P&D Public Hearing – 02/03/2021 – HB 6105: The Adoptee Birth Certificate Bill

02/03/21 - Public Hearing (see time callouts to the right >)

03/02/21 - Final Vote, Unanimous Approval of HB6105 (Start at 57:37 - 8 mins.)

Where to watch:

Karen Caffrey, Adoptee
President, Access Connecticut
Starts @ 2:31 – Karen gives a primer about the bill and answers questions for 30 mins.
Read her written testimony

Eileen McQuade, Birthmother (relinquished 1966)
Board Member, Access Connecticut
Co-Founder, Catholic Mothers for Truth & Transparency
Starts @ 3:11 – Eileen tells her story and answers question for 15 mins.
Read her written testimony
Read her collective testimony from Catholic Mothers for Truth & Transparency (includes 3 Connecticut Catholic Charities agreements)

Gary Osbrey – Adoptee
Starts @ 5:09 – Gary tells his story and answers question for 15 mins.
Read his written testimony

Desiree Stephens – Adoptee
Board Member, Access Connecticut
Starts @ 7:16 – Desiree explains how adoptees/parents are using DNA and answers questions for 15 mins.
Read her written testimony

Other relevant testimonies:

Kathy Flaherty- Adoptee
Starts @ 1:00 – Kathy shares her story and answers questions for 15 mins.
Read her written testimony

Art Arpin- Adoptee
Starts @ 3:27 – Art shares his story and answers questions for 15 mins.
Read his written testimony

David Reynolds – Lobbyist representing Catholic Charities
Starts @ 7:50 – David asks legislators to keep the current law in place because he believes it honors undocumented verbal agreements Catholic Charities made with birthmothers many years ago.