can't get a birth certificate! - Page 2

[greenleesjewel]

health dept

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[SagMom]

Ugh--I can't imagine your frustration, this is frustrating ME! How can they not allow you to register a birth? As Candice said, it's really important that they know you're trying to REGISTER a birth, and NOT obtain a birth certificate. Most people calling those offices are looking for copies of birth certificates, which is probably why you were sent over to vital statistics. I'd give the health dept one more shot and make it really clear that you're trying to register a birth. (I'm not sure from your post how you're wording it, so forgive me if you've made it clear already to them.)

[greenleesjewel]

I'll try that!

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[MamaMel]

We are probably going to be in the same possition that you are in a couple of months from now, so please, please keep us updated as to what finally works! What kind of 'proof' do they want you to provide anyway??

[greenleesjewel]

health dept

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[SagMom]

That's amazing, Greenlee. Sorry I couldn't help. Since it's a STATE birth certificate, I don't understand how it can vary from county to county or town to town. If you go ahead and write to senators and such, I'd be really interested to hear the outcome, if you don't mind posting. Good luck!

[jenoline]

A friend of mine suggested contacting the ACLU. Surely you can't be denied a birth certificate just because the birth was not witnessed by a medical professional! This makes me angry, and a bit concerned about what I'll do if I choose to have a homebirth. Good Luck!!!

Oh - I just re-read your post and saw that you don't want to have to go to court. Very understandable. But if you do, I would definitely try the ACLU, instead of trying to hire a lawyer yourself

[Alexander]

Just sue them.

That'll wake them up.

Especially if the suit goes with local coverage.

a

[Greaseball]

Just remember, the government LOVES to keep track of everyone, so although they may jerk you around a lot at first, eventually you all will get your certificates.

[SagMom]

oooooh! Alexander had a good idea there---contact a newspaper--if you give them your story, and point out that other people in your state have no trouble getting a bc after a homebirth, that will bring the policy into question. What exactly IS the policy? Does anyone know? Reporters love inconsistencies in laws and policies. Isn't Camden considered an "inner city?" I wonder if people in wealthy suburbs have the same problem. (A low blow, I know, but it might attract the attention you're looking for--the state wouldn't want to be accussed of discrimination.)

[parisfrance]

I've been reading all this with interest, and Greenlee, let me just say, I admire you very much.

I think it's an awesome idea to contact the media. Also to write to government people (senators and the like). Be sure in all cases to write down names of the people you deal with (clerks and supervisors) at the various offices who turn you down (just asking for their names will make them nervous). Remind all government people and the media that your son is a future taxpayer and voter, and this is ridiculous to deny him that "opportunity" lol.

Good luck!!!

Michelle

(I tried for a homebirth, ended up with c/s. I used to live in New Hope, PA before moving to Europe)

[greenleesjewel]

going public

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[parisfrance]

Your children are lucky to have such a caring mommy, Greenlee, good luck!!!!!

Michelle

[laralou]

I understand your reticence to publicize your controversial decision. Don't do anything to jeopardize your baby. I don't think you should ever raise awareness if the cost is they may take your baby away. But do bug the mess out of them. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the oil! Just keep going up the chain of command until you get what you need.

I also thought I would say fine and just not do it. Your babe won't need it for a long time and maybe by then the laws might change.

So I say fly under the radar AND be a squeaky wheel... now that is a tough combination.

If you aren't successful, post your governors info here and we will all write in protest!


edited because I'm a dolt and didn't finish reading before I responded.

[SagMom]

I can understand your concern. (It's really easy for ME to say "go to the papers! fight the fight! when I'm sitting on this end of the internet line!) I've been trying to remember when I've had the need for a birth certificate. I did need one to enter school, and I think to get married. I can't think of anything else though.

[jordmoder]

Hi all -

This is such an interesting thread (and what a drag for you, Greenlee!)

I worked as a licensed midwife in Washington state, and because I was licensed, I was REQUIRED to file a birth certificate. There were certain people who didn't want their child registered with the state, for their own reasons, but a birth certificate was a part of me being licensed.

Unfortunately, it *is* a real drag not to have a birth certificate if you ever want to get a passport or do anything else that requires proof of citizenship. And the State *does* have a vested interest in having a record of its citizens.

But what are you supposed to do???? I can't believe you are the only person/family who had their baby alone - most don't plan it that way, but that shouldn't matter in the slightest for you all! Was your husband present when your child was born? HE'S a witness, for goodness sake! and that is all a medical person is for the purposes of a birth certificate. In Washington state, the Informant, or person providing the information is the MOTHER and the person providing the certification is the WITNESS. Ridiculous that they say you can't get one. They probably just don't have the system set up to accept a non-credentialed witness.

Maybe you should say something like "Fine! I won't register my child with the state, and I will tell others what a pain it is, and they won't either." See how fast that gets attention!

Good luck to you and your sweet one.

Barbara

[laralou]

Dh had a great suggestion: Get a lawyer. (if you can afford one) I don't remember if anyone else suggested it. That way you could get your birth cert and protect yourself and your baby too.

[greenleesjewel]

lawyer

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[IamHeather]

Are you actually in Camden? Maybe you could try going to a wealthy section of Camden county - like Haddonfield. Just a thought since someone else posted here about not having a problem getting a cert. in NJ in their county.

[yaboobarb]

If you haven't yet, I would definitely go to the media!

They would eat up a story like this!

Poor Poor Baby!