WA state Native adoptees - GOOD NEWS

BIG NEWS! Wanted to let you all know that Governor Inslee signed the original birth certificate (OBC) bill (HB 1525) this week.  What this means is that after June 30, 2014, Washington state adoptees will be able to get a copy of their original birth certificate as long as their birth parent hasn't filled out a veto preventing them from getting their own birth record.

We worked hard to get the veto removed but certain legislators were hellbent on making sure there was a veto option for birth parents, and ultimately they got their way.

Statistics from other states show that the majority of WA adoptees will be able to get their OBC, which is good. It's just sad (and maddening) that there will be some adoptees who will be denied.
FOR ALL OF YOU WANTING TO GET YOUR OBC NEXT YEAR WHEN THE LAW GOES INTO EFFECT, WE ADVISE YOU REQUEST THAT OBC ASAP. Most vetoes will be filled out
the first year or two, so best to request it quickly next year.
-Penni

Washington State Adoptee Rights Bill

Website:   Washington Coalition for Adoptee Rights & Equality
Email: washingtonadopteerights@gmail.com

NOTE: We posted about this pending legislation on this blog... There are 24 tribes in WA state - that is one of the states where Native American children were taken as part of the Indian Adoption Projects!  I know many adoptees from there. So happy we have movement on opening adoption records, finding tribal relatives and OBC access. Sad there is a veto clause...Trace