Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF268

Introduced
2/13/23  
Introduced
2/13/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 60; See HF 720.)

Impact

The implementation of HF268 could have significant implications for state laws regarding the recording of vital statistics, particularly concerning adopted individuals. By facilitating the amendment of birth certificates, the bill aims to enhance the rights of adopted persons to access information about their biological parentage. This aligns with growing sentiments about the importance of transparency and seeking one's roots in adopted individuals, reflecting a societal shift towards openness in adoption-related matters.

Summary

House File 268 (HF268) addresses the process by which adult adopted individuals in Iowa can amend their original birth certificates to include omitted biological parent information. The bill explicitly allows an adopted person, who is at least 18 years old and whose original birth certificate has been replaced by a new one due to adoption, to apply for amendments. This amendment would permit the addition of the biological parent's name that was originally left out of the birth certificate.

Contention

Notably, the bill requires that a sworn affidavit and substantiating evidence must be provided to prove the biological relationship when amending the birth certificate. This requirement, while intended to protect against fraudulent claims, could raise concerns over privacy rights for biological parents who may or may not want their information disclosed. Conversations around the bill highlight a tension between the rights of adopted persons seeking information and the privacy of biological parents, potentially leading to public debates about the ethical implications of such amendments.

Companion Bills

IA HF60

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See HF 268, HF 720.)

IA SF187

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See SF 517.)

IA SF517

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees. (Formerly SF 187.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF720

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 268, HF 60.)

Previously Filed As

IA HB4672

Relating to access to original birth certificates to adopted adults or their lineal descendants

IA HB3076

Relating to access to original birth certificates to adopted adults or their lineal descendants

IA HB550

Adult adoptee; access to original birth certificate.

IA HB838

Adoption; authorize original birth certificate to be provided to certain adoptees and birth parent contact forms.

IA HB1395

Adoption; authorize original birth certificate to be provided to certain adoptees and birth parent contact forms.

IA HB664

A BILL to amend and reenact ยงยง 32.1-261 and 63.2-1246 of the Code of Virginia, relating to adult adoptee access to original birth certificate; contact preference form.

IA HB2093

Adult adoptee access to original birth certificate; contact preference form.

IA HB664

Adult adoptee access to original birth certificate; contact preference form.

IA H4541

Adoption

IA H818

Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.