MICHIGAN: Adoptees Could Have More Access to health History Under Bill

ASSOCIATED PRESS
March 10, 2008

Adoptees could have more access to health history under bill
By TIM MARTIN

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Some adopted children would be able to get information about their biological family's medical history and possibly copies of their original birth certificates when they become adults under bills that soon could be voted on in the Michigan House.

Rep. Lisa Wojno, a Democrat from Warren and sponsor of the bill, says the legislation is aimed at helping adoptees learn more about their health prospects. She said the legislation could be a tool to help people learn whether they are at higher risk for cancer, hereditary diseases or other illnesses.

"Without that information, it puts their health and their children's health at risk," Wojno said.

The bill is undergoing some revisions but could be ready for a vote later this month. The changes under discussion could help ease concerns about privacy rights for biological parents.

Michigan law allows some adopted individuals to get birth certificates once they become adults. But for those adopted between May 1945 and September 1980, a copy of the original birth certificate showing the names of biological parents is available only with a court order. Otherwise the documents are sealed.

Denise Lindeman of Center Line told a House committee that the bill is needed to provide parity in Michigan adoption law. Lindeman was adopted, but as an adult has been reunited with her birth mother.

The House bill as originally written would allow adoptees 21 and older to apply for a copy of their original birth certificate regardless of when they were adopted. A birth parent of an adopted individual could file a form with the state indicating whether they want to be contacted by the child they gave up for adoption.

Birth parents also would have the option to file an updated medical history form with the state, which would be available to the adoptee regardless of whether the parent wants to be contacted.

Another option under consideration during a revision of the bill would allow adoptees to obtain a health history without getting a copy of the original birth certificate. That provision is aimed at alleviating concerns the bill would violate confidentiality promises made to birth parents years ago.

Ed Rivet, legislative affairs director for Right to Life of Michigan, said the bill could be drafted to ask biological parents to provide a health history at the time of the adoption placement. That could provide vital health information right away, rather than requiring adopted children to wait until they become adults.

That option also would protect confidentiality, allowing closed record adoptions in some cases.

"We need to leave that option available, even though it's a small segment," Rivet said.

There are more than 2,500 adoption placements in Michigan each year.

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The adoption records bill is House Bill 4896.

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On the Net:

Michigan Legislature: http://www.legislature.mi.gov

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