Open petition: Review laws on parental support & financial responsibility during pregnancy

Created by Demi May O'Brien
Closes on 21 November 2026

Launch a review into UK family law to examine financial responsibility for a child during pregnancy and to consider whether courts should formally recognise a lack of emotional, physical, and practical support from a parent during pregnancy as a relevant factor in decision-making.

Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time, and many mothers experience a lack of support that goes beyond financial absence. Financial responsibility for a child typically begins after birth and we feel there is limited recognition of a parent’s conduct during pregnancy. Decisions around birth registration may often be made when mothers are vulnerable.

We believe the law should be reviewed to consider whether a parent’s absence, lack of support, or abandonment during pregnancy should be formally recognised and taken into account by courts where relevant.

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