AUGUSTA — State Sen. Paula Benoit, R-Phippsburg, will be part of a news story airing on ABC News with Charlie Gibson because of her efforts to pass legislation to help adopted adults.

Benoit, who was adopted, sponsored legislation last year to give adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates. While exploring her family history, Benoit discovered she is the aunt of two sitting state lawmakers — Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, and Sen. Bruce Bryant, D-Dixfield.

“The fact that in trying to find my identity I discovered that two of my legislative colleagues were my nephews is a great story, but it is also important to remember that while the story is great, what is most important is that because of this law thousands of adult adoptees will be able to have access to their original identity in 2009,” she said in a statement.

The segment is expected to air Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Benoit’s district includes Richmond, and 10 other Sagadahoc County communities, along with Dresden in Lincoln County.