[NancyAshe]

On Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, New Hampshire's new law went into effect, allowing unrestricted access for adult adopted persons to their birth certificates. The law also provides birthparents with the opportunity to express their preference for contact or no contact. The bill's primary sponsor was Senator Lou D'Allesandro (an adoptive parent) and it passed the NH legislature with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans.

In a news story, Senator D'Allesandro explained how the process works:

Adopted Persons: Application Form

Adopted persons age 18 and older should complete an application form to start the process of searching for their original birth certificates. The form is available from the

Division of Vital Statistics Administration
Health & Welfare Building
29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-4650
toll free: 1-800-852-3345, ext. 4651

or online at http://www.sos.nh.gov/vitalrecords/

There is an application fee of $12 which applies whether or not the birth certificate is located.

Because of the rush that is expected as soon as the law goes into effect, New Hampshire officials are advising patience, as birth certificate searches could take as long as six weeks.

Birthparents: Contact Preference Form

The new law gives birthparents the chance to express whether or not they prefer contact by the adoptee or an intermediary. The form can also be used to provide updated birth family medical information. In the event a birthparent chooses no contact, the medical update must be provided.