Legal Definitions - genetic parent

A genetic parent is an individual who contributes their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) to an offspring. This means they are the biological source of the genetic material that forms a child.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a genetic parent:

• Example 1: Traditional Conception

  A husband and wife conceive a child through sexual intercourse. The wife's egg and the husband's sperm combine to form the embryo.

  Explanation: In this common scenario, both the husband and the wife are the genetic parents because each contributed their unique DNA through their respective gametes (egg and sperm) to create the child.

• Example 2: Assisted Reproduction with Donor Gamete

  A woman undergoes in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a donated egg from another woman and her partner's sperm. The embryo is then implanted into her uterus, and she carries the pregnancy to term.

  Explanation: In this case, the partner is a genetic parent because his sperm provided half of the child's DNA. The egg donor is also a genetic parent because her egg provided the other half of the child's DNA. The woman who carried the pregnancy is the gestational parent, but not a genetic parent of the child.

• Example 3: Surrogacy Arrangement

  A couple, unable to carry a pregnancy themselves, uses their own egg and sperm to create an embryo. This embryo is then implanted into a surrogate mother, who carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the child.

  Explanation: The couple who provided the egg and sperm are the genetic parents because the child's entire genetic makeup originates from them. The surrogate mother, while being the gestational parent, is not the genetic parent in this arrangement as she did not contribute her own genetic material to the embryo.