Clause 42
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
6:00 pm
John Pugh (Shadow Minister, Treasury; Southport, Liberal Democrat)
It is probably my lack of attention to detail that prompts me to ask this question. The explanatory notes give the idea that there could be two sorts of arrangements: one in which civil partners happily consent to the arrangement, and the other in which only one partner does so. Similar provisions seem to apply to married couples, so the arrangements are equivalent. I understand that, and I know where everyone is coming from on that question. However, that might create problems further down the line for couples and civil partners.
If a child enters into the marriage or civil partnership but is not wanted, one would suppose that duties in relation to the child—whether imposed by the Home Office or others—were shared collectively.