ALBANY, N.Y. — There's a new law in New York State taking effect this week that will make a big difference for adoptees.
Starting Wednesday, any adoptee who turns 18 years old will have the right to get a certified copy of their original birth certificate.
It passed in Albany by a wide margin, with supporters saying adoptees deserve to get information about their family and medical history.
"Every person has the right to know where they come from, and this new law grants all New Yorkers the same unrestricted rights to their original birth records," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a released statement. "After years of being denied this basic human right, adoptees will finally be able to obtain critical information about their origins, family histories and medical backgrounds."
If the adoptee is deceased, their direct descendants may request a copy of the adoptee's birth certificate.
Adoptees can request their birth certificate by applying online starting January 15. Paper applications will also be accepted by mail and in person.
For more information:
https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/preadoption.htm