Social Security Administration Rescinds Maine Newborn Registration Order

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reversed a recent order requiring Maine parents to register their newborns for Social Security numbers at federal offices instead of hospitals. This decision, which was initially met with criticism from medical organizations and public officials for being burdensome, was part of a broader government efficiency drive under President Trump's administration. Acting SSA Commissioner Lee Dudek apologized for the oversight, acknowledging the undue burden it placed on Maine residents, and reinstated the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program. The decision was quickly rescinded after it was recognized that it would disrupt a decades-long practice and potentially affect electronic death registrations. Speculation arose that the initial order might have been politically motivated, yet no official reason was given for its issuance. The reversal ensures that Maine parents can continue to conveniently obtain Social Security numbers for their newborns at hospitals.