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ARTICLE · 09 JULY 2019

Who is your daddy - a sperm donor?

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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Cooper Grace Ward

Cooper Grace Ward

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There may be three people who could qualify as a parent, according to contemporary Australian understanding of that word.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial
Justine Woods
Justine Woods
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Despite the media frenzy, did the recent High Court decision, which named a sperm donor the legal father of a child, actually change how we define a parent in modern families?

The Masson and Parsons story

Robert Masson and Susan Parsons (the names given to them by the Court) were close friends. They were not, and had never been, in a relationship with each other. In 2006, Robert provided his semen to Susan so that she could artificially inseminate herself in the hope of conceiving a child.

Robert intended to play a role in the life of any child who was born. Susan became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. Robert's name was entered on the child's birth certificate. Importantly, at the time Susan became pregnant, she was not in a de facto relationship with anyone.

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Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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