How Have Birth Certificates Have Changed over the Years?

Birth certificates have undergone numerous modifications since the early 20th century.  Here’s a brief overview of changes made to the California birth certificate. These changes have made them both a vital part of modern life and an important acknowledgment of individual rights and freedoms. We’ll also reveal how to get a birth certificate in California.

It Began with a Shift in Control

In the 16th century, churches were in charge of recording and registering births. In turn, this also helped governments to keep a count of the population, allowing them to later impose taxes on individuals and conscript them for military service. It wouldn’t be until almost the mid-1800s that the government would assume control of birth registration, and then make it mandatory after several decades.

Changes in Birth Certificate Usage

Where this important document used to be used for the sole purpose of providing a record of a child’s birth, it can now be used for much more. For example, anyone conducting a search for “how to get birth certificate California” will see that this document can now be used to obtain other required documents like a passport or social security number.
 
As well, in being able to produce a birth certificate, a person can more easily be enrolled in educational programs and receive many social services.

Recognition of Gender Identity

Although the requirements for information included on birth certificates has gone largely unquestioned in the past, this is no longer the case. Now, individuals who don’t agree with the gender indications on the document are demanding changes.

These demands have not gone unheard; the beginning of 2018 saw the introduction of a third gender option, “Gender X,” on Washington and California birth certificates. This option allows individuals who don’t identify as male or female to indicate this legally.

Inclusion of Both Partners

It used to be that, where it came to any statement of parentage or spousal relationship, the only legally recognized form of this designation was solely heterosexual.
 
Today, thanks largely in part to the landmark civil rights case of Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex relationships are not only recognized in terms of marriage rights but have now also been extended to the marriage-related rights of both partners; specifically, the parental information on a child’s California birth certificate sample.
 
Previously, only one partner of a same-sex relationship was legally able to be listed as a child’s mother or father, but now both partners can be included and recognized as legal mothers or fathers of a child. However, some states continue to refuse to allow these changes, and only time will tell how this will eventually play out in the U.S.

Don’t Be Without a Birth Certificate

If you’ve lost or misplaced this vital document and are wondering how to get a new birth certificate in CA, there’s great news: FastBirthCertificates has an easy 3-step process. Get a completely legal copy of your birth certificate fast so you never have to be without it for long.