Texas law is currently dominated by the use of centralized files to control the release of any identifying information, including an original birth certificate. This has not always been the case, and it’s time to restore a right that was first restricted in 1957. Join Us.
1879
Codification
Texas codifies its first adoption law, which relates to the adoption of heirs.
1957
Sealing of OBCs After Adoption
Texas seals the original birth certificate upon issuance of the supplementary certificate after an adoption, making the OBC available only by court order.
1973
Central Records File
Establishment of the Central Records File, initially managed by the Department of Public Welfare, not by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
2005
TxCARE Advocacy
A new law successfully enacted on account of the work of Texas Coalition for Reform and Education (TxCARE) allows adult adoptees who know the identity of birthparents to obtain a noncertified copy of their OBC upon request and without restriction.
2018
Coalition Formed
Local and and national organizations join together to form the Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition.
2019
HB2725
Texas State Representative Gina Calanni introduces HB2725. It will restore the right of an adult adoptee to obtain a copy of his or her own original birth certificate upon request, without discriminatory restrictions.
The Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition is a coalition of Texas and national organizations working to secure the right of all Texas adult adoptees to obtain their own original birth certificates, without discriminatory restrictions.
