A new law gives people who are adopted more access to Illinois records about their family history.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Friday that makes it easier for adoptees to get their original birth certificate, which normally is sealed.
Under the legislation, adoptees born before Jan. 1, 1946 can get their birth certificates right away. Adoptees born after that date will have to wait until next November.
In the meantime, a public awareness campaign will be launched to let adoptees and birth parents know about the change in the law. That way, birth parents can take the necessary steps to keep their identities secret if they choose.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Friday that makes it easier for adoptees to get their original birth certificate, which normally is sealed.
Under the legislation, adoptees born before Jan. 1, 1946 can get their birth certificates right away. Adoptees born after that date will have to wait until next November.
In the meantime, a public awareness campaign will be launched to let adoptees and birth parents know about the change in the law. That way, birth parents can take the necessary steps to keep their identities secret if they choose.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
