An Illinois bill that would give adopted adults access to their birth certificates has overcome an important hurdle, passing a March 18 vote in the State House.

The bill represents more than 15 years of work for sponsoring Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, an adoptee herself. Feingenholtz said data from Illinois and other states show birth parents contacted by adopted children overwhelmingly consent to give medical or other personal information. [Source: St. Louis Dispatch]

If passed, birth mothers would have until January 1, 2011 to decide whether theyre willing to have their information released. The bill is now headed to the Senate for a vote.

Labels: adoption rights, adopted adults

Posted By: Aspen/CRC