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Navajos Struggle To Get Birth Certificates

Navajos born in remote areas of the Navajo Nation say getting a birth certificate to access retirement and health benefits has been a struggle under Arizona's strict regulations.

Most residents born before the 1970s were commonly delivered at home without any hospital-issued certificate.

Many of those residents today can obtain a "delayed birth certificate," but not without proper documentation.

Officials say sometimes as many as six documents are required in Arizona.

State Department of Health Director Will Humble says the state may update its policy and slash the number of necessary documents.

Humble says a new policy would give county health departments clear guidance about what tribal paperwork is needed and apply to all 22 tribes in Arizona.

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Information from: KNAU-FM, http://www.knauradio.org/

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.