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Pennsylvania Adoption Records

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Accessing Adoption Records in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania seals adoption records but allows adoptees access to their original birth certificates. However, birth parents can request to have their names redacted from these documents.

Adoptees and birth relatives can also get information, such as medical and social histories, through a state adoption registry. If both sides consent, the registry can share names and contact information for a potential reunion.

In many cases, adoptees are unable to access enough information through official Pennsylvania adoption records to find their birth family. 

But there is another way to find information shared consensually. Adopted.com allows you to search for family members through our voluntary adoption reunion registry.

When you register with Adopted.com, you’ll answer ten easy questions that most people know about their adoption. As the largest voluntary adoption registry in the U.S., we make reunions possible, whether you’re searching from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or somewhere in between.

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Currently, there are
11,836
members searching in Pennsylvania

Are Adoptions in Pennsylvania Open?

Pennsylvania allows open adoptions, where the adoptee either has contact with their birth parents or knows who they are. In 2010, the state passed a law that allows adoptive parents and birth relatives, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, to create voluntary post-adoption contact agreements.

A voluntary post-adoption contact agreement sets terms for ongoing communication or contact after the adoption. These contracts are legally enforceable, meaning any party can file a court motion to ensure the agreement is upheld.

How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate If I Was Adopted in Pennsylvania?

If you were born and adopted in Pennsylvania, you can receive a non-certified copy of your original birth certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You must be at least 18. If you’re under 21, you’ll need to provide documentation of your educational status, such as a high school diploma or GED certificate. There’s a fee for the application, which can take up to 45 days to process.

If you were adopted in Pennsylvania but born in another state, you need to contact that state’s vital records office.

How to Unseal Adoption Records in Pennsylvania

You will need to petition the court that handled the adoption to unseal the official adoption records. However, if you’re an adoptee or a direct descendant of an adoptee, you can request access to the original birth certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

This document will show your original birth name and your birth parents’ names. However, a birth parent can ask for their name to be redacted. If they have, this information won’t be shown on the document you receive.

If a birth parent has redacted their name from your original birth certificate, you have another state resource to find them. All birth parents who request redactions must submit their contact preferences and medical information to the Pennsylvania Adoption Information Registry (PAIR).

Birth parents must authorize the release of identifying information through PAIR. They can change their contact preferences at any time. Adoptees and their adoptive parents can also consent to releasing information and update their contact preferences through the registry.

Additionally, PAIR will provide medical information to adoptees if their birth parents have submitted it. This option allows a birth parent to keep their identity confidential but provides valuable health-related information, such as potential hereditary conditions.

Are Pennsylvania Adoption Records Public?

No, Pennsylvania adoption records are not public. You cannot access Pennsylvania public adoption records, even if you’re the adoptee, a birth parent, or an adoptive parent. However, the state allows family members to get information in specific circumstances.

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Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!

Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,254,242 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.

Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.

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RECENT MEMBERS IN Pennsylvania

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Reunions

Erin
Augusta, United States of America

I was matched with my birth mother just minutes after setting up my profile. It turns out that she had been searching for me for years. It's been a joy to connect with her and the rest of my biological family.

Sarah
Buffalo, New York

I found my children after 30 years, not long after I joined! I'm glad to say it's been a happy ending to my search

Cheryl
San Diego, California

54 years it took us until we found each other. We did a DNA test to confirm! Perfect match. We spent two weeks together and have a blessed, wonderful relationship! We even look alike in so many ways. She is more than I was expecting! Thank you for your website, Adopted.com!

Rosezetta
Wadesboro, North Carolina

I was looking for the mother of my daughter in law, and found both her mother and also grandmother in only 3 days. They are planning a reunion soon. Thank you soooooo much!

Amy
Tracy, California

I found all 3 of my siblings and met them in a week. My life has changed forever! One lives in Tracy and the other two are in North Dakota.

Hollie
Northampton, Massachusetts

Took me about 2 hrs to find a match. I contacted him and he is my brother! Thank you so much!

KIM
MODESTO, California

Within 24 hours my siblings and I were on the phone with our long lost sister.  Without Adopted.com it would have never happened.  We are sincerely grateful as we are now all a part of each other's lives!

Kara
Springfield, Missouri

I filled out my profile and had a match to my birth parents that same day! We connected on Facebook and talked for a while to confirm that the match was accurate and it was! We are all very excited to get to know each other!

Patricia
Enid, Oklahoma

This web site made my dream come true! I subscribed and not even 20 minutes later I found my family.

Kathy
Jacksonville, Florida

I have found my daughter!  I got on adopted.com on Friday about 8pm. I had 6 matches‚ I sent out 3 messages and my daughter Karen was the first one to reply. By 9pm we were emailing each other. She looks just like me. I can't believe this has happened. Thank you adopted.com for this successful reunion!

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