Zone1 The Catholic and Morman church both oppose adoptees getting their original birth certificates

[Hafar1014]

As of late 2025, 16 states provide adult adoptees with an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates (OBC) upon request, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and others, according to the Adoptee Rights Law Center.
Adoptee Rights Law Center +1
Key Takeaways on Adoptee Access to Birth Certificates:

• Unrestricted Access (16 States): These states allow adult adoptees (usually 18+) to request their original, unredacted birth certificate without needing a court order.
• Compromised/Restricted States: Many other states have complex laws, such as allowing access only for certain birth years, requiring court orders, or allowing birth parents to redact their names.
• Growing Trend: Access is increasing, with states like Indiana, Missouri, and others recently changing laws to make it easier for adoptees to obtain their original records.
  UC Davis +3
• 
  
• The United States of OBC | Adoptee Rights Law
  
  Adoptees dont get a birth certificate we get an amended copy of a certified birth record that only lists the adoptive family. This denies us our human right to know our family of origin, medical history and ethnic identity. No other group in America is denied this right that has been made a part of international law in the UN Treaty of the Child.
  The two biggest opponents are the Catholic Church and Mormon Church. The Mormon Church went so far as to advocate a law that would make any adoptee who searches a criminal. The Catholic Church is hiding the identities of nuns ho become pregnant by priests and force them to adopt the child in a private adoption.
  I was an expert witness for 15 years in NJ and PA testifying before the legislatures. Both states passed bills to unseal our records.
  The battle continues

 

[TNHarley]

Awesome. So if the parents dont want to be known, they can just drop them off at the fire dept. That way, the government cant invade their privacy.
That sounds awesome.

 

[Hafar1014]

Awesome. So if the parents dont want to be known, they can just drop them off at the fire dept. That way, the government cant invade their privacy.
That sounds awesome.

Thats a crime although there are safe heavan laws but in reality this is rare. There have been cases where this occurs and the mothers leave a note with their names

 

[ding]

Catholic organizations, particularly state Catholic Conferences and Catholic Charities, have often opposed legislation granting adoptees unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Their opposition generally centers on protecting the confidentiality of birth mothers and preventing potential increases in abortions, arguing that guaranteed anonymity is necessary.

• Confidentiality Arguments: Catholic Charities and similar groups have argued that opening records violates the privacy promised to birth mothers and may lead them to choose abortion over adoption.
• Legislative Action: Catholic organizations have testified against bills aimed at unsealing records, such as in Pennsylvania.
• Varied Positions: While some Catholic entities oppose opening records, the position is not universal across all Catholic institutions, with some focus placed on specific state-level lobbying.
• Pro-Access Voices: Some birth mothers and Catholic groups (such as Eileen McQuade’s group in CT in this article from Texas Standard) support opening records, arguing that secrecy is harmful.

 

[ding]

As of late 2025, 16 states provide adult adoptees with an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates (OBC) upon request, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and others, according to the Adoptee Rights Law Center.
Adoptee Rights Law Center +1
Key Takeaways on Adoptee Access to Birth Certificates:

• Unrestricted Access (16 States): These states allow adult adoptees (usually 18+) to request their original, unredacted birth certificate without needing a court order.
• Compromised/Restricted States: Many other states have complex laws, such as allowing access only for certain birth years, requiring court orders, or allowing birth parents to redact their names.
• Growing Trend: Access is increasing, with states like Indiana, Missouri, and others recently changing laws to make it easier for adoptees to obtain their original records.
  UC Davis +3
• 
  
• The United States of OBC | Adoptee Rights Law
  
  Adoptees dont get a birth certificate we get an amended copy of a certified birth record that only lists the adoptive family. This denies us our human right to know our family of origin, medical history and ethnic identity. No other group in America is denied this right that has been made a part of international law in the UN Treaty of the Child.
  The two biggest opponents are the Catholic Church and Mormon Church. The Mormon Church went so far as to advocate a law that would make any adoptee who searches a criminal. The Catholic Church is hiding the identities of nuns ho become pregnant by priests and force them to adopt the child in a private adoption.
  I was an expert witness for 15 years in NJ and PA testifying before the legislatures. Both states passed bills to unseal our records.
  The battle continues

So not the church.

 

[ding]

Awesome. So if the parents dont want to be known, they can just drop them off at the fire dept. That way, the government cant invade their privacy.
That sounds awesome.

I'm pretty sure the government is monitoring you as we speak.

 

[Robert W]

As of late 2025, 16 states provide adult adoptees with an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates (OBC) upon request, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and others, according to the Adoptee Rights Law Center.
Adoptee Rights Law Center +1
Key Takeaways on Adoptee Access to Birth Certificates:

• Unrestricted Access (16 States): These states allow adult adoptees (usually 18+) to request their original, unredacted birth certificate without needing a court order.
• Compromised/Restricted States: Many other states have complex laws, such as allowing access only for certain birth years, requiring court orders, or allowing birth parents to redact their names.
• Growing Trend: Access is increasing, with states like Indiana, Missouri, and others recently changing laws to make it easier for adoptees to obtain their original records.
  UC Davis +3
• 
  
• The United States of OBC | Adoptee Rights Law
  
  Adoptees dont get a birth certificate we get an amended copy of a certified birth record that only lists the adoptive family. This denies us our human right to know our family of origin, medical history and ethnic identity. No other group in America is denied this right that has been made a part of international law in the UN Treaty of the Child.
  The two biggest opponents are the Catholic Church and Mormon Church. The Mormon Church went so far as to advocate a law that would make any adoptee who searches a criminal. The Catholic Church is hiding the identities of nuns ho become pregnant by priests and force them to adopt the child in a private adoption.
  I was an expert witness for 15 years in NJ and PA testifying before the legislatures. Both states passed bills to unseal our records.
  The battle continues

Slurs, stereotypes and violence have long plagued members of the Mormon faith​

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have long been subjected to prejudice and violence.​

Dinah Voyles Pulver
USA TODAY

A day before a shooter killed four people and set fire to a church in Michigan, students at a football game in Colorado chanted vulgar anti-Mormon slurs against the same religious organization.

The two events spurred sweeping conversations about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lingering anti-Mormonism against its members.

The University of Colorado's chancellor and athletic director quickly condemned the students' behavior, but it was at least the third time in the past year when chanting by student fans at college ball games with Brigham Young University took on a darker tone against members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns and operates BYU.

Slurs, stereotypes and violence have long plagued members of the Mormon faith

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have long been subjected to prejudice and violence.

www.usatoday.com

 

[TNHarley]

Thats a crime although there are safe heavan laws but in reality this is rare. There have been cases where this occurs and the mothers leave a note with their names

I figured. But if they cant conceal their identity, what will they do? If you get rid fo your offspring, i doubt you want them coming back to you when they turn 15. Maybe many will, but im not referring to them.

 

[Robert W]

Thats a crime although there are safe heavan laws but in reality this is rare. There have been cases where this occurs and the mothers leave a note with their names

What are the actual parents' rights as to what can be told to a child they detested so much, they got rid of it?

 

[ding]

...a child they detested so much, they got rid of it?

Do you know that is the case? Or are you assuming that that is the only possible reason for giving a child up for adoption.

 

[TNHarley]

Do you know that is the case? Or are you assuming that that is the only possible reason for giving a child up for adoption.

I figured the main reason was love

 

[ding]

I figured the main reason was love

I'm sure that's one of them.

 

[TNHarley]

I'm sure that's one of them.

lol oh absolutely.

 

[1srelluc]

Good, only in cases of the need of a organ transplant should the info be given out and then handled through a third party.

 

[ding]

lol oh absolutely.

Women place children for adoption primarily to provide a better life, driven by factors like severe financial instability, young age, lack of support systems, or unstable living conditions. It is a deeply personal decision often motivated by a desire to ensure the child’s safety, stability, and future opportunities.
American Adoptions +4
Key reasons for adoption include:

• Financial Limitations: Inability to afford the high costs of raising a child, including childcare and medical needs.
• Lack of Support/Stability: A, lack of emotional or physical support from family, or an unstable, unsafe home environment.
• Age and Readiness: Being too young or feeling mentally/emotionally unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood.
• Desire for a Better Life: A selfless decision to provide a child with a two-parent home or better opportunities than the birth mother can currently provide.
• Trauma or Personal Circumstances: Previous trauma, abusive relationships, or personal health issues that make parenting difficult.
  American Adoptions +7

Adoption today is generally considered a loving, brave choice rather than abandonment, often allowing birth mothers to select adoptive families and maintain connection through open adoption.

 

[tyroneweaver]

As of late 2025, 16 states provide adult adoptees with an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates (OBC) upon request, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and others, according to the Adoptee Rights Law Center.
Adoptee Rights Law Center +1
Key Takeaways on Adoptee Access to Birth Certificates:

• Unrestricted Access (16 States): These states allow adult adoptees (usually 18+) to request their original, unredacted birth certificate without needing a court order.
• Compromised/Restricted States: Many other states have complex laws, such as allowing access only for certain birth years, requiring court orders, or allowing birth parents to redact their names.
• Growing Trend: Access is increasing, with states like Indiana, Missouri, and others recently changing laws to make it easier for adoptees to obtain their original records.
  UC Davis +3
• 
  
• The United States of OBC | Adoptee Rights Law
  
  Adoptees dont get a birth certificate we get an amended copy of a certified birth record that only lists the adoptive family. This denies us our human right to know our family of origin, medical history and ethnic identity. No other group in America is denied this right that has been made a part of international law in the UN Treaty of the Child.
  The two biggest opponents are the Catholic Church and Mormon Church. The Mormon Church went so far as to advocate a law that would make any adoptee who searches a criminal. The Catholic Church is hiding the identities of nuns ho become pregnant by priests and force them to adopt the child in a private adoption.
  I was an expert witness for 15 years in NJ and PA testifying before the legislatures. Both states passed bills to unseal our records.
  The battle continues

I'm an adoptee of the state of Utah. My adoption records were sealed by the state.
I have figured it out thru DNA
I don't get the point here. If a person is adopted thru the Social Services of the Mormon Church why are they obligated to reveal what a Mother or Father want hidden
What the state does is their business But these are 2 different entities that differing laws
The states listed above are states. They aren't Churches

My mother committed adultery when she got pregnant. I don't think she wanted that blasted all over about her.... and too protect me

 

[TNHarley]

Women place children for adoption primarily to provide a better life, driven by factors like severe financial instability, young age, lack of support systems, or unstable living conditions. It is a deeply personal decision often motivated by a desire to ensure the child’s safety, stability, and future opportunities.
American Adoptions +4
Key reasons for adoption include:

• Financial Limitations: Inability to afford the high costs of raising a child, including childcare and medical needs.
• Lack of Support/Stability: A, lack of emotional or physical support from family, or an unstable, unsafe home environment.
• Age and Readiness: Being too young or feeling mentally/emotionally unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood.
• Desire for a Better Life: A selfless decision to provide a child with a two-parent home or better opportunities than the birth mother can currently provide.
• Trauma or Personal Circumstances: Previous trauma, abusive relationships, or personal health issues that make parenting difficult.
  American Adoptions +7

Adoption today is generally considered a loving, brave choice rather than abandonment, often allowing birth mothers to select adoptive families and maintain connection through open adoption.

So besides age, selfishness. lol
So you think "love" is not willing to better yourself for someone you "love" and created? Not willing, to the point of never seeing them again?

 

[Meriweather]

Adoptees dont get a birth certificate we get an amended copy of a certified birth record that only lists the adoptive family. This denies us our human right to know our family of origin, medical history and ethnic identity. No other group in America is denied this right that has been made a part of international law in the UN Treaty of the Child.

My best friend had been adopted, and she made it her life's mission to meet her birth mother. Despite sealed records, she succeeded, and mailed in her request to meet her mother. The mother denied the request and requested my friend not bother her again. My friend, of course, kept on despite this which resulted in her half-brothers and sisters begging her to let the matter drop.

Do mothers have the right to remain anonymous? Do adoptees have the right to know? Whose rights trumps whose? What I know is both my friend--and her birth family--were wrecks over this.

 

[TNHarley]

What about sperm donations? Where does this fit in?
Should donors not be able to remain anonymous?

 

[Hafar1014]

My best friend had been adopted, and she made it her life's mission to meet her birth mother. Despite sealed records, she succeeded, and mailed in her request to meet her mother. The mother denied the request and requested my friend not bother her again. My friend, of course, kept on despite this which resulted in her half-brothers and sisters begging her to let the matter drop.

Do mothers have the right to remain anonymous? Do adoptees have the right to know? Whose rights trumps whose? What I know is both my friend--and her birth family--were wrecks over this.

This happens in about 3% of the cases. I have mediated many and it goes better when there is mediator making first contact. Its common for the mother to change her mind. There is no right to remain anonymous. This has gone to the SC and Sandra Day O'Connor refused to hear an appeal

FILED: December 29, 1999

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF OREGON​

Neither a birth nor an adoption may be carried out in the absolute cloak of secrecy that may surround a contraception or the early termination of a pregnancy. A birth is an event that requires the generation of an accurate vital record that preserves certain data, including the name of the birth mother. That the state has a legitimate interest in preserving such data is not disputed here. We recognize that a birth mother may well have a legitimate interest in keeping secret the circumstances of a birth that is followed by an adoption and also that an adoptee may have a legitimate interest in discovering the identity of his or her birth mother. Legitimate interests, however, do not necessarily equate with fundamental rights. The state may make policy choices to accommodate such competing interests, just as the state has done with the passage of Measure 58. We conclude that the state legitimately may choose to disseminate such data to the child whose birth is recorded on such a birth certificate without infringing on any fundamental right to privacy of the birth mother who does not desire contact with the child.

So every adoptee has the right to search and contact. But if the mother says no then its a privacy issue I developed a contact protocol and out of all my contacts only one refused but her son wanted contact