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Over 3,600 adopted New Yorkers file for birth certificates in 48 hours following new law

Posted at 11:12 AM, Jan 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-18 11:16:01-05

NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Friday more than 3,600 adoptees have filed applications to receive a copy of their original birth certificate.

This announcement comes following a new state law that allows adoptees to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate if they are at least 18-years-old and were born in New York.

"Adoptees have every right to the same birth records as everyone else, and the new law we enacted is making that a reality for the first time," said Cuomo. "The significant interest we've seen in just the first 48 hours of the new law being in effect underscores how valuable this policy change is for New Yorkers, and I'm proud we were able to help correct this inequity."

Melissa Rakvica never thought she was never going to find out who her birth parents are, she says she'll now start a new journey to try find her birth mother.

Adoptees can request a copy of their birth certificate from the New York State Department of Health by applying online, by mail or in person. All birth certificates will be issued by mail.