Access Massachusetts
H.2294/S.1440 - An Act granting equal access to original birth certificates to all persons born in Massachusetts, was heard by the Joint Committee on Public Health on May 10. You may watch the recording of the hearing here. We expect the Committee to report favorably. Thanks to everyone who testified during the hearing and/or submitted written testimony!
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
/
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/