Just thought I'd share a thought that ran through my mind while at work today... I work in a California hospital, in the birthing center. I am one of the birth certificate coordinators. It is my job to make sure the patient submits all the information needed to properly complete the baby's birth certificate. As of two years ago, in California at least, a new law was passed that makes it necessary for single parents to each sign a "Declaration of Paternity", to participate in the "Paternity Opportunity Program" or POP. Basically, what it means to the hospital is that we cannot enter the name of the father of the baby on the legal birth certificate UNLESS both parents sign the "POP", stating that they both agree that he is the father of the baby (fob), that he, as the father, agrees to take full paternal responsibility for the child (which later works out into child support). It also enables the baby to receive any benefits it may be due if anything happens to the fob, or to be able to access medical records if need be. Now, what I was tossing around in my head is this; how is it going to effect the future genealogists? Think about how many unmarried fobs will not be present at the birth of their children, or will refuse to sign the POP form... It kind of reminds me of the old days when the hospitals used to stamp "Illegitimate" on the birth certificates of children born to unmarried parents. Things that make you go "hmmm", Laura