Connecticut House Bill HB05130

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/21
• Refer: 1/12/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Access To Original Birth Certificates By Adult Adopted Persons.

Impact

The bill's implications are twofold. On one hand, it promotes transparency and the right to personal identity for adopted individuals, which advocates see as a progressive and humane change. It is anticipated that by providing access to original birth records, the bill may lead to improved mental health outcomes for many adoptees who have long sought information about their origins. On the other hand, the legislation may reignite discussions about privacy concerns for birth parents, who may have their identities publicly accessible if such records are unsealed and made available without restrictions.

Summary

House Bill 05130 aims to amend the general statutes of Connecticut to grant adult adoptees aged eighteen and older the right to access their original birth certificates, regardless of their birth date. This legislation is significant as it directly addresses the gaps in access to personal information for individuals that were adopted, helping them to learn more about their birth identity and family background. By allowing access to these records, the bill recognizes the importance of personal history and lineage for adoptees and seeks to simplify the process of obtaining such vital documents.

Contention

Critiques of HB 05130 center on the balance between the rights of adoptees and the privacy of birth parents. Opponents of the bill argue that granting unrestricted access to original birth records could infringe on the privacy rights previously granted to biological mothers and fathers at the time of adoption. They worry that the emotional ramifications of this bill could impact not just the adoptees, but also birth parents who may not have wished to maintain contact or have their identities disclosed. This contention represents a complex interplay of rights whose resolution will define the way adoption and identity are viewed in Connecticut moving forward.