Illinois birth certificate rules take effect giving adoptees access

SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois law taking effect this week will allow more adoptees to get copies of their original birth certificates and possibly learn the names of their biological parents.

Generally, original birth certificates are sealed and new ones are issued when adoptions are final.

But starting Tuesday, adults who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1946, and were surrendered or adopted will be able to request non-certified copies of their original Illinois birth certificates.

The change comes under the amended 2010 Illinois Adoption Act. Other parts of the law have already taken effect.

Original birth certificates typically include birth parents' names and places of birth.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says birth parents who want their information kept confidential can fill out a form.