Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) has come out against legislation, Assembly Bill 420, known as the Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act (UPPA). The legislation would allow minors, including those in elementary and middle school, to obtain morning after contraception in an effort to avoid pregnancy without consulting their parents or physicians. Instead, the assemblyman is pushing for adoption to be promoted instead of morning after contraceptives.

“A minor should not be making the life-altering decision of terminating the potential for human life, let alone be making that decision without parental or medical consultation. I find this piece of legislation to be without merit,” said DiPietro. “These children have to be made aware of their actions, the repercussions and the full spectrum of their options. Adoption is an underutilized service in New York State and the country in general.”

As part of his plan to promote adoption as an alternative, Assemblyman DiPietro is co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 909, otherwise known as the Adoptee Bill of Rights. This legislation would allow adopted children to receive a non-certified copy of their birth certificate and/or a medical history form, if available, once they turn 18 years of age.

“This is a glaring oversight in the policies affecting those who were adopted. For these citizens not to be afforded the ability to see their birth certificate and medical history forms is appalling,” DiPietro said. “I am proud to be a part of this fight to ensure that the adopted citizens of New York can have the same access to their files as anyone else.”

For more information regarding the Adoptee Bill of Rights or Assemblyman David DiPietro, please contact his district office at 585-786-0180. He can also be reached by e-mail at dipietrod@assembly.state.ny.us. To keep up-to-date on all legislative matters affecting Wyoming and portions of Erie County, “like” Assemblyman David DiPietro on Facebook.