Pennsylvania law restricts the disclosure of an adoptee's original birth record, allowing only certain disclosures with the consent of birth parents. Birth parents can file consent forms to permit the release of a summary of the original birth record once the adoptee turns 18. The Department of Health is responsible for establishing procedures for consent and withdrawal, and for implementing regulations for authorized search representatives.
Only with the consent of the birth parents or through specific legal procedures can the original birth record be accessed. Otherwise, it remains confidential.
Yes, birth parents can withdraw their consent at any time by filing a withdrawal of consent form with the court and the Department of Health.
A summary can be requested once the adoptee turns 18, or if under 18, by the adoptive parent or legal guardian, provided the birth parents have given consent.
The Department of Health prescribes procedures and forms for giving, updating, and withdrawing consent, and enforces regulations related to birth record disclosures.