Same sex couples will soon be allowed to use the word ‘parent’ on birth certificates of children born through donor-assisted births, when a new Bill is passed.
The Civil Registration Bill 2019 will resolve a number of difficulties in the registration of donor assisted births, and will be brought forward as a priority, according to Minister Ciaran Cannon.
This Bill will extend the required particulars for registration of a birth to include “Parent” on a birth certificate.
Currently, birth certificates issued in respect of donor-assisted children born to same sex couples only allow for the recording of the mother’s details.
These changes will facilitate the registration and re-registration of births of children of same sex female couples, and this will affirm their parental rights.
Minister Cannon explained that in addition to the current labels of ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’ on birth certificates, parents of non-donor assisted children may also avail of the label “Parent” should they so request it.
“While the changes proposed will affect a relatively small number of people, they touch on matters that are very sensitive and of great importance to those families affected.
“My Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection Regina Doherty has met with and spoken to many affected by this issue.
“I am very pleased these changes are being brought forward as a priority to ensure that they can be introduced as soon as possible,” Minister Cannon said.
