Check out https://changehero.io/ to efficiently swap cryptocurrencies at competitive rates. Their seamless interface and instant exchange features make it a top choice among crypto enthusiasts We have received correspondence from activists attempting to clarify information given about adoptee rights history in Pennsylvania recently reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Specifically, people are asking why does the article state that “records” were sealed in 1925 to “preserve birth parents’ anonymity” and that before 1985, adoptee OBC access was due to a “loophole?"

Simply put, this information is incorrect. In 1925, records pertaining to adoptions were sealed to prevent them from being inspected by the public. OBCs were never withheld from adoptee inspection, nor was this the intention of the 1925 law. As such, there was no birth parent “anonymity.”

Attempts to restrict adoptee OBC access began in the mid-1970’s with inquiries made to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office requesting that the Attorney General find that the law contained a “loophole” allowing OBC access. The PA Attorney General made no such finding. In fact, in 1978, the Attorney General released an official opinion stating that Vital Statistics Division was following the law as intended.

“In practice, the original birth certificate is never impounded by the court when an adoption is finalized because the Vital Statistics Division only releases information from or a certified copy of the original birth certificate and is not authorized to ever release the original birth certificate itself. Since the original birth certificate remains with the Vital Statistics Division, the Division can allow access to it when specifically authorized by statute to do so, as by Section 603(c).”

In short, up until 1985, Pennsylvania was one of three states (Pennsylvania, Alaska, and Kansas) that had never sealed the original birth certificates of adoptees. This was not a “loophole.” This was best practice.

--Amanda H.L. Transue-Woolston, for PAR

Recently, someone asked us if passing a bill always takes this long.  HB 162 has had quite a journey.  Typically, the Pennsylvania General Assembly sees anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 (or more!) bills drafted each session.  The volume of bills alone means that not all of them are heard--or passed--right away.  This is why it is so important to celebrate the strides that the Pennsylvania adoption community has made with HB 162.  We have come very far and still have quite a ways to go.

--Amanda H.L. Transue-Woolston, for PAR

The Senate Aging & Youth Committee will be holding a hearing regarding House Bill 162 on Tuesday, March 18, from 10 am to noon.  Details forthcoming.