NEWS / Seven Months of Waiting: Same-Sex Oklahoma Couple Frustrated by Delayed Birth Certificate for Son

Two mothers in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Amanda and Tiffany Spitz, are facing an agonizing seven-month wait for their son Connor's birth certificate. What is typically a routine administrative process has turned into a bureaucratic labyrinth, leaving the couple frustrated and worried about their family's legal protections.

Connor's arrival in June marked the culmination of a carefully planned journey for Amanda and Tiffany. Married in 2021, the couple built their family through reciprocal IVF, with Amanda carrying Tiffany's egg. "Even though he's not genetically related to me, he is genetically her baby," Amanda explained, as quoted by KFOR Oklahoma News 4. "When you ask 'Who's the mom?' We're both the mom."

However, legal recognition of their family unit in Oklahoma proved challenging. Birth certificates in the state only offer "mother" and "father" fields, forcing the Spitzes to make a decision at the hospital. "I was listed as the 'mother,' and Tiffany was listed in the 'father's position,'" Amanda explained. This presented problems, as Tiffany wasn't recognized by her maiden name due to the limited format of the document.

Despite submitting the birth certificate for modification in July, the process has been plagued by delays and miscommunication. "We were told our case was forwarded to a special unit," Amanda recalled, "and then in December, they said they were having imaging issues." The wait has taken a toll, with Amanda expressing, "At this point, it's ridiculous."

The need for the birth certificate extends beyond mere paperwork. "Tiffany could be taken off Connor's insurance at any time because legally, I'm the only one recognized as his parent," Amanda pointed out. Additionally, the couple plans to adopt Connor to ensure equal legal rights and protections for both mothers.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) acknowledged the importance of accurate documentation in a statement to News 4, stating, "It's vitally important for all required forms to be filled out timely, completely and accurately." However, the department's response hasn't provided much solace for the Spitzes. "We've been very patient," Amanda pleaded, "Could we please get our birth certificate?"

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