Closed petition Give unmarried widows equal rights in registering paternity of their children

Closed on 4 September 2016

Joana's long-term cohabiting partner and father to her child died suddenly three weeks before the birth of their second child. As they were unmarried, she was obliged to prove her child's parentage upon the father's death. It was a costly and lengthy legal process, including providing DNA evidence.

The 1953 birth and death certificate act does not allow registrars to have discretionary powers to register deceased parents when the parents are not married.

We ask that registrars be given these powers to prevent widows from having to go through such a costly and dehumanising experience.