Knowledge and resources

Resolution’s Modern Families Conference included a handy round up of relevant recent cases from Dorothea Gartland KC and Andrew Powell, 4PB. We summarise them here by topic.

As fertility science and practice evolve, the law necessarily becomes more complicated, but there are some clear areas where reform could help

The landscape of gender identity and legal parentage continues to evolve, and can have wide-ranging effects on families

The family is not just heteronormative (straight) couples who have their own children; it likely never was. The prevalence of 'alternative' or 'modern' families is more mainstream and accounts for more than 5% of the population. There will be locations in the UK, eg Brighton, Manchester and London where that percentage is much higher. This Guidance Note is a resource for members to help increase the understanding around language and culture but you are encouraged to do your own research.

Unrealistic and incapable of anticipating changes in circumstances, the law on posthumous conception should be brought into line with other regulatory approaches