Reconstructing Parentage

Reconstructing Parentage offers a fresh perspective on the source of parental rights and duties. By scrutinizing the personal and political relationships tied to parenthood, this book develops a pluralistic theory of parentage law that provides a comprehensive solution to ongoing debates surrounding legal parentage.

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Reconstructing Parentage is a comprehensive investigation into what makes someone a parent. Drawing on liberal-egalitarian philosophy, the book argues that the community must ensure children's basic rights, including their right to a parent. In light of parenthood's political foundation, no adult could have a natural right or duty to parent based in genetics, procreation, caregiving, or intentions. Nevertheless, by scrutinizing existing law, the book uncovers a limited role for each intuitive basis of parentage and reassembles them into a pluralistic system of parentage law. Reconstructing Parentage offers a timely and thought-provoking analysis of a complex and contentious issue in modern society.