My son was placed for adoption in 1993, and I no longer have a copy of his original birth certificate?

Question

and would like to have one for sentimental reasons. I do not want any identifying info, or anything like that, just the birth certificate that was issued to me when he was born. Is that possible?

Answer 1

I don't think you can get another one for they most likly changed his name and your name off the birth record. My son has gone to the court house 3 times to get the birth record of his son that was put up for adoption and they can't even find one on the baby, So good luck

Answer 2

I do NOT believe it is possible. Once the adoption is finalized the adoptees original record is sealed to EVERYONE, unless opened by a court order via a petition by the adoptee.

My nmother tried getting mine for me, because I want it for "sentimental" reasons, but she was denied.

This is discrimination.

Only 6 states in the US give adoptees access to their original unaltered birth certificates: Alaska, Kansas, Oregon, Maine, New Hampshire and Alabama. In those states the adoptee upon the age of majority can access their original, unaltered ( real )birth certificate.

But mothers are discriminated against as well. They should also have access to these records like I have access to my nonadopted childs birth records.

There is no "legal" justifcation for this. Origins, the natural family preservation activist group is a huge advocate for this. If you want to activly pursue changing these discriminating laws against you, my guess is Origins is your best shot!

Answer 3

try going to the courthouse in the county that he was born in and they should have it there.  i'm not sure if they would give it to you, but it doesn't hurt to try.  that's where i had to go to get my birth certificate...i had to pay a small fee and they mailed it to me in a few weeks...its worth a shot.

Answer 4

I think Gershom answered the question most accurately.

It depends on the State your son was born in.  Most States still seal the birth certificate once the adoption is finalized.  It's sealed from everyone; including the parties to the adoption

I hope everyone involved in adoption today is involved in getting these age-old secrecy laws changed

Answer 5

Hi Dianna,

Yes, you are entitlted to a copy of your child's birth certificate.  It would have been easier had you done that before the subsequent adoption was finalized; however, it can still legally be done.  After an altered birth certificate is issued, the original is no longer stored there, but it still exists.  I'm assuming that this occurred in a U.S. state that has sealed records.

I read a book years ago by Mary Jo Rillera, an adoptee and natural mother, who included sample letters of what to say to obtain those documents & where to send them.  ( I think it was called the adoption searchbook.  It's the one w/the puzzle pieces on the cover.)

I believe your letter will go to the state vital statistics office, I remember you have to have it notorized, and you should send it certified mail, return receipt requested.  Enclose the appropriate fee they charge for birth certificates.  In the letter, you need to state who you are and the facts surrounding your child who was later placed for adoption.  (Names, dates, places, etc.) Mention that you did not receive his birth certificate at the time he was born.  Say that you understand that the child now has an amended birth certificate and that is not the information you are seeking.  Specify it is the original document you are requesting.

Remember, you have the legal right to have the original one but not the amended one.  The adoptee and adoptive family may only request the amended one.  The first person who gets your request may not understand that, so don't be discouraged if you have to persist or go above them.  

If it's not the vital stats office, then you could try writing that same letter to the judge in the county where the adoption was finalized and he/she would have the authority to give you the original birth certificate.

Hope one of those ideas helps.  Good luck to you.

julie j

reunited adoptee

& search asst.

Answer 6

Sadly no, you will not be able to get a copy of the OBC until you reunite.  The industry feels it must protect by not giving it to you.  Sorry I know its doesn't make sense but its the truth.

Answer 7

You can request a new birth certificate, you can call the hospital or the nearest courthouse that your son was born by and they should be able to help you.

Answer 8

you can get another one if you no where he was born that should have a copy!!

Answer 9

Contact the hospital where he was born. If they can't do it they'll tell you who to go to.

Answer 10

I don't know but maybe you could contact the adoption agency or attorney you used. They could possibly tell you.

You could also try contacting the states birth records agency they might be able to help you too.

God Bless