BOSTON — Adoptees across Massachusetts are celebrating the passage of legislation granting them access to to their birth records. The effort, spearheaded by State Sen. Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer), rights a wrong that has put many generations at a disadvantage. Until legislation passed, adoptees were not able to access their birth records.
Following a ceremonial bill signing by Gov. Charlie Baker, Sen. Gobi offered the following remarks, “I have waited six years to see this legislation come to fruition. With advocacy from Senate President Spilka, Sen. Lovely, and Jean Strauss (East Brookfield), our Commonwealth is righting a wrong, and telling our adoptees that they have not been forgotten. I thank Gov.r Baker for signing this legislation.”
“At this point in time, we should not deny people access to their medical information and life history simply because of when they were born, or subject them to a cumbersome process,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I want to thank Senators Gobi, Comerford, and Lovely for their work on this legislation.”
“Many adoptees have been waiting their whole lives to learn their history, and I am honored to have played a part in helping them access their original birth certificates,” said Sen. Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. “For the sake of preserving our health and well-being, it is crucial to know what physical or mental health conditions to which we may be predisposed. By giving all adoptees born in Massachusetts access to their original birth certificates, this legislation closes a 34-year gap granting generations of individuals medical knowledge they have otherwise been denied. Thank you, Senate President Spilka, Sen. Gobi, Rep. Garballey, and all my Senate colleagues for affirming that everyone deserves to know where and from whom they came so they can make the most informed decisions possible for themselves.”
Central Massachusetts advocate Jean Strauss, who has worked alongside Gobi to see this bill passed, said, “Sen. Gobi has been a champion of this issue for years, and it’s been amazing to watch it finally pass. Many citizens have worked to see this happen for over a decade, and this is a day of joy and celebration.”
Gobi’s legislative victory ensures that barriers that once impeded and excluded adoptees from their birth records are no longer in the way.