Artificial Insemination and the Presumption of Parenthood: Traditional Foundations and Modern Applications for Lesbian Mothers

This note traces the history of the presumption of parenthood and applies the traditional rationales underlying the presumption to support its application to married lesbian couples. Part I discusses the formation of the presumption in England and recognizes that the presumption was created for three important reasons: to protect the child; to protect the public purse; and to protect the biological family. Part II discusses state laws on artificial insemination and dissects the basic requirements for both same-sex and opposite-sex parents. This Part then applies the presumption\u27s traditional rationales to lesbian couples having children, arguing that the same presumption should apply regardless of the orientation of the parents