[tarabendle]

On April 4 the Adoption Institute submitted testimony during a public hearing in support of a Missouri bill (HB509) that would permit adult adoptees 18 years or older to obtain a certified copy of their original birth certificates. A similar bill was rejected on April 23 by the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly, the second time such legislation has failed to become law; Gov. M. Jodi Rell had vetoed the measure last year. The Adoption Institute also submitted a letter in support of legislation in Michigan (HB4259) that would permit second parent adoptions and allow unmarried couples to adopt jointly in the state. To read the Institute testimony in Missouri, go to: http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/pol..._missouri.php; to read the Missouri bill, go to: http://www.house.mo.gov/bills071/bills/hb509.htm; to read the Institute testimony in Michigan, go to: http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/pol..._michigan.php; to read the Michigan measure, go to: Michigan Legislature

[misspiwackit]

I know this will result in a major debate but here goes. As a birhtmother I am against original BCs being released to an adoptee. My right to privacy should not be set aside for someone's need to know. Let's remember this is a right gauranteed us by the Constitution and Bills of Rights. Now before everyone started nailing me to the wall - I do believe that the Missouri Registry should be better runned. I do believe that when the adoptee is over the age of 21 if any either the adoptee or the birth parents which to find each other then the registry should work with that person in the search. This way privacy is protected and as everyone in reunion will tell you "Timing" is everything.

I would gladly volunteer time to help run the registry and search as most agencies charge and alot of young adoptees cannot afford the search.