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Pennsylvania’s Adoption Medical History Registry
Sharing Important Health InformationFamily medical history information can be important to understanding one's own medical needs. Adoptees access to medical information is often limited. Pennsylvania has created a way for adoptees to gather birth family medical information from birth parents through the Adoption Medical History Registry (AMHR).
What is the registry?
The registry, which is operated by the Department of Public Welfare, enables birth parents to share their family medical history with the individual they placed for adoption. The registry serves as a central repository for collecting and storing birth family medical information and adoptee requests. Registry services are available for all adoptions of Pennsylvania-born adoptees.
Who does the registry serve?
The registry serves two groups of people:
Birth parents who gave birth in Pennsylvania and placed their child for adoption; and
Pennsylvania-born adoptees regardless of where the adoption was finalized.
Who may file medical history information?
A birth parent may file family medical history that includes information about themselves as well as other birth relatives such as other children, parents and grandparents of the birth parent.
Who may request the medical information?
The following people may request medical history information from Pennsylvania’s AMHR:
Pennsylvania-born adoptees age 18 or older; or
Adoptive parents or legal guardians of Pennsylvania born adoptees who are under 18 years old.
Will the privacy of individuals participating in the registry be protected?
Medical history information released to the adoptee is limited to non-identifying information only. Neither a birth parent’s name nor any other identifying information will be provided. Medical information will only be provided upon request to the adoptee or the legal guardian of the adoptee if that person is under the age of 18.
Are birth parents required to file medical history information?
Participation is voluntary.
Can medical history information be updated?
The registry encourages birth parents to update their information when changes occur.
What if birth parent information is not available at the time a request for information is made?
A request received from an adult adoptee or an adoptive parent/legal guardian of a minor adoptee will be kept on file. If information is received at a later date, it will be sent to the requestor.
What if the adoptee moves?
It is necessary for the person requesting medical history information to keep the registry informed of their current address.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for this service.
How does a person participate in the registry?
Forms can be obtained locally from an adoption agency, from any Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania or download here. The forms available are the Adoption Medical History Registry Brochure, the Adoptee Request Form and the Birth Parent Registration Form.
Forms can also be obtained by contacting the AMHR at 800-227-0225. Completed forms should be sent to:
Adoption Medical History Registry
DPW/OCYF
P.O. Box 2675
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-2675
Remember to have the form notarized or attach a copy of a valid driver’s license.
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