Adoptee Birth Certificate Bill conditionally vetoed by Governor Christie

June 28, 2011, Trenton- Governor Christie agreed last Thursday that adoptees should be able to obtain their original birth certificates, but insisted that birth mothers be given the opportunity to preserve their anonymity. Christie conditionally vetoed a bill which would have allowed adoptees to see their original birth certificates, saying that he believed additional safeguards were needed in order to balance a birth parents right to privacy with an adopted adult’s need to know the identity of their biological parents.

 

 Christie proposed changes to the bill, which include confidentially intermediary assistance from an adoption agency for adoptees who are searching for their birth parents. The bill would release an original birth certificate only after a one-year long ‘diligent’ search. Biological parents who are found, but want no contact with the adoptee, would be asked for a complete medical history, but would not be required to provide one.

Marie Tasy, of New Jersey Right to Life, said the governor’s proposal contained the right balance of interests, providing the ability to obtain an original birth certificate when all parties consented, and allowing adoptees to obtain medical history information, while respecting the privacy of birth parents. 

Democrats, who supported the bill, expressed disappointment, saying they were unsure whether they would accept Christie’s changes and make them law. Lawmakers do not have enough votes to override Christie. The current law will remain in effect if no action is taken. Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), a sponsor of the bill said, "I believe the governor took a very thoughtful approach. We just disagree on what he thinks is balanced.”

 

Vitale says that Christie’s proposed changes to the bill will cause those adopted after the law’s enactment to fare the worst. Birth parents will be required to fill out a form, at the time of adoption, saying whether they want future contact with the child, and under what circumstances, but there is no requirement that they provide medical information, and no way for adoptees to obtain it, if the birth parent does not cooperate.

For further details visit New Jersey Family Law Attorneys or wants an appointment contact Bergen County Child Support Lawyers here: 3 University Plaza, Suite 350 Hackensack, NJ 07601
Telephone: (201) 771-1808