MADISON, Wis. — Parents in Wisconsin will have a gender-neutral option to identify themselves on the birth certificates of their newborns starting next month.
Starting July 1st, the forms used to generate birth certificates in Wisconsin will provide an option for “parent-parent” in addition to the current “mother-father” spaces on the form.
Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Health Services made the announcement Monday.
It’s part of the governor’s efforts to use more gender-neutral terminology in state documents and forms whenever possible. In a statement, the governor said the change recognizes the growing diversity of Wisconsin families, which should be valued and respected.
“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,” Gov. Evers said in his statement.
DHS secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said the changes to the forms are one step toward adopting more general-neutral language in their external documents, as directed by an Executive Order Gov. Evers signed earlier this month.
“We are working hard to make Wisconsin a more inclusive, equitable and just state and this update ensures our LGBTQ Wisconsinites are seen and heard when welcoming a child into the world,” Timberlake said.
The new forms will still include a space to record “parent giving birth.” The forms will be available in English, Spanish and Hmong starting July 1st.
Parents who want to request a switch to the “parent-parent” labeling on an existing birth certificate can do so by calling the Vital Records Office at 608-266-1373 or by email after July 1st.
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