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Health Officials Reviewing Arizona Vital Records Laws

The state Department of Health Services is reviewing Arizona’s vital records law now that same-sex marriage is legal.

State Health Services Director Will Humble said a spouse will be able to get a death certificate for a spouse regardless of gender. As far as birth certificates, he said his department doesn't expect major changes in how it issues them. But, Humble said officials are reviewing maternity and paternity laws to figure out how to register a birth when a birth mother wants her same-sex spouse listed on the birth certificate as the other parent.

Humble also said his department doesn't yet know whether adoption laws will be affected. State law doesn't prohibit same-sex couples from adopting children but the law does give preference to a married man and woman.

Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.