Access Massachusetts
H.2294/S.1440 - An Act granting equal access to original birth certificates to all persons born in Massachusetts, is scheduled for virtual hearing on May 10AM - 2PM by the Joint Committee on Public Health! You may submit written testimony in advance and/or plan to testify live. Links and instructions will be posted here. Please copy your testimony to OBCforMA@gmail.com
Resources - learn more
ACCESS MASSACHUSETTS DOCUMENTS:
Access MA Frequently Asked Questions
Letter of Support - Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS and INFORMATION:
Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys http://www.adoptionattorneys.org/aaaa/academy
Adoptee Rights Coalition https://www.adopteerightscoalition.com
ARC How to Order Records by State https://www.adopteerightscoalition.com/how-to-request-records-by-state
Concerned United Birthparents:
Donaldson Adoption Institute:
National Adoption Clearinghouse:
North American Council on Adoptable Children:
Child Welfare Information Gateway (overview of state adoption statutes nationwide):
Child Welfare Information Gateway (OBC access by state)
International Soundex Reunion Registry
A.L.M.A. (Adoptees Liberty Movement Association):
STATE ORGANIZATIONS:
Colorado - Adoption Search Resource Connection https://www.asrconline.org
Connecticut - Access Connecticut:
Indiana - H.E.A.R. (Hoosiers for Equal Access to Records)
Maine - Truth in Adoption Maine https://www.facebook.com/pg/Truth-In-Adoption-Maine
Minnesota Coalition for Adoption Reform:
Missouri - missouriadopteerightsmovement.com
New York – Adopt Equality http://www.nyadoptionequality.org
North Carolina – Coalition for Adoption Reform:
Oklahoma Open original birth certificates for all adopted adults - https://www.facebook.com/pg/Oklahoma-Open-original-birth-certificates-for-all-adopted-adults
Texas - STAR (Support Texas Adoptee Rights) -
ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS:
Samuels, Elizabeth J., Surrender and Subordination: Birth Mothers and Adoption Law Reform (2013). 20 Michigan Journal of Gender and Law 33 (2013). Available at SSRN:
FOR THE RECORDS: Restoring a Legal Right for Adult Adoptees. Donaldson Adoption Institute. (2007).
FOR THE RECORDS II: An Examination of the History and Impact Of Adult Adoptee Access to Original Birth Certificates. Donaldson Adoption Institute
Let’s Adopt Reform Report: Adoption in America Today, Donaldson Adoption Institute. (2016).
Luce, Gregory, THE (SOMETIMES) UGLY POLITICS OF ADOPTEE RIGHTS
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FILMS/VIDEOS:
Four Birthmothers For Mothers https://vimeo.com/channels/adopteefilmchannel/119964199
BOOKS:
Ann Fessler: Ann’s bestselling book, The Girls Who Went Away, provided a much-needed window to the experience of women who lost their children through adoption in the middle of the twentieth century.
Jean Strauss: "Birthright: A Guide to Search and Reunion", has over 70 stories within its pages - and the majority are of adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents and family members from Massachusetts. http://www.jeanstrauss.com/films/birthright-the-guide-to-search-and-reunion/
MUSICIANS:
Darryl McDaniels: DMC – My Adoption Journey, is available on his website.
http://www.me-dmc.com/index.cfm/pk/content/pid/4391
Zara Phillips: author, filmmaker, songwriter and singer English-born Zara Phillips teamed up with Darryl McDaniels for the single “I’m Legit” in 2009. http://www.zarahphillips.com/