The case for having two mothers

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill includes a number of proposals relating to same-sex couples and parenting.

The Bill details proposals relating to the law on assisted reproduction and embryo research. It contains provisions to enable two women in a committed relationship to consider starting a family with support from fertility clinics. At present, clinics have to consider the potential role of a father before granting treatment even though there is no credible evidence in relation to the welfare, development or future stability of the child to indicate that there is any justifiable reason for the state to insist on the need for a father as a prerequisite for fertility treatment.

The Bill would also recognise same-sex partners, including civil partners, as legal parents of children conceived within their relationship. Currently, same-sex partners must formally apply to adopt any child born in a relationship in order to become a parent. Stonewall welcomes the fact that partners will be recognised as a parent of a child that is conceived in their relationship.

It is critically important for a child to be raised in a stable and loving home. Many same-sex couples already raise children in just such an environment, almost always with significant mindfulness of the importance of appropriate role models in or close to their family units. It is timely that the law reflected this. There is no credible evidence to support the suggestion that children of lesbian parents are at any disadvantage developmentally compared to others. Mindful that there are currently more than three million children growing up in lone-parent households in the UK, it must be appropriate to support any arrangements involving two loving parents.

Ruth Hunt is Head of Policy and Research, Stonewall.