New law helps Illinois adoptees seeking family history

CHICAGO (WLS) -- If you were adopted, you will now have more assistance in finding information about your birth history in Illinois.

On Wednesday, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation that gives adoptees and their birth family members additional help in learning more about their family history.

The governor says the information will help adopted Illinois residents gain access to vital information about their medical history. In 2010, the governor signed the Illinois Birth Certificate Access Law.

The governor's office says the state now leads the nation in expanding adoptee rights.