Hello New York Bastardettes and Bastards–
For more than 80 years New York adoptees have endured a humiliating, frustrating, and rarely successful process when they requested their own vital records. The enactment of S3419 in Spring 2019, reverses the discrimination and repeals a Depression-era law that had prevented adults from possessing their own original birth certificates.
Now the day has arrived–January 15, 2020–and you can receive your OBC and related documents without restriction, without condition, without groveling.
Born in New York City’s five boroughs: file for your OBC at various locations there. Here is the link with application details, locations, and forms. NYC is currently only taking mail-ins.
Born in the rest of the state: apply through the New York State Department of Health. The agency has released information here as well as a FAQ for how it will handle applications for OBCs. Please read this information, especially the FAQ, carefully.
FOR FASTEST SERVICE APPLY ONLINE. iN-PERSON OR MAIL APPLICATIONS WILL TAKE SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER. TO PROCESS.
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Bastard Nation has established a large New York State adoptee rights archive:
Front Page (General Infomarion, Access, NYS History, Links 2007-2017)
A2019 Action Alerts, Testimony, Statements, and Media
2019 Media, Photo, Video Gallery
Signing/Enactment – November 15, 2019 – January 14, 2020
Opening and Beyond — January 15, 2020-current
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Bastard Nation once again thanks the New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Reclaim the Records, the American Adoption Congress, the hundreds of local, state, and national organizations, the literally thousands of individuals. and New York lawmakers who made this law a reality.
If we can make it there
We can make it anywhere
It’s up to you
NO EXCUSES
New York Adoptee Rights Coalition
