New Language Options For Wisconsin Birth Certificates Announced

ACROSS WISCONSIN — The governor and the state health department announced that Wisconsin birth certificates will have gender neutral options for parents.

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Monday that Wisconsin parents will have gender neutral identification options for birth certificates starting in July.

The gender neutral options will be used to identify the parents of an infant, the governor's office said in a statement.

Forms used to generate birth certificates will have the option for "parent-parent," in addition to "mother-father," the office said. It added that that other changes to forms include using "parent giving birth."

The forms will be available in English, Spanish and Hmong starting July 1, the office said. It added that the changes match other public forms that use gender-neutral language.

“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 Evers. “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.”

Evers signed an executive order on June 1 to direct state agencies to use gender neutral speech in their communications.