From next month, lesbians who have children through IVF will be able to name their partners on the birth certificate - regardless of who the sperm donor actually is.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, which comes into force on 6 April, will allow female couples to have both their names added to birth certificates, with single women being allowed to nominate their child’s other parent. This could include anybody who gives permission and is not a close blood relative.
Predictably, the move has come under harsh criticism.
Baroness Ruth Deech, a former chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said: “What I object to is the falsification of the birth certificate. It is supposed to be a true record of the genetic origins of birth. This is putting the rights and wishes of the parents way above those of the child. It is absurd that anyone can be named as the father or the second parent.”
The Act also means that any person can be named as the second parent, unless they refuse to give their consent or are a close blood relative.
The named second parent has legal obligations, including potentially being pursued for financial contributions to the child’s upbringing.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has advised lesbian women to consider postponing treatment to take advantage of the new law.
A spokeswoman said: “If a lesbian couple, for example, were thinking about having IVF treatment they might be better off waiting until April because the rules about who they can name as a second parent will make things easier.”
Critics have complained that the move will “falsify” birth certificates.
However, Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris has defended the changes, saying that the rule is unlikely to be abused. He commented: “This is a big step and is unlikely to be taken by someone who does not take their responsibilities seriously.”