An Act Concerning Access To Birth Certificates By Adopted Persons.
If enacted, this legislation will significantly modify existing state laws pertaining to adoption and access to personal identifying information. It will allow adult adopted individuals the ability to request copies of their original birth certificates directly from the Department of Public Health, thereby shifting the power dynamics in favor of the rights of adopted persons. The bill also mandates that any birth parent wishing to share their preference regarding contact and provide health history must submit a form to the appropriate state department, which protects the interests of both parties involved.
SB00059, titled 'An Act Concerning Access to Birth Certificates by Adopted Persons,' was introduced to enhance the rights of adult adopted individuals in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill focuses on allowing adopted persons, aged 21 and over whose adoptions were finalized after July 1, 2014, to obtain access to their original birth certificates. This access includes critical health information and records that can be vital for personal health decisions and history. The push for this bill comes from a recognition of the right for adopted individuals to know their origins and health backgrounds, which is increasingly viewed as an important aspect of personal identity and wellbeing.
Overall, the sentiment around SB00059 appears to be supportive among advocates for adoption rights and transparency, as well as legal professionals specializing in family law. Proponents argue that open access to birth records promotes health awareness and improves the quality of life for adoptees and their descendants. However, some concerns have been raised regarding privacy, as opposing views caution against an unregulated release of sensitive information that might affect the birth parents or adopted individuals themselves.
The main points of contention surrounding SB00059 revolve around privacy rights and the potential impact on birth parents, particularly those who may not be prepared to reconnect with their biological children. Critics argue that while the bill fosters transparency, it could lead to unwanted intrusions into the lives of birth parents who may opt to remain anonymous. The balance between an adopted individual's right to know their origins and the privacy rights of biological parents continues to be a sensitive and complex issue in the discussions around this bill.