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Massachusetts SB 2690 (formerly SB 959) passed the legislature on December 26, 2006 and is awaiting the Governors signature.
The original bill in Massachusetts (SB 959) would have restored the right of unrestricted access to the original birth certificate to all Massachusetts adoptees. However, the amended bill (SB 2690) has been amended to favor some. The current version of the bill once effective if signed by the governor will allow those adopted persons 18 years of age or older born in Massachusetts on or before July 17, 1974 or on or after January 1, 2008 or an adoptive parent of an adopted person under 18 years of age and born in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2008 will be allowed unrestricted access to the original birth certificate; and adopted persons born in Massachusetts between the above dates can not access their original birth certificate with out a court order as under current law.
The bill also establishes a voluntary state operated contact information registry for those whose adoptions are between July 17, 1974 and January 1, 2008. Adoptees and natural parents can enroll in this government program with the hope that an original birth certificate might be forthcoming for the adoptee if the natural mother consents.
In addition, there is a section of the law that permits natural parents to file a form or letter with her willingness to provide information about her identity to the adoptee person. This will be considered by the state sufficient evidence to warrant the granting of an order for release of the information contained in the original birth certificate. Some of you may catch my wording on natural parents but then later refer to a natural parent as a her. This is how the law is written. Although it may be an over site of the sponsor of the bill some may consider this as a natural father may not file this letter. You can read the full text at http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/st02/st02690.htm
This legislation is a tiered access system that is very similar to other states who have had implemented this type of legislation or have pending legislation. What I don’t understand is that New Hampshire has passed legislation for unconditional access to the original birth certificate. One would think that it would set a precedent for the New England states? Why aren’t the surrounding states following suit?
I have a very close friend who is 71 years old. He was adopted as an infant. His only recolection is he was born in South Boston, Massachusetss. He has established that his birth mother passed away. He thinks she passed away in New Jersey.
He has done a little research without much success. He would like to find out as much as possible about his birth parents.
Can anyone please advise him (and me) what to do?
Thanks very much.