ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines who may be regarded as a parent, the underlying rationales for attributing parenthood, and the complexity of law's engagement with parenthood. It discusses various rationales that might underpin the attribution of 'parenthood'. These include arguments based upon: a biological connection (principally genetic and/or gestational roles); the intention to become a parent; a person's causal role in producing a child; and the best interests of children. The book reflects on law's use respectively of the status of parent and of the concept of parental responsibility. It argues that parents have 'moral rights to influence the courses of their children's lives in significant ways'. The book suggests that there are still 'good reasons for believing that parents have interests in relation to their children which are independent of the child's welfare and which are attributable to their own benefit'.
