Starting Thursday, July 1, birth forms used to generate birth certificates in Wisconsin will be updated to include an option for “parent-parent,” in addition to “mother-father.” This change reflects Gov. Tony Evers’ administration’s commitment to gender-neutral terminology and recognizing that families are diverse and should all be recognized and valued in state systems, the governor’s office announced Monday.
“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,” said Gov. Evers in a statement. “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.”
On Tuesday, June 1, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #121 directing state agencies to use gender-neutral language in their external communications.
“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,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Updating our birth certificate forms is one important step on the long road to adopting gender-neutral language in all of our external documents.”
Other changes to the birth forms include using “parent giving birth,” and making the forms available in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
