PA adopted persons to have access to their original birth certificates
in Nov. 2017
For more information, contact:
Carolyn Hoard Choard192@verizon.net
Today Governor Tom Wolf signed HB 162 into law. Effective November 3, 2017, PA-born adoptees at age 18 will have the right to their original birth certificate (OBC) for the first time since 1984. When the bill was heard in the House Committee last year, one of the committee members added an amendment that the adoptee meet certain educational requirements, i.e., be a high school graduate.
If the adoptee is deceased, descendants can request a copy of the adoptee’s OBC.
While some adoptees may receive a redacted OBC (meaning the birth parent has requested the deletion of his or her name), we are confident that this number will be small. If a parent files a redaction, he or she is required to complete a medical history to be given to the adoptee.
The Department of Health has 7 months to develop all the necessary forms. Mark this date on your calendar – November 3, 2017 – the date adoptees will begin receiving their ORIGINAL Birth Certificates!!
Governor Wolf Signs 17 Bills into Law
November 03, 2016
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Wolf today signed the following bills into law:
Act 127 (Benninghoff) – Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations), in adoption, further providing for definitions and for original birth record.