CONCORD, N.H. -- Calling it one of the most difficult decisions he's had to make since taking office, Gov. Craig Benson said he will let a bill become law that will allow adopted children to have access to their birth certificates.

Video

Decision Follows Passionate Debate

"It seems to me that people ought to know their past, know about their family, their health records," Benson said. "If you don't know, it'll be taxing for the rest of your life."

Under the new law, adopted children can have their birth certificates and related records when they turn 18.

Over the last five months, people on both sides of the adoption debate passionately shared their stories. Supporters of the bill called it fundamental fairness. Opponents said it shatters a promise made to birth parents to forever protect anonymity.

Some predict the new law will drive up abortion rates and devastate families. Benson said he understood both sides and struggled with the issue. He will not sign the bill into law, but he will allow it to pass without his signature.

Sen. Lou D'Allesandro sponsored the bill and has an adopted daughter. He said he's happy she will be able to learn more about her family if she chooses.

Benson decided to act against another bill, vetoing the emergency contraception bill, which would have allowed girls to get the morning-after pill from a pharmacist without their parents' knowledge.

The pill prevents contraception after unprotected sex. The bill's sponsors said it would have also helped victims of rape.