if A5036B becomes law?

It depends.

Is the adoptee in contact with a living parent who has filed or would be happy to file a consent? Most would say the chances are pretty good.

Is the adoptee in contact with the family of a parent who is now deceased?  Presumably, the adoptee can attach a copy of the death certificate and affidavits from family members as to the relationship, including the fact that the adoptee had a good relationship with the parent prior to the parent's death, if applicable. Will that be enough? There's nothing in the bill about the adoptee providing proof of the parent's death. Will the DOH still have to "search" for the parent whose death certificate is attached to the adoptee's application?  As Greg Luce's "The Nutso World of New York Adoptee Rights" shows, logic is not a strong point when it comes to releasing the OBC in New York. Judges have not been very accommodating to adoptees and their petitions. 

Is the adoptee still trying to identify their biological parents? (and if you haven't had your DNA tested with Ancestry.com, what are you waiting for?) It's going to depend on whether the parents are found alive by the DOH - if they are found at all. People have argued that releasing the OBC where the parents are deceased should be a no-brainer.

How could it be "detrimental" to the parents if they are deceased?

Easy. Is there a surviving spouse? Are there other children?

Conclusion

New York's current system of groveling before judges is bad enough. A5036B creates a new mandate of denying the adoptee and giving veto power to birthparents - taking away the judges' discretion even in cases where the parents were abusers who lost custody.

A5036B gives NO access to the children, grandchildren, and all future lineal descendants of adopted New Yorkers. Since 1936, there are genealogists all over the USA who have hit a brick wall with a New York adoption, never able to see their State records or to obtain proof of bloodlines for lineage societies and dual citizenship.

A5036B has been promoted as a "first step" but it is clearly a step backward. New York has a simple, clean, unrestricted access bill in A6821A/S5169A. There is no need for a complex, costly, and restrictive bill like A5036B.

That is why adoptee rights advocates are united in calling for Gov. Cuomo to -

DNA Game Changer - Part II: The DNA Revolution is here

2016-12-07T15:19:00.002-05:00

DNA Game Changer: Implications for OBC access

by Gaye Sherman Tannenbaum

"There's just really no way to ensure complete confidentiality." 1

– Chuck Johnson, President, National Council for Adoption

When I saw those words, I rejoiced. The NCFA, until recently the most outspoken opponent of restoring access to original birth certificates (“OBCs”), was close to admitting defeat. How did that happen?

As Chuck Johnson also stated in the same article: 2

“Once a person has a name and originating city, the Internet and modern-day services — from private investigators to confidential intermediaries — make it easier than ever for adopted and birth families to connect.”

All true but it only tells part of the story. First, adoptees don’t need a private investigator or confidential intermediary to do this. Second, we don’t even need a name or an originating city.

We already possess everything we need in a half-teaspoon of saliva. Everything you need is in your DNA – The stuff of life, and ancestry, and answers.

While various state legislatures were debating whether adoptees truly deserved to know who their parents are, modern direct-to-consumer DNA testing has been creating a revolution in genealogy circles.

But what exactly is this “DNA testing” about?

The most popular DNA test is an autosomal test, covering all ancestral lines with an effective range of 500 years. This is not a deep ancestry test on the strict paternal line (Y chromosome DNA) or strict maternal line (mitochondrial or mtDNA) so it can be used to identify close to moderately distant ancestors.

For $99 ($79 when on sale), you can order a DNA test from Ancestry.com, the largest for-profit genealogy company in the world. Two other companies sell similar tests: 23andMe (with an additional focus on medical genetics) and Family Tree DNA.

When you receive your AncestryDNA test in the mail, you register it to your online account at the company, spit into the tube, cap it, shake it, and mail it back. In about four to six weeks, you will get an email telling you that your results are ready.

When you log in to your account, you will see your ethnic breakdown in percentages: 23% Irish, 37% Scandinavian, etc.

You will also see an extensive list of DNA matches, people in the company’s database who have some DNA that is identical to yours, meaning that you probably have a common ancestor within the past 350 years or so. That list is the key to searching for an adoptee’s biological family.

Surprise! You’ve got relatives!

After the initial shock of seeing a list of several thousand people you are genetically related to wears off, you can explore your match list in greater detail.

Your match list is ranked by the amount of DNA you share – ranging from Twin (having virtually identical DNA) to Distant Cousin (5^th cousins and out who share only a tiny part of your total DNA). Of your matches, which will number in the thousands, about 95% will be in that Distant Cousin category. Several dozen to a few hundred matches will be in the mid-range “Fourth Cousin” category, indicating a common ancestor within the past 200 years or so.

When Ancestry launched their autosomal DNA test in 2012, following launches by 23andMe (2007) and Family Tree DNA (2010), we were all hopeful that the expected size of Ancestry’s DNA database would allow more adoptees to identify family by “triangulating” their 4^th cousin matches. We expected that more than a lucky few would “hit the DNA lottery” with a second cousin match. We were not prepared for what happened once Ancestry’s DNA database hit one million tested in July of 2015.

More people (not just adoptees) did indeed get second cousin matches. Actually, many people got more than a few second cousin matches. They also started getting matches to half-siblings, aunts, uncles and, yes, even parents. Adoptees, search angels and genealogists alike were all astonished. Instead of congratulating someone on getting a second cousin match, we were consoling those who “only” got a couple of second cousin matches.

People in the DNA databases are overwhelmingly customers with no known connection to adoption. This is not like a reunion registry where people are “looking for someone”. The people you match with are generally not looking for you.

While third and fourth cousin matches can be used to identify immediate family through a method known as “triangulation”, it’s usually the case that those matches aren’t too concerned about some distant cousin’s scandalous pregnancy. The situation is different when the adoptee gets a second cousin match.

Second cousins share great grandparents. One of the adoptee’s birthparents is a first cousin to one of the DNA match’s parents. There is a very good chance that this match knows one or both of the adoptee’s birthparents. They probably don’t know which of their mom’s or dad’s cousins placed a child for adoption, but they are often eager to help the adoptee figure it out. If the adoptee has some good non-identifying information from the adoption agency, a comparison of ages, family structure, occupations, and locations is usually enough to identify the right person. At the very least, there will only be a few “candidates” to research. Even if your new cousins don’t respond, experienced search angels can build a tree starting with nothing more than a name or Ancestry ID.

When an adoptee gets an even closer match – a first cousin or a half-sibling, for instance – even if the adoptee never attempts contact, the match can easily figure out that this is someone very close but not someone already known to them. The adoptee’s existence is no longer a secret.

We are just beginning to see what DNA testing can do for adoptees

Recently, author Blaine T. Bettinger 3, well respected in genetic genealogy circles, posted a survey on Facebook’s DNA Detectives group 4, a nearly 60,000 person strong collective led by “genetic genealogists focused on finding biological family for adoptees, foundlings, donor-conceived individuals, unknown paternity and all other types of unknown parentage cases”. His survey was limited to adoptees who had done their first DNA test in 2015 or 2016, and he wanted to know what their matches looked like when they first got their results. He received nearly 600 responses and the results were nothing short of amazing as we now had real data, not just an anecdotal string of success stories.

The key findings:

68% of adoptees had received a second cousin or closer match upon first opening their results.

33% of adoptees had received a first cousin or closer match upon first opening their results.

52% have since found at least one sibling or parent.

Those results are based on initial match lists from when the combined DNA databases of all three companies (adjusted for a 20% overlap in people tested) was between 1.5 and 3.0 million people. The vast majority of respondents (90%) had tested with Ancestry.com.

Implications for access to original birth certificates

On November 2, 2016, Ancestry.com announced that they had DNA samples from 2.5 million customers in their DNA database (up from 2 million in July). We fully expect Ancestry’s DNA database to hit 3 million by March of 2017 and the combined database number to hit 4.5 million by the end of 2017. As you can see in the chart below, the growth of Ancestry’s DNA database is accelerating.

Between DNA testing, social media, and other available resources, most adoptees will be able to learn the identities of both parents if they so desire. In most cases, the OBC will not contain the name of the biological father but DNA testing does not discriminate. In some ways, DNA testing is a superior tool when compared to OBC access. Legislators, for the most part, have not caught on to the fact that vast numbers of adoptees are identifying their families (as well as the families of their adopted parents and grandparents), no matter what the laws and restrictions in their various states may be. We’re finding our families and we still want copies of our original birth certificates.

Nearly all of the recently introduced bills and recently passed laws assume that (a) without access to identifying information, an adoptee has little chance of identifying any parents, and (b) the only reason an adoptee would want a copy of the OBC is so that they can identify, and contact, those parents. You can hear it in the arguments, both supporting and opposing. “Adoptees need and deserve to know.” vs. “We cannot release identifying information if there’s any chance it might be detrimental to any parties.”

If the adoptee already has identifying information on his or her parents, opponents can’t make the usual argument that disclosure may be harmful. Eternal anonymity, for those who still insist that it is "vital to the adoption process”5, is an antiquated notion as well as a false promise. With genealogical DNA tests, lack of the OBC is no longer an impediment to identifying parents. It's merely an inconvenience. Just like posting a “help me find my family” plea on social media, connecting with close family via DNA matching is not the most tactful way to make contact.

What advocates for restoring access should be asking legislators is this:

Doesn’t a disclosure veto merely create the illusion of anonymity given that adoptees are surprising their biological families by getting DNA matches to their first cousins and half-siblings?

Wouldn’t it be more private to release the OBC to the adoptee so that he/she can (if desired) make direct contact in a sensitive and discreet manner rather than clinging to the archaic concept of "adoption secrecy"?

Advocates for restoring OBC access may want to make those points when talking with legislators.

-------------------------

1 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-mother-daughter-reunited-after-adoption-met-20160520-story.html

2 Ibid.

3 http://thegeneticgenealogist.com/

4 https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives

5 Matter of Hayden, 106 Misc 2d 849 [Sup Ct, New York County 1981]

FOR DNA GAME CHANGER, PART I: "THOUGHTS ON THE BIRTHPARENT PRIVACY ARGUMENT," GO HERE.

NCSL 2016 Chicago Update

2016-08-23T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hot off the press, here's an NCSL Chicago 2016 Update from ARC Board Member Connie Gray:

Becky Drinnen, Lynn Grubb, Gaye Tannenbaum, Michelle Melendy Lahti and Connie Gray staffed the Adoptee Rights Coalition booth at the 2016 National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in Chicago. This was ARC's ninth year representing adoptees at this conference and educating legislators on restoring access to original birth certificates.

The conference had approximately 5,000 attendees and this was the very first time there was a panel discussion on access legislation. The breakfast event was scheduled for Tuesday morning and we spent Monday evening going from table to table at a social event inviting people to the breakfast, giving them cards with the ARC booth number on it and telling them about the DNA kits we were giving away.

FTDNA donated two kits, three $35 off coupons, and gave us handouts for discount codes which were good for attendees for the week. Texas Adoptee Rights donated two Ancestry DNA kits.
When we mentioned DNA, people would talk about "Finding Your Roots", CeCe Moore, and the 20/20 Episode on Foundlings.

Illinois State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, an adoptee, assembled the panel which included my personal idol, Elizabeth Samuels. Feigenholtz worked in Illinois to restore access starting in 1996 and was able to get legislation passed in 2010 which allowed 99% of adoptees access to their original birth certificates.

There were about 60 attendees and the panelists spoke eloquently on the issue. Each promised that they are willing to "go anywhere we are needed" to help pass access legislation.
Rep. Feigenholtz specifically thanked ARC for our many years of dedication to the conference and also mentioned the American Adoption Congress as they came this year and contributed money towards the event.

ARC gave out information cards to the attendees and invited them to stop by the booth and enter the drawing for a DNA kits. Many of them were interested in hearing more about the issue.

A reporter with Stateline was at the breakfast asking questions and came by the ARC booth multiple times for further information. The article she wrote can be read here: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/08/12/with-push-from-adoptees-states-open-access-to-birth-records
There are a few erroneous statements within the article and a formal evaluation is being written and will be posted soon.

There were several legislators who stated they were ready to work on this issue in their state, the public event at NCSL really inspired people!

We had Legislators stop by from the following no access states:
Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Do you live in any of those states? Do you know people in those states who are interested in this important civil rights issue?

The tide is turning and the legislators need to hear from YOU!

Your voice is important and your action can help restore access to all adoptees. Please email ARC@adopteerightscoalition.com for more information or to get involved.

DNA Game Changer - Part I: Thoughts on the "birthparent privacy" argument

2016-07-19T21:18:00.000-04:00

Legislative efforts to restore access to original birth certificates have, unfortunately, focused primarily on search and reunion. Emotional testimony from adoptees, first parents and "adoption experts" have been countered by equally emotional testimony and speeches by agencies, legislators, and other "adoption experts". There is talk of "balancing the rights" and "compromise" as if any other individual's rights to his or her OWN record of birth is also subject to permission from the state, a judge, or the parents named thereon.

Advocates focusing on restoring the right to access birth records have tried to keep the two separate, pointing out that, in most states, even reunited adoptees are not allowed access to their own birth records, and that the birth records of long deceased adoptees are unavailable to their descendants.

Mutual consent registries, like the one in New York, will typically "reunite" registrants that have been matched but access to the birth record still requires a court order which a judge will not give you because "you already have the information". Other states will provide a "birth transcript" or "identifying information contained in the birth record" but not the birth record itself. For those who need the information to advance their searches, the chance of having the information within their grasp is enough to make them support "compromise" legislation that may be to the near term and long term detriment of themselves and many of their fellow adoptees.

But what if we could separate "search and reunion" from access to the original birth record? What if there was a better way to search that would reveal information that was not on the original birth record or even in the adoption file?

Once upon a time, sealed records were impediments to search and reunion. If an adoptee did not have access to his or her sealed adoption file, there was little chance that a search for family could even be started, much less successfully completed. Successful searches relied upon adoptive parents retaining a memory of a name mentioned or a document seen. In direct contradiction of what courts, legislators and agencies are NOW telling us, some adoptive parents were actually GIVEN documents that contained the names of the relinquishing parents.

As time went on, laws changed and adoptees were given "non-identifying information" as a pacifier in lieu of access to the original birth record. While not a restoration of access rights, "non-ID" was a tremendous boost for many searches. Some states even passed legislation to provide birth information access for some or all of their adoptees. Adding online resources for genealogy, people search and social media to the mix initiated a flood of successful searches along with a growing population of adoptees (and descendants of adoptees) who had never searched before because they had zero information to start with.

The argument started to shift. On the one hand, advocates demanded equal rights to that Simple Piece of Paper. Not reunion. Not medical history. Just the birth record. On the other hand, opponents were still pushing the "what if your mother doesn't want to be found?" argument. Advocates explained that there were "plenty of other ways" for searches to be completed but opponents countered with "we don't have to make it easier for you", implying that only a few lucky adoptees were successful in their searches and that sealed records would still prevent the vast majority of adoptees from "intruding" on an unsuspecting birthmother's life.

Then came the DNA revolution.

2014 NSCL Update on the Adoptee Rights Lobby Effort

2014-09-09T14:09:00.000-04:00

We met with many legislators while at the National Convention of State Legislators Summit last week.

2014 booth volunteers: Jackie Fallon, Gaye Tannenbaum, Karen Fetrow, Lynn Grubb, and Jeff Hancock.

Each year more and more state reps favorably approach us. This year a few even stepped up to the plate seeking more information so that they may sponsor in their states. Further information will be posted through here as well as the Adoptee Rights Coalitions page on who to contact and which states they are from.

Gaye Tannenbaum, Jackie Fallon, Cheerio Firstmom, Lynn Grubb, and the fine people of MnAdoptReform volunteers including Mary Mason and Penelope Needham are to be commended for their excellence presence at the ARC booth.

Washington State Senator Tina Orwell, successful sponsor of WA SB 5118, Penny Needham; president of Minnesota Coalition for Adoption Reform, Jeff Hancock ARC President, Jackie Fallon ARC Board member and 2014 NCSL Hostess.

It was an absolute honor to work alongside each of you this year!

Momentum Builds for NY Adoptees' Rights Bill

2014-03-28T17:39:00.000-04:00

Adoptee Rights Coalition Fights for Adoptee Equality in New York State

Adoptee Rights Coalition President Jeff Hancock along with Board Member Claudia Corrigan D'Arcy met with members of the NYS Legislature through the Unsealed Initiative on March 18th, 2014 in Albany, NY.

Photo by Tanique Williams http://www.legislativegazette.com/

Please comment in support on the article here in the Legislative Gazette.

An assemblyman is calling for action on an adoptees-rights bill as bi-partisan support and momentum builds in the Senate and Assembly.

Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Queens, notes that his bill (A.0909/S.2490) has more than 80 supporters in the Assembly, both Democrats and Republicans. Sen. Andrew Lanza, R- Staten Island, sponsors the Senate version of the bill, which has 22 co-sponsors, both Democrats and Republicans. The number of co-sponsors signed on to the bill is at its highest level ever.

The bill would allow adoptees who are at least 18-years-old to request from the state Department of Health a non-certified copy of their birth certificate and medical history form.

"The passage of this bill is long overdue and will set up much needed parameters for biological parents and adoptees to gain access to vital information of importance," Weprin said. "We all know there are many, many reasons to have access to your original birth certificate. It is a piece of your identity; it is a missing puzzle for many adoptees."

Reasons for wanting an original birth certificate, outlined during the press conference through personal stories, include legal and other certification needs, health needs and a basic desire to know one's own family history.

Jill Auerbach had a son when she was 15-years-old and had to put him up for adoption. She said his birth father died at age 41 of a heart attack, noting his family has a long history of heart attacks and heart disease. "So when [her son] was approaching 40, it dawned on me that he had a ticking time-bomb in his body as well and had no clue whatsoever," Auerbach said.




	Assemblyman Sean Ryan, at podium, tells the story of how his daughter, who he put up for adoption when he was 17, found him and is now a part of his family. Assemblyman David Weprin, right, sponsors a bill that would allow adult adoptees access to their birth certificates. The bill now has 80 supporters in the Assembly from both parties. Photo by Tanique Williams.

Auerbach went to authorities to have them pass on the information to the adoptive parents, but the authorities said due to confidentiality agreements, they could not pass on the potentially life-saving information. After paying a lot of money for a private investigator, Auerbach found her son.

"I can tell you that we may well have saved his life," Auerbach said. "Our families, his birth family and his adoptive family, are both friends, which is the way it should be. The weight of the world was taken off my shoulders and I can finally die in peace."

Some legislators know first-hand the frustration involved in learning one's family history.

"I am an adoptee myself. I am proud of who I am and where I came from, but I have the feeling that there is this puzzle to my own existence, to my own identity, that, unfortunately, the state denies me the opportunity to figure out," said Assemblyman Joe Borelli, R- Staten Island.

Borelli said for a long time he believed he was of Irish American descent because of what his adoptive records told him. "I went years of my life identifying with a cultural group that I actually, thanks to the wonders of DNA, have no connection to," Borelli said. "Cultural identity is something you take for granted until you find out it's not true."

Borelli also joked that since his records were wrong about his ethnicity, he also had some doubts about the medical records he was provided.

"Really the only thing I know about my genetic history is that I have male pattern baldness. I know every time I'm in the barber's chair and he shows me the back," Borelli said. "But on a serious note this is a question of equal rights for people who are adopted. There was never a contract. I did not consent at any point in my 32 years of life to not have access to my birth record. When this deal was made I was not represented, I was not party to it, and I should have the same rights as any other citizen in the state."

Another reason adults may want to obtain their birth records is for legal purposes. Jeff Hancock said he fits into a "different category" of adoptees. "I am what you call a late discovery adoptee. I learned I was adopted just two days short of my 42nd birthday," Hancock said.

Hancock said he found out when he applied for a passport and his application failed due to his amended birth certificate, which had his adoptive parents listed as his only parents and excluded what hospital he was born in or the time of his birth. He said it did not provide enough information for his application to be accepted.

"I think one of the things that happens when people hear we want access to our birth certificates they think reunions, but that's just one choice," Hancock said. "What we're asking for is the choice to use our birth certificate for what we need. Some people may choose to do a search; they have that right, but they must have that birth certificate first. Some people would like to know their health background. Some people just want to have that piece of paper."

Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, said when he was 17 years old, he had a child who he gave up for adoption. "It is a funny situation where it is the flip-side of the coin. Luckily, with the tech-savvy young people of today, my birth daughter found me many years ago and she has been a part of our family since," Ryan said.

Ryan said it is time for the state's attitudes toward adoption, such as shame and privacy, to catch up with modern times. "To all the men and women who are adults, they deserve to know who they are," Ryan said. "There are holes in people's lives that we can easily fill."

Ryan added some people do not want to search for their parents, but the goal of the bill is to just give adults the option. "I think it is up to the adults of today to make the decision and not have that decision taken away from them during their infancy."

Adam Pertman, president of the Evan Donaldson Adoption Institute, a think tank that conducts research in all areas related to adoption, said about a dozen other states have similar legislation to Weprin's bill.

"Alex Haley said everyone wants to know who they are and where they come from, but we put an asterisk on this idea in law and policy and practice, and say not for adopted people. It is time to take the asterisk away and say adopted people are like everyone else," Pertman said. "I don't say this because I am passionate about this issue, I am not a birth father, and I am not an adoptee. I say this because the research and the experience are unequivocal on this: everyone needs to have their information from the 'get go.'"

Pertman said the most prominent argument keeping adoptees from their original birth certificates is the safety and privacy of the birth parents if they have no desire to see the adoptee. But Pertman said this argument is no longer relevant.

"They don't want to be protected," Pertman said. "They want to know what happened to the lives they created and the single greatest healing factor for them is that knowledge."

Weprin also addressed that argument and said adoptees can find their parents through other means and often do.

The bill also would allow birth parents to sign a consent form, which would give them the option of denying contact from their child, if later the child requests his or her birth certificate.

With Sadness, We Share the Loss of Jeni Gay Flock

2014-03-20T12:56:00.002-04:00

The adoption community lost one of our own on March 19, 2014. We join each other in sadness over the unexpected death of Jeni Gay Flock.

Jeni not only championed our cause for equal OBS access, she also extended her empathy to the needy, homeless, and pets. Jeni's compassion for all living beings is a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

It was my privilege to meet Jeni online soon after I discovered my adoption in 2007. Jeni embraced me as she did for countless other adoptees over the years. She was a friend and cherished part of our family and community.

Jeff Hancock,

President Adoptee Rights Coalition

Last Minute Adoptee Rights Demonstration Check List

2013-08-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

Important Times and Places You Need to Know

The Sign Making Party is at 6:00 pm on Sunday Aug 11th

We will have a private room, though not sure which one, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport located at 1325 Virginia Avenue Atlanta, GA 30344 . There is usually signage and if necessary, you can call them to check 1-843-760-5839.

The party usually goes on for a few hours before we have to leave the room, then we hang out in the rest of the hotel.

We are NOT allowed to have "food" in there, so please note that you should eat beforehand! The hotel does have two restaurants in the building and we are within walking distance of many others!

At the sign making party we will have various pre-lettered signs as beautifully crafted by our own Jeff Hancock.

The time is usually spent coloring them in and affixing the posts while discussing the next day plans and socializing. We will have markers available for coloring, but you are more than welcome to bring your own personal supplies if you are so inclined. Paint and glitter gets messy and the hotels don't love us if we trash the carpets!

Pre Demonstration Meet Up

The morning of the Demonstration we will be meeting in the hotel lobby and outside the hotel starting at 9:00 AM. This is a good time for lots of pictures! Don't forget to promo the event on your social networks.

IF you have already registered for the bus, then you are ON the bus and the bus is going to be picking us up at 10:00 AM. I would like to stay SHARP, but last year the bus was late (we still got there on time), still plan for boarding the bus at 10:00 AM sharp!

At this point the bus is ALMOST FILLED. If you are officially registered and we have your emails via that and you GOT an personal email from Claud, then you should know if you are on the bus or not! If you are NOT registered for the bus and you need to be, please send an email to Claud at fixadoption@gmail.com ASAP.

If the bus gets filled and we are close, then you have to either drive (some people have room in cars; please email Claud) or use public transportation to get to the Georgia World Congress Center. Public Transportation takes about an hour as well.

The hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport (five minutes away) where those who are not riding the bus can catch the MARTA train (ATL mass transit) to the World Congress Center.

Here is the MARTA map: http://www.itsmarta.com/rail-schedules-or-route.aspx

There is also the public transportation choice on Google maps, but the shuttle to the airport is probably the best bet!!

IF you are local, or staying at another hotel. Then you will need to see the ARC Meeting Place Post.

The bus will be picking up the bus folks at 12:30 and we shall return to the hotel.

For ARD First Timers: What Else Do you Need to Know?

Aside from the definitive times and places for the sign making party and the demonstration, many folks at the hotel spend a lot of time getting together and talking.

The lobby becomes a central meeting place for many as is the watering hole which in this case will be "Richard's on the Rocks" If you are looking for company, those are the places to check!

Meals often become group events with folks enjoying the time together as this is a yearly time to catch up with old friend and make new ones.

If you are registered, please check your emails for the "Liability Disclosure Form" becasue we have to be safe! If you can get those elecronically signed and back, then we will not harass you for them at the sign making party!

ARC Packing Tips and other Misc Tips

For the demonstration, the "official" color is green. If you have ARC logo shirts, or DENIED wear, or other adoption related clothing, you'll want to being that. If you don't then, go green.

Please remember Atlanta in August will most likely be hot. Consider that after the demonstration you will most likely want to change and freshen up which is one of the reasons we decided to forgo an official "after party" at another location this year. However, we do encourage people, even those staying at other hotels or local folks to come back to the hotel later for the more informal get togethers. We tend to basically " take over" the hotel lobby (and bar).

While it does not seem like an hour of demonstrating is long enough, most folks are exhausted after that amount of time in the hot sun holding a big sign and yelling loudly. Please remember to bring personal bottled water on the demonstration day!

Likewise, bring extra clothing, especially undergarments, to change into. Really. You will be glad you did!

The Emotional Impacts

Its entirely normal to be nervous about coming and being so open and public about adoption to all.
Even some very seasoned folks have the pre protest jitters year after year. Some people give into the fear and do not come, while most others work through it and are very glad that they did!

It is very empowering to add your voice and fight for our civil rights. However, it's also difficult to be honest and open and real, while at the same time it's great to be around people that really understand. No explanations are necessary. No editing! There are always tears and hugs and smiles.

However, one should be aware of the emotional nature of the event. While the restaurants and watering holes become central get together locations, no one benefits from alcohol induced break downs.

Please be kind to others; open, inviting, none judgmental and please watch out for each other. We are family!

Other Ways to Help

Candy Wrapping: One of the ways that we get attention to the lobby booth in the NCSL exhibit hall besides the Demonstration is the hand wrapped ARC candy. We will be wrapping the 1000 Hersey's miniatures while in Atlanta. Look for the Cady wrapping party in the lobby and feel free to join in, Many hands make light work!

Check in: We have the Sign Making Party and Demonstration already on Foursquare where you can check in if you use it. The ARC Demonstration is at http://4sq.com/14e171U while the Party is here at http://4sq.com/14e2pcZ.

If you are not attending the Demonstration you can still help! Look for updates on the Facebook page and Twitter! Share and re-tweet as it happens. Hopefully we'll have good videos up this year and more pictures! Remember to TAG the @Adoptee Rights page so we can add your images to the compilation video! And share share share!

Once various people are on the road it will be difficult for us to get back to you. Please feel free to take Claud's cell number 845 750 5954 and text her questions etc. Come Saturday, that will be the easiest way to get an (somewhat) immediate response.

Local Atlanta Adoptee Rights Area Supporters Meeting Place

2013-08-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

For Those NOT Going on the Adoptee Rights Bus

If you are NOT taking the buses from the Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta-Airport, then you will need to find and hook up with the Adoptee Rights Demonstration!

The Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591), like most of the convention centers that the NCSL is held at, is huge, but we will be meeting and demonstrating in and around the complex where we can best be seen and grab the attention of the incoming state legislators and general public.

The ARC always strives to comply with the local authorities of both the cities and the event complexes where we are guests. This year, through no fault of our own nor for lack of trying, we have not been able to secure definitive permission to be on the GWCC property. For that reason, we are planning the initial meeting on the Georgia International Plaza which is a city own public place directly across from the GWCC and the Georgia Dome. From there we will be able to march along the public sides of the GWCC complex and by the hotels where the legislators will be staying for the NCSL annual summit.

See the Adoptee Rights Demonstration 2013 Atlanta map live on Google Maps

(https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214610261281101602535.0004e34bd7c1a2429ed8d&msa=0&ll=33.758144,-84.397842&spn=0.005486,0.011362)

Focus on Discriminating Against Adopted People

Please Remember: access to original birth certificates is not about a right to reunion. Access to our records is about ending the discrimination against adoptees. It really is that simple. That is truly something that no statistic, no fake privacy rights, no adoption agency can counter. There is no argument that overrules our discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination. And we, the adopted, ARE being discriminated against by being denied access to our original, unaltered birth certificates. Keep your message simple and to the point.

When you get to the Conference Center, you'll want to look for this place:

And people that look like this:

Rules of Conduct for Adoptee Rights Demonstration

The GWCC is public property and does not fall under the public city demonstration laws. Based off of the City of Atlanta criteria, we are not required to have a permit of assembly either. In other words, we're just going to go and do what we do. So please be aware that our goal is not to annoy or cause trouble. If any person of authority requests us to comply, we shall.

No member of the Adoptee Rights Coalition or Adoptee Rights Demonstration, guests, supporters may:

Violate any law, City ordinances or zoning requirements or prohibitions
Cause injury or damage to city or public resources or facilities
Interfere with ingress or egress of GWCC or private facilities patrons
Impair the operations of any facilities
Endanger the health or safety of the public.
Litter
Affix signs, literature or any other materials to any object, structure, sculpture or trees.
Use vehicle or any other wheeled devices as part of an expressive activity; with exception of wheelchairs and other similar motorized devices for those individuals physically requiring such devices
Store or leave unattended any boxes or bags of literature or any other materials.
Erect any table, chair, booth or other structure or physical prop
Or disseminate obscene materials

Thank you for Supporting the Sixth Annual Adoptee Rights Demonstration! Your Rights, Your Protest!

We'll see YOU in ATLANTA!!

2013 Adoptee Rights Demonstration Press Release

2013-08-05T14:13:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Adoptee Rights Group Travels To Atlanta, Georgia to Free Original Birth Certificates

American Adoptees Denied Civil Rights to Birth Certificate

Due to archaic laws that are a legacy of cultural shame stigmatizing infertility, sex, unwed mothers, and adoption, over 90% of all American adoptees will face a life of discrimination unless current laws are changed.

Wanting their civil rights restored, the Adoptee Rights Coalition; http://www.adopteerightscoalition.com; adopted persons, their families and friends will be gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, during the National Conference of State Legislators’ annual summit. The sixth annual demonstration for the equal rights of adopted persons in the United States includes a public rally and march.

Less Than 5% of American Adoptees Have Free Adoption Records

The participants of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration believe that all people in the United States should be treated equally; not based the state of residence or the circumstances of their birth. To do otherwise is discrimination. Adoptee Rights volunteers help educate state representatives about the need to introduce legislation that will allow adopted persons in the United States equal access to their original birth certificates.

Marching to Restore The Civil Rights of Adoptees

On August 12, 2013, at 11 am, The Adoptee Rights Demonstration will march at the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual summit in Atlanta, Georgia being held at The Georgia World Congress Center. Members and volunteers of the Adoptee Rights Coalition will also be exhibiting at the NCSL Legislative Summit. Adult adoptees from around the world will be joined by the parents who relinquished them, their adoptive parents who raised them, plus various family and supporters asking for one simple act; change the laws so they can be treated equally.

Many Reps Are Clueless Regarding State Discrimination Laws

When asked about the current adoption laws in their own state, many state legislators will find that the Adoptee Rights Volunteers know much more about the laws then they do.

"We have found that much of the general public, including many elected officials, are woefully unaware of the legal discrimination sanctioned in this country. Even adoptive parents and birthmothers/fathers have no idea that the laws are still decades old. If every caring adoptive parent knew that they were raising a child to be discriminated against, then they would be marching with us in Atlanta." states Jeff Hancock, adoptee and President of The Adoptee Rights Coalition.

There is no legislation or any adoption contract that states why an adopted person is not entitled to his or her own birth certificate. Most of the laws were created to "protect" the infant from the stigma of bastardization, but those provisions are no longer needed, nor wanted by most parties involved. Those who would continue to deny adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates base their erroneous beliefs on information that is not supported by historical nor statistical facts garnered from both US and international states with open records legislation in place.

Adoptee Rights legislation is pending in various states including New Jersey, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the Adoptee Rights Demonstration, adoption legislation, and what you can do to support adoptee rights, contact The Adoptee Rights Coalition at:ARC@Adopteerightscoalition.com

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AdopteeRightsCoalition and on Twitter @AdopteeRightsCo for legislative updates and community all year.

Google+

Contact Your Legislator TODAY!

2013-08-05T14:04:00.000-04:00

How can YOU help?

By emailing, faxing or writing your legislators. If you don't know who your legislator is, or

where to send your letters, here's a great link:

Find Your Representative

Enter your zip code in the box and click ‘GO’. Many zip codes split

legislative districts, so enter in your full ZIP+4 code. If you don’t know

your ZIP+4, just enter your zip code in the box, and on the next page enter

your address. The site will find your representatives that way.

On the results page, you’ll be given every representative, from the

President all the way down to your local assembly. While it sounds good to

get the word all the way to the top, you’ll want to skip writing to the

President or Congress. They have no power nor authority over our birth

certificate access, and honestly don’t care. The individuals you want to

focus on will be on the right hand side of the results.

Clicking on an individual’s name will bring you to a page with their contact

information. The page will have an option to send an email to your elected

official. We’d like to ask you to please consider not emailing them; rather

sending them snail mail instead. Many legislators do not value emails, or if

they do, value personal letters over emails. Sending a personalized fax is

acceptable if you’re running out of time close to a deadline, but letters

via US Mail carry the most weight.

So, you're ready to write your legislators but you don't exactly know what to say? Here is a sample to help get you started. If you take these basics and personalize your details into the mix, you'll have a great letter!

A quick note... access to original birth certificates is not about a right to reunion. Access to our records is about ending the discrimination against adoptees.

It really is that simple. That is truly something that no statistic, no fake privacy rights, no adoption agency can counter. There is no argument that overrules our discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination. And we, the adopted, ARE being discriminated against by being denied access to our original, unaltered birth certificates.

You’ll want to keep your letter short – under one page – and you’ll want to focus on the civil rights issue of sealed birth certificates for only one class of citizens – adoptees! Arguments and compromise measures come up over the ideas of reunion and medical history, but no one can argue that the non-adopted have unrestricted and unjustified access to their birth

certificates!

Here is a sample letter- it's a sample, so tweak it a bit to make it more personable, but stick to the main topic- ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATES FOR ALL AMERICANS.

Dear Assembly member X — or Honorable Senator Y:

This August, individuals from across the Nation will be traveling to Atlanta Georgia, to take part in the annual Adoptee Rights Demonstration. As a registered voter in your District, I wanted to advise you that I have made plans to attend the National Conference of State Legislators, and add my support to those who view adult adoptees as equal citizens under the law.

The State of X must stop discriminating against adoptees and allow them the same unfettered access to their original birth certificates that non-adopted citizens enjoy. As an adoptee, I am clearly treated differently because of out-dated assumptions and misleading statistics concerning privacy and secrecy.

As my elected official, your support and agreement on this matter is extremely important to me (if your state has pending legislation,—- you can add in: as is your support of /opposition to Bill xxxxxx).

Thank you for your time and attention to this important civil rights issue. I hope you will be attending the convention, and will visit The Adoptee Rights Coalition booth inside the convention center.

If you should have any questions or wish to speak with me, I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Respectfully,

XXXXXX

For those from restored access states

As you are aware, in 200x our state restored the rights of adopted adults to access their original birth certificates. As reported in November, 2007 by the Evan B. Donaldson Foundation, there have been no negative repercussions since then by the passing of this bill. I hope you will be able to visit the booth supporting restored access at the National Conference of State Legislators this August and show your support for adoptees currently working to pass similar bills in their states. Your experience and voice as a legislator in a restored access state will be invaluable.

Other points to consider….

The United Kingdom and Australia have restored birth certificate with great success. During your time at the convention, I encourage you to enter conversation with representatives from Alaska and Kansas where birth certificates were never sealed. Other states that may be of interest to you are Oregon, Alabama, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island, as they have reversed sealed birth certificate laws and restored access to adoptees from their states. I believe you will be encouraged by the positive reports from your peers.

OBC access is NOT ABOUT REUNION.

Millions of adult adoptees’ original birth certificates are currently sealed, denying them basic genealogical information.

Adoptee's original birth certificates have been sealed for less than 60 years in many states. They were sealed as a "courtesy" to the adoptive family.

Opponents of birth certificate access have claimed that birthmothers were promised privacy under the law. No such law exists. Birthmothers were not party to adoption documents.

Adult adoptees obtaining their original record of birth is a basic right, a legitimate need in the search of their complete identity.

In many states, adult adoptees must now petition the court, and provide “good cause” for the release of the original birth certificate. The decision for release is left to the discretion of the judge. This constitutes unequal treatment as non-adopted persons have their birth records without petitioning the courts and at their will.

In states where adoptees are provided equal access to their original birth certificate, no negative consequences have occurred.

Of course, if you can visit your state reps in person, that's great, too!! See if you can schedule an appointment.

Thank you for your help! It is up to all of us to make this a reality, and every letter helps, as do your donations to The Adoptee Rights Coalition and your presence at the demonstrations. See you in Atlanta!!

Buy the Booth! Atlanta 2013.

2013-06-11T15:12:00.003-04:00

With the 6th annual Adoptee Rights Demonstration just two months away, we excitedly launch our "Buy the Booth" Indiegogo campaign. The goal is to raise $1,800 to cover the costs of putting on this spectacular event. We're offering some pretty cool perks too. Keep track of how much we've raised by visiting our website frequently and checking out the fundraiser widget in our right sidebar.

By "Buying the Booth," you help bring the work of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration full circle. The media awareness raised by the demonstration catches the attention of legislators inside the National Conference of State Legislators. Legislators make sure to stop by the booth to ask for more information about the demonstration. It's the booth that makes our demonstration so successful and we can't do it each year without your help.

Your donation, big or small, makes a world of a difference to the 6 million adult adoptees nationwide that we advocate for at our booth. Visit our Indiegogo page and check out our campaign today!

--The Adoptee Rights Coaltion

Companion bills will restore birth certificate access to Ohio born adoptees

2013-05-08T17:45:00.004-04:00

YORK, PA--May 08, 2013--Companion bills currently available for consideration by the Ohio House and Senate, if passed, would result in thousands of adult adoptees realizing equal treatment under law when it comes to their birth certificates. Introduced by Senators Beagle and Burke and Representatives Pelanda and Antonio, SB 23 and HB 61 would ensure that every adopted person born in Ohio has the same access to their original birth certificate that those who are not adopted enjoy.

When a child is adopted in the state of Ohio, the adoptee's original, factual birth certificate is altered--or amended--to make it appear as though the adoptive parents actually gave birth to the adoptee. There is no indication on the amended birth certificate that an adoption even took place. The original, factual birth certificate is sealed away and not legally recognized. Currently, Ohio-born adult adoptees (age 18+) are able to access their original birth certificate if they were born prior to January 1, 1964 or after September 18, 1996. Adoptees born within the 32-year time gap face institutional barriers to access their records by being required to petition the courts and participate in a passive mutual consent process.

Ohio SB 23 and HB 61 would grant Ohio-born adult adoptees born between January 1, 1964 and September 18, 1996 the same access to their original birth certificates afforded to those who are not adopted. This right is already recognized for Ohio-born adopted persons whose births took place prior to January 1, 1964 and after September 18, 1996. SB 23 and HB 61 allow adult adoptees previously discriminated against to request a copy of their original birth certificate as all other adults born in the state. It also gives original parents the option of filing a non-legally binding contact preference form which will inform the adopted person of their birth parent's boundaries and preferences regarding contact.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition fully supports SB 26 and HB 61 along with the efforts of Senators Beagle and Burke and Representatives Pelanda and Antonio. The Adoptee Rights Coalition is a national, grassroots group of adoptees, original parents and adoptive parents that supports legislation giving all adopted adults unconditional restored access to their own birth certificates.

For more information on the Adoptee Rights Coalitions, its participation in the National Conference of State Legislatures and birth certificate access in other states, visit www.adopteerightscoalition.com

Press Contact:

Lynn Grubb
Adoptee Rights Coalition
ARC@adopteerightscoalition.com

2013 Atlanta Registration Form

2013-05-07T23:29:00.000-04:00

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE 2103 ADOPTEE RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION!

Keep checking our website and our Facebook page for more information about the annual demonstration in Atlanta.

Our sign making party will be held Sunday, August 11, and the actual demonstration will be held Monday, August 12. We will post details about those events as we get closer to August.

Please click the "Start Survey" button to register. See you in Atlanta!

Adoptee Rights Coalition Statement on Search, Reunion, and Social Media Trends

2013-04-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

As U.S. adoption culture shifts to be more accepting and understanding of searching adoptees, the faces of those looking for lost family connections, are appearing in greater magnitude on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. This recent movement in the adoption community puts a very public face on the issue of search of reunion. We see the smiling faces of human beings trying to expand their social connections and family relationships, and our hearts are with them.

The recent social media trend involving adoptees posting pictures of themselves holding signs that contain their agency narrative has brought increased media attention to search issues. The media has always been fascinated by the mysteries that fuel the searches of many adoptees. Social media has provided a new angle for these stories to be reported on in news and other popular outlets. Journalists attempting to connect the individual issue of search and reunion to a broader policy context have turned to the Adoptee Rights Coalition (ARC) for answers. Often times their articles will link to us, quote our board member's personal blogs, and display our logo without directly soliciting our opinion at all.

In an attempt to clarify this association of our organization and the adoptee rights movement, to search and reunion, ARC hopes to make a clear stance on this issue. As individuals, many of us support search and reunion. All of our board members have been through the search and reunion process. However, it is with this first-hand experience in both search and adoptee rights that we maintain that both causes as separate. While there may be some of the issues between the two movements might intersect, this is not cause to see them as one and the same.

Adoptee rights as defined by ARC is the restoring to all adult adoptees the same legal right to our factual birth certificates that is already afforded to all non-adopted adult citizens. Adoptee rights is about equal rights under law. What an adult adoptee may do, or not do, with the information contained on his or her original birth certificate (OBC) is a private, personal matter that does not need to involve state governments or the general public. Adult adoptees are the only class of people who are routinely denied the legal right to access their accurate birth certificates--simply because we were adopted as children. This means that we, as a class of adult citizens, are treated differently under law to all non-adopted adult citizens. Correcting this legal inequity is the core of ARC's mission and purpose. Personal decisions regarding search are a completely separate issue from restoring equal rights under law to adult adoptees regarding their own birth certificates. One is a legal matter dealing with discrimination and one is a matter of personal choice.

ARC believes that all adult adoptee citizens should be treated equally under law to non-adopted adult citizens. Search and/or reunion has nothing to do with this belief. And so we consider the issues separate and decline to comment as an organization on search and reunion matters.

One of the most concerning byproducts of the conflation of the two issues is the exclusion of diversity. Adoptee rights is not an issue that exclusively impacts individuals adopted at birth through private adoptions--which exclusive focus on the mystery of one's original family implies about this issue. Unequal access to original birth certificates impacts a number of groups.

Atlanta Hotel information

2013-04-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

The official hotel for The 2013 Adoptee Rights Demonstration is Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta-Airport.

We have 100 rooms reserved for the evenings of August 10, 11 and 12. Price per night is $92.00

Here is the link to make your reservations.

We will be posting more information about the sign making party and the actual demonstration in the weeks to come. We expect this year to be even bigger than last, so make your reservations as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta this year for The 2013 Adoptee Rights Demonstration. Your hard work is paying off, and more states are changing to end the discrimination of adult adoptees by passing clean OBC legislation.

Thank you, and we will see you in Atlanta!

*Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta-Airport
1325 Virginia Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30344
Phone: 1-843-760-5839 / 1-888-233-9527

Adoptee Rights Coalition on the Kojo Nnamdi Show

2013-01-30T23:07:00.001-05:00

Adoptee Rights will get an incredible spotlight tomorrow as Amanda Woolston, of the Adoptee Rights Coalition will appear on the show with two other adoptees, Susan Branco Alvarado, and Joy Lieberthal Rho. All are to be interviewed by Nnamdi on tough post-adoption issues and policy problems. Among topics discussed will be the discriminatory way adoptees in the U.S. are expected to access their original birth certificates.

The permanent link to the show can be found here. You can listen to it live on the web during the noon hour (the last 40 minutes of the hour are expected to be dedicated to these three adoptee professionals). Transcripts and a recording of the segment should be made available on the page sometime after the conclusion of the segment.

House bill will restore birth certificate access to Pennsylvania born adoptees

2013-01-20T20:08:00.002-05:00

For immediate release

YORK, PA--January 19, 2013--A bill currently available for consideration by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, if passed, would result in thousands of adult adoptees realizing equal treatment under law when it comes to their birth certificates. Introduced by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre County, 171st Legislative District) and currently co-sponsored by 27 of his colleagues, HB 162 would restore the rights of all Pennsylvania-born adult adoptees to obtain their original, factual birth certificates.

"The Adoptee Rights Coalition mission is quite simple. We support the complete and unconditional restoration of an adopted person's right to access their Original Birth Certificate." says Jeff Hancock, president of the Adoptee Rights Coalition. "HB 162 provides for a complete unconditional restoration of access for adopted persons that is equal and fair for everyone. The ARC gladly endorses Pennsylvania's HB 162."

When a child is adopted in the state of Pennsylvania, the adoptee's original, factual birth certificate is altered--or amended--to make it appear as though the adoptive parents actually gave birth to the adoptee. There is no indication on the amended birth certificate that an adoption even took place. The original, factual birth certificate is sealed away and not legally recognized. Currently, Pennsylvania-born adult adoptees (age 18+) are not allowed to access their original birth certificate. In contrast, all non-adopted adults born in Pennsylvania can obtain a copy of their original birth certificates through a simple request process.

Prior to 1984, adult adoptees born in Pennsylvania were able to access their original birth certificates just as all non-adopted adults who were born in Pennsylvania. This equality under law changed upon the enactment of Act 195, The Adoption Act of 1984, which took away the right for adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates. Because of The Adoption Act of 1984, all Pennsylvania-born adult adoptees have been treated differently from all Pennsylvania non-adopted adults under law for over two decades.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition (ARC) fully supports HB 162 and Rep. Benninghoff. The Adoptee Rights Coalition is a national, grassroots group of adoptees, original parents and adoptive parents that supports legislation giving all adopted adults unconditional restored access to their own birth certificates.

For more information on the Adoptee Rights Coalitions, its participation in the National Conference of State Legislatures and birth certificate access in other states, visitwww.adopteerightscoalition.com
Press Contact:

Julie Stromberg
Adoptee Rights Coalition
Julie@adopteerightscoalition.com
717-819-1831

House bill will restore birth certificate access to some Maryland born adoptees

2013-01-20T19:57:00.000-05:00

For immediate release

YORK, PA--January 19, 2013--A bill currently available for consideration by the Maryland General Assembly, if passed, would result in thousands of adult adoptees having access to their original birth certificates while also allowing biological parents who relinquished a child to adoption to sign a disclosure veto.

"HB 22 is biased, and if passed will not provide equal access to each Maryland born adoptee," says Jeff Hancock, president of the Adoptee Rights Coalition. "While promoting open adoptions retroactive to 2,000, it also places unfair conditions for older adoptees who seek their personal information."

When a child is adopted in the state of Maryland, the adoptee's original, factual birth certificate is altered--or amended--to make it appear as though the adoptive parents actually gave birth to the adoptee. There is no indication on the amended birth certificate that an adoption even took place. The original, factual birth certificate is sealed away and not legally recognized. Currently, Maryland-born adult adoptees (age 18+) who were born after 1947 are not allowed to access their original birth certificate. In contrast, all non-adopted adults born in Maryland can obtain a copy of their original birth certificates through a simple request process.

The disclosure veto would allow an adult adoptee's biological parents to withhold their identifying information from being included on the copy of the original birth certificate provided to the adoptee. In contrast, all non-adopted adults in Maryland can obtain a copy of their original birth certificates containing all identifying information without a disclosure veto option available to their biological parents.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition does not support HB 22 (cross-filled with SB 165) because it feels that disclosure vetoes result in adult adoptees being treated differently under law from non-adopted adults. The Adoptee Rights Coalition is a national, grassroots group of adoptees, original parents and adoptive parents that supports legislation giving all adopted adults unconditional restored access to their own birth certificates.

For more information on the Adoptee Rights Coalitions, its participation in the National Conference of State Legislatures and birth certificate access in other states, visit www.adopteerightscoalition.com

Press Contact:
Julie Stromberg
Adoptee Rights Coalition
Julie@adopteerightscoalition.com
717-819-1831

A New Jersey DENIED Adoptee: Joan E. Kaufman

2012-08-31T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is the Beginning of My "DENIED" Story

Having been adopted in New Jersey, I was never able to obtain my original birth certificate.

Growing up I begged my adoptive mother over and over for any possible information she might have about my birth mother until one day, shooting her foot through the kitchen wall she screamed,

“Don’t ever ask me that again.” I guess that was the end of the story.

For years I would go on believing I must have been the product of rape, incest or my birth mother just wanted to get rid of me. I never fantasized about being the daughter of famous celebrities who were unable to raise me fearing an illegitimate birth might ruin their careers. This was a few years ago.

I thought this was the end of the story until my mother was on her death bed. Literally.
Read more »

Adoptee Tribute: Representing Over 900 Names of the Denied

2012-08-13T12:16:00.000-04:00

Beginning in 2009, ARC organizer and volunteer, Jeff Hancock began carrying names of people who support the Adoptee Rights Demonstration.

The names are those Adoptees, parents, family members and supporters who want to join us, but are not able to physically be at that year's Adoptee Rights Day.

Jeff has promised to create this tribute each year until either all 50 states unseal and restore OBC access to Adult Adoptees or dies doing so.

Official Adoptee Rights Demonstration 2012 Itinerary

2012-08-03T21:47:00.002-04:00

Sunday, August 5th

Adoptee Rights Sign Making Party/Pizza Dinner

6:30 pm to 10:00pm: Sheraton 4 Points Chicago O'Hare - Conference room

We will be working on our signs for the demonstration, going over McCormick Place Chicago Rules, giving instructions about the demonstration and eating pizza!! This event is open to all even if you are not staying at the hotel!

ARC will supply poster making materials, but if you have some extra markers, feel free to bring them with you.

Monday, August 6th

THE 2012 ADOPTEE RIGHTS DEMONSTRATION!!

We will be providing transportation via charter bus to and from the demonstration, Monday August 6 for those who have already signed up for and registered for the bus. Due to the numbers this year, there will be NO EXCEPTIONS

8:30 am: We will be meeting in the parking lot of The 4 Points Sheraton O'Hare
9:00 am: The bus leaves at 9 am SHARP.

A note about film makers

2012-08-02T19:04:00.000-04:00

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This year The Adoptee Rights Coalition is thrilled to expect not only record numbers of demonstration participants, but we will also have a small number of documentary film crews covering our event. While we are pleased to receive this additional support and publicity, we ask the filmmakers to please respect the privacy concerns of our participants. We are not allowing filming at the poster party at the Sheraton, as this is a very personal and private time for many of our supporters. Participants travel from around the world to attend our annual demonstrations, and prefer to meet each other in person without being on camera.

We ask that before filming at the demonstration, you provide release forms for anyone agreeing to be filmed, and that you let all participants and/or staff of McCormick Place Chicago know that you are not affiliated with The Adoptee Rights Coalition.

We have secured our own permits for McCormick Place, and filming was not something listed in our contract. We do not wish to be in violation of our signed agreement.

Our attendees are welcome to take part in any film/documentary being filmed, but please do so at your own risk and ask to sign a release form. The Adoptee Rights Coalition is not affiliated with ANY film (professional/student/amateur) production company or private individuals who may be filming.

Thank You.

The Adoptee Rights Coalition Executive Board

Where to Meet for the Adoptee Rights Demonstration

2012-08-01T13:45:00.003-04:00

For Those NOT Going on the Adoptee Rights Bus

If you are NOT taking the buses from the Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, then you will need to find and hook up with the Adoptee Rights Demonstration!

McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60616) is huge, but we will be meeting and demonstrating in McCormick Square. It is a central location off South Martin Luther King Drive and is at the back base of the Hyatt Hotel there.

See the Adoptee Rights Demonstration map live on Google Maps

Focus on Discriminating Against Adopted People

Please Remember: access to original birth certificates is not about a right to reunion. Access to our records is about ending the discrimination against adoptees. It really is that simple. That is truly something that no statistic, no fake privacy rights, no adoption agency can counter. There is no argument that overrules our discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination. And we, the adopted, ARE being discriminated against by being denied access to our original, unaltered birth certificates. Keep your message simple and to the point.

When you get to McCormick Square, you'll want to look for this place:

And people that look like this:

Rules of Conduct for McCormick Place

McCormick Place is public property and does not fall under the public city demonstration laws. While we have a permit and the written consent to hold the Adoptee Rights Demonstration at McCormick Place, please MAKE YOURSELF AWARE THAT WE HAVE AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING:

No member of the Adoptee Rights Coalition or Adoptee Rights Demonstration, guests, supporters may:

Violate any law,City ordinances or zoning requirements or prohibitions
Cause injury or damage to McCormick Place resources or facilities
Interfere with ingress or egress of McCormick Place patrons
Impair the operations of McCormick Place facilities
Endanger the health or safety of the public or McCormick Place patrons
Litter
Generate noise though the use of amplified sound devices such as bullhorns, PA systems, in violation of levels permitted in the City of Chicago Ordinances
Affix signs, literature or any other materials to any object, structure, sculpture or trees on McCormick Place
Use vehicle or any other wheeled devices as part of an expressive activity; with exception of wheelchairs and other similar motorized devices for those individuals physically requiring such devices
Store or leave unattended any boxes or bags of literature or any other materials
Erect any table, chair, booth or other structure or physical prop
Or disseminate obscene materials

Thank you for Supporting the Fifth Annual Adoptee Rights Demonstration! Your Rights, Your Protest!

We'll see YOU in Chicago!!

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National Adoptee Rights Group Travels To Illinois to Free Original Birth Certificates

2012-07-25T22:23:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Adoptee Rights Group Travels To Illinois to Free Original Birth Certificates

American Adoptees Denied Civil Rights to Birth Certificate

Due to archaic laws that are a legacy of cultural shame stigmatizing infertility, sex, unwed mothers, and adoption, over 90% of all American adoptees will face a life of discrimination unless current laws are changed.

Wanting their civil rights restored, the Adoptee Rights Coalition; http://www.adopteerightscoalition.com; adopted persons, their families and friends will be gathering in Chicago, Illinois, during the National Conference of State Legislators’ annual summit. The fifth annual demonstration for the equal rights of adopted persons in the United States includes a public rally and march.

Less Than 5% of American Adoptees Have Free Adoption Records

In the United States, only six states (Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire and Oregon) allow adopted persons unrestricted access to their original birth certificates upon the age of 18. While other states have made some progress, there are still 44 American states not allowing an adopted persons to be treated the same as a non adopted person, and in most states, they are still completely denied access to their own records for life. All adoptees not living in an open records state, whether in an open or closed adoption, will find that their original birth certificate will forever be sealed away under current legislation.

The participants of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration believe that all people in the United States should be treated equally; not based the state of residence or the circumstances of their birth. To do otherwise is discrimination. Adoptee Rights volunteers help educate state representatives about the need to introduce legislation that will allow adopted persons in the United States equal access to their original birth certificates.

Marching to Restore The Civil Rights of Adoptees

On August 6, 2012, at 10 am, The Adoptee Rights Demonstration will march at the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual summit, being held at the at the McCormick Place Convention Center Chicago, 2301 South Lake Shore Drive. Members and volunteers of the Adoptee Rights Coalition will also be exhibiting at the NCSL Legislative Summit. Adult adoptees from around the world will be joined by the parents who relinquished them, their adoptive parents who raised them, plus various family and supporters asking for one simple act; change the laws so they can be treated equally.

Many Reps Are Clueless Regarding State Discrimination Laws

When asked about the current adoption laws in their own state, many state legislators will find that the Adoptee Rights Volunteers know much more about the laws then they do.

"We have found that much of the general public, including many elected officials, are woefully unaware of the legal discrimination sanctioned in this country. Even adoptive parents and birthmothers/fathers have no idea that the laws are still decades old. If every caring adoptive parent knew that they were raising a child to be discriminated against, then they would be marching with us in Chicago." states Jeff Hancock, adoptee and demonstration organizer.

There is no legislation or any adoption contract that states why an adopted person is not entitled to his or her own birth certificate. Most of the laws were created to "protect" the infant from the stigma of bastardization, but those provisions are no longer needed, nor wanted by most parties involved. Those who would continue to deny adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates base their erroneous beliefs on information that is not supported by historical nor statistical facts garnered from both US and international states with open records legislation in place.

Adoptee Rights legislation is pending in various states including New Jersey, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the Adoptee Rights Demonstration, adoption legislation, and what you can do to support adoptee rights, contact The Adoptee Rights Coalition at: ARC@Adopteerightscoalition.com

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AdopteeRightsCoalitionand on Twitter @AdopteeRightsCo for legislative updates and community all year.

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