The need to define the terms 'parent' and 'parenthood'

Modern reproductive techniques have brought about a need to re-define the terms 'parent' and 'parenthood'. The traditional female role as a genetic, carrying and nurturing mother can now be split into three, and the male role into two, that of sperm donor and nurturing father. Legislation governing adoption has attempted to make the adoptive family the equivalent of a consanguinal one, with varying degrees of success. In all these alternative forms of parenthood, the law in most countries remains imprecise in respect of the child's right to knowledge of its lineage, despite an apparent commitment to decisions made 'in the interests of the child'. In consequence, the question of whether parenthood should be a privilege that is earned is raised here and its implications examined.