[Verncait]

I was wondering if anyone (birthmother or adoptive mother) can get a copy of the originial birth certificate prior to finalization. How about after finalization? Is this something that an adopted individual would want in the future? If the birthmother can get a copy, should I ask her if she would be willing to do it? I don't want to cause her any additional pain, but I think the window of opportunity is quickly closing.

[lewellen]

About getting the original b/c, I don't know. Seems that would vary from state to state. I would definately check it out.

As to an adoptee wanting it, I think they probably would. It is part of who they are. I'm an adoptee (reunited) and I can't get to that document no matter what. I know what's on it, but I would still like to have it. If in the future your child has no interest in the b/c, you haven't really lost anything in keeping it.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

LewEllen

[numbr1dbcksfan]

I have my birthdaughter's original Birth Certificate.

[LilOne]

I also have 2 copies of the original b.c as well as her original ss card.


Lisa

[gigigeorge]

Our son was born in IL and up until the adoption was finalized (last week) they would not release his original birth certificate to anyone but his birthmom, now that the adoption is final we as his adoptive parents can now request it, which our attorney did for us.

It really is of no use since we are getting a new one but I wanted it for him... we have a very open adoption but I have collected every little scrap of paper for him to look at because if he gets anything from me... it will be his sense of curiosity !

gina

[lilifelover]

Yes, at least in TX you can. I have several copies. I'm not sure if the APs do...I'm ordering some to give to them at finalization as gifts.

If you ask her to order some ask her to order a few copies...and allow her to give one of them to you at her own pace.

It is something your child will want to see, something your birthmother will want to cherish and something you'll get a kick out of.

Good luck.

[Verncait]

Thanks for all your replies. I did send a letter to the bmother asking her if she would mind ordering a copy for us and one for herself. I also told her that I would send the paperwork and a check (if she agreed). She had written a short note back saying that she would call me sometime that week. But, that was 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard from her. She works 12 hour shifts and has a three year old at home, so she probably hasn't had time to fit me in her schedule yet. Should I go ahead and send everything and write a short note saying that I was just sending it in case she decided to order them? Our adoption was originally semi-open and she is just now, tentatively, opening up more. I really don't want to do anything that will make her take steps backward. So, do you think sending the birthcertificate request is being too aggressive? Thanks again everyone!

[numbr1dbcksfan]

Nah...maybe research an easier way of getting the BC instead of physically going down to get it..(since she is swamped) if it can be ordered online...maybe you can charge it then all she has to do is copy her ID.....

[sophiaG]

can the birthfather get one? how does it work? would you go through the agency since you have no information on the baby?

[sophiaG]

well, I just call the vital statistics department and they said he couldn't get one.

[momloveskids]

we got ours when we finalized the adoption, both the original and the new one with his new name on it

[mum2many]

we have 4 adopted children. we were able to get their original bc before the adoptions were finalized. then we got the new ones with our names on them.

[Jessiedo]

Would anyone have a clue as to how to begin trying to obtain an original bc from a closed adoption in 1985 in VA ??

[Kimmisue]

I wouldn't want our son to see his original b/c because his name on it is "infant male (last name)" When I saw that if just broke my heart. His bmom even signed that his name was the name that we had chosen, so I'm not sure why it is like that.


Kim

[carmentb]

Hi Kjv,
I'm a bmom and I have T's original birthcertificate. If his family or he asked for it, I would be happy to give it to them. I did give him a name, even though it's different from his name now. I am happy the hospital let me do that. And since we are in an open adoption, is wasnt to painful because I knew they would all be happy...I was very young at the time. What are your reason's for it? I'm asking that because when a birthmother has their certificate..it's certifies, for me, that this really happend, this was my first born...Hope I could help and I'll be thinking of you.
Carmen