First hour: Local adoptees weigh in on new state law allowing them to access their original birth certificates
Second hour: An update on the state of the coronavirus
For the first time in nearly 85 years, adoptees born in New York State are able to access their original birth certificates. Legislation making that possible went into effect earlier this month. WXXI’s Beth Adams reported on the law and what it means for local adoptees; they say the day the law was passed was monumental. This hour, we’re joined by local adoptees who share their stories, and we hear from a lawyer who says she thinks the legislation doesn’t go far enough. Our guests:
- Beth Adams, host of Morning Edition on WXXI News
- Jenny Thomas, adoptee who runs the Rochester Adoptee Support Group
- Andie Thompson, adoptee
- Cathi Swett, attorney and downstate coordinator for New York State Adoptee Equality
Then in our second hour, the World Health Organization will decide Thursday whether the coronavirus epidemic should be declared a global public health emergency. China reports 170 people have now died from the virus in that country, and diagnoses have now been made in at least 18 other countries, including the U.S. The CDC maintains the risk level is low in the U.S., with only five coronavirus patients identified. This hour, we’re joined by local physicians and researchers who discuss the state of the coronavirus and what we need to know. Our guests:
- Dr. Michael Mendoza, M.D., Monroe County Public Health Commissioner
- Dr. Angela Branche, M.D., infectious disease physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center
- Dr. Paul Graman, M.D., epidemiologist for Strong Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital
- Dr. Emil Lesho, D.O., infectious disease physician and epidemiologist at Rochester Regional Health
