Gender-neutral parent language options to be added to Wisconsin birth certificates
Parent options on birth certificates will have labels like "parent-parent" instead of just "mother-father"
MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) – A new, gender-neutral option for identifying parents of a newborn will be added to Wisconsin birth certificates starting on July 1.
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the change Monday during Pride Month.
Birth certificates will be updated to include options other than “mother-father,” like “parent-parent.”
“This change reflects my and my administration’s commitment to gender-neutral terminology and to recognizing that Wisconsin families are diverse and should be valued and respected,” Evers said in a news release. “I am glad to see this change being made as we continue to update our state policies and procedures to better reflect the Wisconsinites we serve.”
Other changes to the birth forms include using language like “parent giving birth.”
Parents who would like to switch their identification on their child’s existing birth certificate can do so anytime after July 1. They can contact the Wisconsin DHS Vital Records Office, DHSVitalRecords@wisconsin.gov, or by phone at (608)-266-1373.
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