Clause 52
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
9:15 am
Mark Simmonds (Shadow Minister, Health; Boston and Skegness, Conservative)
I beg to move amendment No. 175, in clause 52, page 44, line 34, leave out subsection (2).
This is a probing amendment, which is intended to elicit from the Minister the compelling reason behind the provisions on late registration. First, will she clarify whether it is common for people to take more than 42 days to register a birth? Secondly, is the defence applicable only where there has been non-partner IVF treatment, or can it be used by everyone and in other circumstances? Finally, will the Minister explain the circumstances in which more than 42 days would be required to register a birth and why that might be necessary? It would make sense if there were medical reasons—the mother might, for example, be in a coma. If there are other circumstances, however, it would be helpful to establish what they are, and the reasons for them.