A public consultation on modernising the Bailiwick’s 1935 birth registration laws has been launched.
The work follows on from a 2020 States decision to better recognise diverse family structures.
The main proposals focus on allowing female couples to name a ‘second parent’ on the birth certificate without adoption, provided an approved clinic with an open donor list is used.
Potential new laws may also address issues around recording of all egg, sperm, or embryo donations so children can access their biological history at age 18.
Introducing parental orders to offer a faster, cheaper alternative to adoption, requiring at least one parent to have a biological link, is also being considered.
The work also involves amending registration forms so both parents can list their occupations and previous names, rather than just the father’s job and mother’s maiden name.
Deputy Yvonne Burford, Policy & Resource’s children and families lead, said these updates aim to reflect modern family life while keeping the rights and wellbeing of the child at the centre.
“These proposals respond to a decision of the States made in 2020 to help ensure that our laws on birth registration reflect the reality of modern family life while keeping the rights and wellbeing of the child firmly at the centre of every decision,” said Deputy Burford.
“We know that families are formed in many ways, and our legislation needs to support that in a fair, transparent and responsible way.
“We are encouraging islanders to share their views so that the final proposals are as robust as possible.”
Members of the public can view the full details online through the States website, and have until midnight on 29 June 2026 to email their feedback to birthregconsultation@gov.gg.