p. 38811. Parents and Guardians
- N V Lowe, N V LoweEmeritus Professor of Law at Cardiff University
- G Douglas, G DouglasProfessor of Law at King’s College London
- E HitchingsE HitchingsProfessor in Family Law at University of Bristol
- , and R TaylorR TaylorAssociate Professor of Law at University of Oxford and Fellow in Law at Exeter College, Oxford
Abstract
This chapter considers the fundamental legal status of parenthood. Scientific developments and social change have led to an increasing diversity of family forms and challenged the basis on which parenthood is recognised. In consequence, legal recognition of parenthood has become increasingly complex. This chapter considers parenthood at common law and in the legislation governing assisted reproduction. In doing so it considers the developing law concerning transgender parents, surrogacy arrangements and children’s right to knowledge of their biological origins. The chapter concludes with a discussion of guardianship.
