Access to an original impounded birth record. (FE)
If enacted, SB15 would significantly alter the legal framework governing access to birth records in Wisconsin. The proposed law allows individuals whose birth parents' rights were terminated or who were adopted prior to February 1, 1982, to access their birth records without needing to provide an affidavit from their birth parents. This shift is aimed at empowering adoptees, fostering transparency, and allowing individuals to connect with their origins more freely. The bill does emphasize that certain restrictions will remain in place for specific cases, such as adoptions involving Indian children.
Senate Bill 15 aims to expand access to original impounded birth records in Wisconsin. Currently, individuals whose birth records were impounded during the adoption process face restrictions in accessing their original birth certificates. SB15 proposes to grant any person over the age of 18, whose original birth record has been impounded, unrestricted access to their original unaltered birth record by allowing them to request an uncertified copy. This change addresses the current limitations placed on individuals over 18, enabling them to obtain vital information related to their identity and family background.
The discussions surrounding SB15 highlight divergent views on privacy and access rights. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step forward for adoptees seeking closure and a connection to their biological heritage. They assert that access to original records is crucial for personal identity and the right to know one's history. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the rights of birth parents and the potential emotional impact on families involved in adoptions. They argue that allowing unfettered access to these records could lead to unintended consequences for the birth parents and adoptees alike.