I didn't know this. I wonder who are the other 8 states that allow this. Anyone know?
Illinois adoptees claiming their birth certificates
By: AP July 29, 2013
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ Nearly 9,000 adoptees have claimed their birth certificates since
Illinois fully re-opened birth records for adopted residents less than two years ago.
And thousands more nationwide have come forward to claim their papers, prompting reunions
between mothers and children.
Illinois is now one of nine states since 1999 to re-open original birth certificates to
adults adopted as children. The law's sponsor _ Chicago Democratic Representative Sara
Feigenholtz (FYE'-ghen-holts) _ says it allows everyone to have access to the truth
about their birth.
Adoptees also can glean crucial medical history even if they don't meet their birth
mothers.
Thirty-five-year-old Maura Duffy of Chicago, Illinois met her birth mother for the first
time last September. She says she is thankful to her birth mother and adoptive family for
all they did for her.