Connecticut House Bill HB05910

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Access To Birth Certificates By Adopted Persons.

Impact

The passage of HB 05910 is expected to significantly alter the accessibility of vital records for adopted adults. Currently, many adopted individuals face barriers in obtaining their original birth certificates due to existing confidentiality laws that differ based on the time of adoption. By standardizing access regardless of adoption date, this bill would unify the law across different adoption scenarios, simplifying the process and supporting the rights of adopted persons. Advocates argue that unimpeded access can help address health concerns and strengthen personal sense of identity among adopted individuals.

Summary

House Bill 05910 concerns access to birth certificates for adopted persons. Specifically, it proposes an amendment to section 7-53 of the general statutes that would allow all adult adopted individuals to acquire their original birth certificates, irrespective of when their adoption was finalized. This legislative intent is to enhance the rights of adopted individuals seeking personal history and familial health information, which is often crucial for medical and psychological reasons. Proponents believe that this bill promotes transparency and aids adopted individuals in understanding their identity and heritage.

Contention

While the bill likely enjoys support from adoption advocates and civil rights groups who view it as a step towards justice for adopted individuals, there may be notable opposition from those concerned about privacy issues. Some opponents argue that granting access could violate the privacy rights of birth parents, especially in cases of closed adoptions. There may be fears regarding the potential implications for families that may wish to maintain anonymity. The discussions surrounding this bill will likely revolve around balancing the right to information for adopted persons and the considerations for privacy for biological parents.