Man who donated sperm to gay friend ruled as legal father in Australia

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A High court in Australia had ruled that a man who donated sperm to his gay friend to have a baby over a year ago has parental rights over their daughter. The ruling came on Wednesday after terming that the man was listed on the birth certificate and has an extremely close relationship with the girl.

The court also said that the man is the legitimate father and so should have a say in whether she is taken to live in New Zealand.

According to reports, the man in question, known by the pseudonym 'Robert' for legal reasons, had conceded to donate his sperm to a friend in 2006 through artificial insemination. Even though they were not living together, Robert had "an ongoing role in the child's financial support, health, education and general welfare," said the court.

Also Read: 'Male pill' EP055 slows mobility of sperms without affecting hormones

However, the alleged issue came to light in 2015 when the girl's mother and her same-sex partner decided to move to New Zealand.

The High Court Judge Margaret Cleary ruled that a lower court was wrong to rule against the father and concluded that the child should remain in Australia so he can have visitation rights.

Also Read: Maharashtra Child rights panel wants adherence to norms on surrogacy

(With inputs from AFP)

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