“It’s crucial that the state passes this bill, which allows adopted children to access their birth records. This will help ensure that adoptees not only have a fair shot at knowing their medical history, but also at finding their identity.” – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch

Bridgeport, Connecticut (May 6, 2014) – With less than 48 hours left in the legislative session, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Representative David Alexander (D-58) joined advocates from Access Connecticut urging passage of adoptee rights legislation (H.B. 5144).

“As an adoptee, I know first-hand what it’s like to lack access to your birth records,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “It’s crucial that the state passes this bill, which allows adopted children to access their birth records. This will help ensure that adoptees not only have a fair shot at knowing their medical history, but also at finding their identity.”

In 2006, then State Senator Finch was the sponsor of similar legislation that passed through both chambers of the General Assembly. However, then Governor Jodi Rell vetoed the bill. Since, the bill has failed to make it through both the House and Senate. In order for H.B. 5144 to become law, it must be passed by the Senate by Wednesday, May 7, 2014, and signed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

“This is a tough emotional issue for adoptees like myself,” said Representative Alexander. “But this is about social reform and giving people their identity. Most states are adopting similar legislation. We’re running out of time and pleading with the Senate to take up this issue and get it passed.”

Karen Caffrey, president of Access Connecticut: “I stand here not as a person who is taking back a right they never had, but to get my right back. We’re not only considered second-hand citizens based on state law, but also emotionally. The status quo is a failed experiment. This bill will cover 24,000 adoptees and serve as a great first step.”

For more information, please visit www.bridgeportct.gov.