• The Weprin/Montgomery bill passes Assembly and Senate
  • Signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on November 14, 2019
  • The new law will go into affect on January 15, 2020.

New York Ends 83 Years of Inequality for Adopted People

On June 20th 2019, the New York State Assembly overwhelmingly approved the bill that ends 83 years of secrecy over the original birth certificates (OBC) of adult adopted persons. The vote was 140-6 in the Assembly, with the Senate passing the measure 56-6 earlier in the month. It is expected to be signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo shortly and once law, will restore the right for adults to request and receive their own pre-adoption birth records.

For details of the changes, please see this post from the New York Adoptee Rights Coalition. As the effective date approaches, we should learn how the Department of Health plans to implement the law, including what the application will look like, what identification may be required for application, and whether the department will use an online, mail, or in-person application process, or a combination of them. We expect, as in other states, it will be a mail-in paper form that could also be delivered in person. 

See Adoptee Rights Law for a wonderful updated of answers and questions about New York’s newly enacted adoptee rights law, which Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed on November 14, 2019.

REQUEST YOUR ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE!

AS OF JANUARY 15th, 2020: On June 20th 2019, the New York State Assembly overwhelmingly approved the bill that ends 83 years of secrecy over the original birth certificates (OBC) of adult adopted persons. The vote was 140-6 in the Assembly, with the Senate passing the measure 56-6 earlier in the month. On November 14, 2019, it was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo into law and restores the right for adults over the age of 18 to request and receive their own pre-adoption birth records. As part of the larger New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York is please to state that after over 40 years of failed legislative efforts, we have FINALLY CHANGED THE LAW!!!  On January 15, 2020 , both New York City and New York State will release the necessary forms and begin processing applications. Click here to find out how to apply!
HOW TO REQUEST AN OBC

Catch up on the press coverage: 

Watch history in the making: