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The governor has signed legislation which will allow Maine adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates. I applaud his decision, and congratulate all the triad members who worked so hard to open adoption records in the state. Maine becomes the sixth state to open its records.
Two states never sealed their records (Alaska and Kansas). A few other states have open records laws, but not what some reformers call “clean” legislation. Clean legislation carries no vetoes or adds restrictions. Open records for all adoptees, with no restrictions, is the goal of most adoption reformers.
The movement to open records is being embraced in many states at the current time. Supporters include not only adoptees, but birth and adoptive parents. All are needed to continue the fight! Six states now have open records – that leave 44 more states to go.
Every new state that opens their records encourages me. As one of the articles below indicates, these fights are long and hard. States open their records often only after many attempts. The battles to open records are hotly contested, generally by the same foes who constantly champion that they have birth mothers’ interests at heart. Sure, they do!
Many of the open records movements begin as grass roots movements, and yet they are succeeding. Some succeed with limitations imposed, but the best successes are those states which do not attach any restrictions for adoptees who want their birth certificates.
Legislation to open records succeeds due to many faithful and persistent triad members who never give up. I applaud the adoption reform advocates in Maine who spent countless hours and energy to restore adoptee’s rights to obtain their original birth certificates.
Which state will be next? Your guess is as good as mine. If you know about efforts underway in your state, let me know and I will write a follow-up piece to alert people to other states that may follow Maine.
Further Reading:
Anti-adoption and Open Records Groups Target Texas (This is a very old article, but interesting – mentions Governor Bush!)
Open Records Efforts Throughout the U.S.
Bill seeks to give adoptees access to birth records
Group Hopes to Spur Adoption Law Change
Photo by Jan Baker 2007
