FYI, especially for Adoptees; please pass this to other lists. > The state of Illinois will allow persons over the age of 21 to obtain > their original birth certificates, according to a new law passed there. > http://www.wifr.com/news/headlines/New_Adoption_Laws_in_Illinois_133858208.h tml?ref=208 It would be great if someone established a searchable website that would collect these new found birth certificates, and adoptees would have a place to post them. Perhaps some readers would like to find out why Illinois decided to change their laws, and how it came about, and report back to our lists. NYS law freezes adoptions forever, offering no hope to adoptees. Barb Metro NYC Researcher (New York, Westchester, & Putnam)