Wednesday, 22 February 2012 07:19
Citizenship for children born by surrogacy
Guidelines have been issued by the Department of Justice for the granting of Guardianship for the fathers of children born to surrogate. mothers. The phenomenon of surrogacy has become more widespread in Family Law and it is essential to obtain leagl advice on the topic before proceeding.
The principle is set out that the woman who bears the child is recognised as the mother even though she may have been impregnated by the egg of another woman. The birth mother is recognised as having a lifelong relationship with such a child.
Where the child is born abroad, a father may apply to the courts in Ireland for a declaration of parentage, while applying for an emergency travel certificate to bring the child home.
The father must undertake to proceed with his application for guardianship within a time limit when the child is brought to Ireland.
This legislation is long overdue and it is imperative that these guidelines be made law as soon as possible.
The principle is set out that the woman who bears the child is recognised as the mother even though she may have been impregnated by the egg of another woman. The birth mother is recognised as having a lifelong relationship with such a child.
Where the child is born abroad, a father may apply to the courts in Ireland for a declaration of parentage, while applying for an emergency travel certificate to bring the child home.
The father must undertake to proceed with his application for guardianship within a time limit when the child is brought to Ireland.
This legislation is long overdue and it is imperative that these guidelines be made law as soon as possible.
Published in
Family Law
