California Alliance for Adoptee Rights

Thank you!

I agree some still didn’t understand that SB 381 isn’t about contact or medical information. Rather it’s restoring adult adoptees’ rights to access our records. But, they supported it!

SB381 has unanimously passed the California Senate! A huge step forward. On to the assembly!

In the California Senate, the third reading is the final stage of floor action where a bill is presented for a vote by the entire house. It includes a final, updated analysis, allows for debate, and requires 21 votes, in the case of our bill, to pass. Go SB 381, Go!

Those near Sacramento, come up to the balcony (on the left side facing the speaker) and find Lori and Paul, or join others of us as we watch via live stream! The bills tend to follow the order in the Daily File, but not always. It will be recorded and we’ll post clips so don’t worry if you miss it.

We just got an update from the Senator’s office - the plan is for SB 381 to be taken up today, Tuesday 1/27.
Session goes from 10am-3pm. We don’t know exactly when our bill will be heard.
Join in person to watch on the balcony, or on the live stream:
www.senate.ca.gov/calendar

legiscan.com/CA/drafts/SB...

it just requires a Legiscan account (can do that with email), but it’s all good - any ways we make our voices heard are good.

The conversation in front of the health committee today is infuriating. We’re devoting infinite time to this hypothetical group of birth mothers who don’t want their children to have access to their records.

I’ve spoken to so many birth mothers. I’ve never met this woman.

it's basically where a lot of bills go after being heard in appropriations committee, and the good news is we passed the suspense file today and the bill now moves to the senate floor for a vote - next week!

California Adoptees and Equal Rights supporters everywhere, 🥚
Another way to make your voice heard re: SB381 is the comment section on Legiscan.
Please leave a quick comment of support if you can (and “like” any comments you agree with). Education is important right now. #adopteerights

SB 381, summarized in a fact sheet 🥚

Yes on SB 381.

🎉 "California proudly protects bodily autonomy. The state enshrines the right to control your own medical decisions, your own reproductive choices, your own identity.

Unless you’re adopted.

Then California claims the authority to seal your birth certificate..."

Anyone who has ever attended a municipal government meeting will be familiar with the “there are many people who oppose this but they couldn’t be here” maneuver

Access to one's OBC is a fundamental human and civil right and current laws reflect outdated, mid-20th century beliefs about adoption secrecy that have been disproven time and again. YES on SB 381

Adult adoptees in CA are denied the right to their own original birth certificate. SB 381 restores equal access to this record. It is not about contact, reunions, or confidential communications. It's simply about allowing adults to access the document that records the true facts of their birth.

Thank you for posting this, not a new video, but an important one!

Sealing original birth certificates (OBCs) after adoption is an outdated and discriminatory practice rooted in stigma, not necessity.
In the era of DNA testing and social media, secrecy no longer exists. What remains is a policy that simply denies adoptees equal access to their own identity.