Fatherhood Institute welcomes Joint Birth Registration announcement
Speaking as the Government announced a White Paper on joint birth registration (on 2 June 2008), Duncan Fisher, Chief Executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said:
‘Up to 45,000 men do not currently sign the birth certificate – 7% of all births. 15% of all births are to parents who live apart and almost half of these fathers do not sign the birth certificate – meaning many children are denied their legal right to know who their father is, a right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
‘Today’s move marks a significant step in ensuring the commitment of fathers to be involved in their child’s life from the outset.
‘Birth registration provides a way of explaining to parents the rights of their child, celebrates the transition to parenthood, highlights both parents’ legal responsibilities and provides access to services for vulnerable mothers and fathers.’
To read the Fatherhood Institute’s analysis of the Government’s proposals and their significance, click here.
Tags: Early years, Maternity, Separated families, Young fathers
