Closed petition: Always include child's biological father on birth certificate

Closed on 29 April 2026

Right now in the UK, a father who is not married to or in a civil partnership with his child's mother cannot be added to his child’s birth certificate without the mother’s agreement — unless he goes through a long, costly court battle.

This means some children are being denied the love, care, and protection of both parents from day one. We are calling for change: if a government-approved DNA test proves paternity, then a father should have the right to be added to the birth certificate and gain automatic parental responsibility — no court needed. Children need both parents. We think the current system fuels conflict, endless family court battles, and the Child Maintenance Service. Let DNA decide, not the courts.