In the endless quest to get answers about family, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is continuing her effort to assist adoptees and their biological relatives in finding answers about the first chapter of their loved one’s life.
“Many in our community didn’t know their parent was adopted until shortly before or after their parent died – a situation we need to make sure the law reflects,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Children want to learn more about their parents’ lives and stories, and this bill will help connect them with those answers.”
As an adoptee herself, Feigenholtz has strived to ensure the adoption process in Illinois is transparent and supportive of adoptees, adoptive parents and birth parents. Feigenholtz passed the original birth certificate access law and has worked to expand the confidential intermediary program, which designates a certified, confidential individual to assist in the process of searching for information about birth relatives of an adoptee.
Over the past several years, a flurry of constituents have reached out to Feigenholtz’s office seeking information about their parents who were adopted. Many did not learn their parent was an adoptee until near the end of their parent’s life or after they had passed away.
In response, Feigenholtz is leading a proposal that would eliminate barriers by expanding the confidential intermediary program to include children and grandchildren of deceased adopted individuals. The goal is to continue the success of the confidential intermediary for adults who desire information about their adopted family member’s history.
“The calls I receive from relatives are not frivolous or idle curiosities. I will always work to remove unnecessary barriers the adoption community faces,” Feigenholtz added. “It’s important to unlock answers for the thousands who still don’t have access to family medical histories and other vital information.”
Senate Bill 3706 passed the Senate on Thursday.
