Bastard Nation is a proud member of the New York Adoptee Rights Coalition
We are ten days away from the effective date of historic legislation that allows any and all New York born adult adoptees to apply for and receive a certified copy of their own original birth certificates.
Here’s what we know:
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be handling applications for those born in any of the five boroughs of NYC (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island). On its webpage, the department has stated:
Starting on January 15, people who were born in New York City and then adopted will be able to order their pre-adoption birth certificate by mail. We will also start taking orders online later in the year. Check back on this webpage on January 15 for more information on how you can get your pre-adoption birth certificate.
The New York State Department of Health will be handling applications for those born anywhere outside of the five boroughs of NYC. On its webpage the department has stated:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation on November 14th 2019 allowing adoptees for the first time to receive a copy of their birth certificate when they turn 18-years-old. This measure (S3419/A5494) helps ensure that all adult New York adoptees will have the same unimpeded right to information about their birth and biological parents. This act shall take effect on January 15, 2020. Additional information on how to request the birth certificate will be made available on the New York Department of Health website.
We remain in communication with the NYS DOH and should have details on the process at the beginning of the week
The process has not been delayed. Unlike many other states that often had more than two years to prepare for applications, New York has had two months from the date of the law’s enactment to create the application process. The state and city health departments have been diligently working to develop applications and procedures, and both will be effective on January 15, 2020.
Here’s what is not yet clear from either department:
- Will applications be accepted in person, online, or by mail only?
- Will we need to present a copy of our amended birth certificate to either the state or to New York City?
- What will the exact cost be? (The law says it must be a “nominal fee,” and we expect it to be similar or equal to what non-adopted persons currently pay)
As soon as we know more we will let you and our supporters know. In the meantime, sit tight and try to avoid all the crazy speculation. Really, the speculation is just a form of fear mongering. We don’t expect the process to be anything that complicated.
Hang in there. I’m doing the same.
Annette
Spokesperson • coalition@nyadopteerights.org
The New York Adoptee Rights Coalition works to restore the right of adult adoptees in New York to obtain their original birth certificates, without conditions or restrictions.
Coalition Organizations
Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York
Bastard Nation
Adoptee Rights Law Center
Reclaim the Records (Strategic Partner)
Supporting Organizations
AdoptieZaken & Familierecht (AZF/Netherlands)
California Open
Canada Open Records
Concerned United Birthparents
Equality for Adoptees
Indiana Open
Italiadoption
Know Your Own
Michigan Open Records
Minnesota Coalition for Adoption Reform
Missouri Open
National Center on Adoption and Permanency
New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
Nevada Open
Post Adoption Center for Education & Resources (PACER)
New York Adoptee Rights Coalition
