Article 7: The Right to a Name, Nationality, and to Know and Be Cared for by Parents

Abstract‘Government should provide birth certificates and medical reports to let the children know where they came from.’ (Asia-Pacific)

Legal Parentage “By Design”: Reimagining Birth Certificates in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p>This thesis highlights two significant flaws in birth certification and legal parentage regimes in Aotearoa New Zealand that negatively impact children conceived and raised in an array of diverse family structures. First, birth certificates currently reflect a child’s legal parentage, excluding any reference to a child’s genetic or gestational origins. This thesis draws on social constructionist conceptions of the self and narrative identity theory, alongside Māori understandings of aspects of whakapapa, to demonstrate that birth certificates should incorporate more information about a child’s origins, and that a failure to do so can have negative consequences for a child’s identity development. To rectify these informational deficits, this thesis argues for the reform of birth certification in Aotearoa New Zealand. It demonstrates the nature and potential of these reforms through the creation of a prototype birth certificate for all children that incorporates their genetic, gestational, and legal parentage. Second, this thesis claims that the current model of legal parentage, which permits a child to have a maximum of two legally recognised parents at any given time, does not reflect the lives of children who are intentionally brought into the world and raised by more than two individuals. Rather, it embodies historic understandings of legal parentage that privilege traditional heterosexual western forms of reproduction, and fails to account for the realities of assisted human reproduction and modern-day family formation. Expanding the operation of legal parentage to incorporate all of a child’s parental figures (and including them on the child’s birth certificate from the outset) would provide greater legal protection for children born into multi-parent families, in line with that currently enjoyed by children with one or two legal parents. Therefore, this thesis develops an intentional model of legal parentage accommodating more than two legal parents where a child is conceived by assisted human reproduction in specified circumstances. Reimagining birth certificates and legal parentage as proposed in this thesis would better reflect the social and narrative realities of identity formation, especially for children, whereby who they become is greatly shaped by the individuals in their lives and their experiences in the world. It would also better meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, as well as possibly affording greater respect to Māori conceptions of identity, which is of fundamental importance given the classification of whakapapa as a taonga guaranteed protection under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The expansion of legal parentage beyond the two-parent paradigm would also provide greater legal protection to children in Aotearoa New Zealand, arguably making this area of family law consistent with a legal framework that is otherwise well attuned to recognising the diversity and complexity of family relationships.</p>

Legal Parentage “By Design”: Reimagining Birth Certificates in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p>This thesis highlights two significant flaws in birth certification and legal parentage regimes in Aotearoa New Zealand that negatively impact children conceived and raised in an array of diverse family structures. First, birth certificates currently reflect a child’s legal parentage, excluding any reference to a child’s genetic or gestational origins. This thesis draws on social constructionist conceptions of the self and narrative identity theory, alongside Māori understandings of aspects of whakapapa, to demonstrate that birth certificates should incorporate more information about a child’s origins, and that a failure to do so can have negative consequences for a child’s identity development. To rectify these informational deficits, this thesis argues for the reform of birth certification in Aotearoa New Zealand. It demonstrates the nature and potential of these reforms through the creation of a prototype birth certificate for all children that incorporates their genetic, gestational, and legal parentage. Second, this thesis claims that the current model of legal parentage, which permits a child to have a maximum of two legally recognised parents at any given time, does not reflect the lives of children who are intentionally brought into the world and raised by more than two individuals. Rather, it embodies historic understandings of legal parentage that privilege traditional heterosexual western forms of reproduction, and fails to account for the realities of assisted human reproduction and modern-day family formation. Expanding the operation of legal parentage to incorporate all of a child’s parental figures (and including them on the child’s birth certificate from the outset) would provide greater legal protection for children born into multi-parent families, in line with that currently enjoyed by children with one or two legal parents. Therefore, this thesis develops an intentional model of legal parentage accommodating more than two legal parents where a child is conceived by assisted human reproduction in specified circumstances. Reimagining birth certificates and legal parentage as proposed in this thesis would better reflect the social and narrative realities of identity formation, especially for children, whereby who they become is greatly shaped by the individuals in their lives and their experiences in the world. It would also better meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, as well as possibly affording greater respect to Māori conceptions of identity, which is of fundamental importance given the classification of whakapapa as a taonga guaranteed protection under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The expansion of legal parentage beyond the two-parent paradigm would also provide greater legal protection to children in Aotearoa New Zealand, arguably making this area of family law consistent with a legal framework that is otherwise well attuned to recognising the diversity and complexity of family relationships.</p>

Racial Disparities in the Rates of and Indications for Cesarean Delivery in California: Are They Changing Over Time?

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether racial disparities in rates of and indications for cesarean delivery (CD) between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White birthing people in California changed from 2011 to 2017. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using a database of birth certificates linked to discharge records. Singleton term live births in nulliparous Black and White birthing people in California between 2011 and 2017 were included. Those with noncephalic presentation, placenta previa, and placenta accreta were excluded. CD rate and indication were obtained from birth certificate variables and International Classification of Diseases codes. Differences in CD rate and indication were calculated for Black versus White individuals using univariable and multivariable logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounders. Results: A total of 348,144 birthing people were included, 46,361 Black and 301,783 White. Overall, 30.9% of Black birthing people underwent CD compared with 25.3% of White (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–1.3). From 2011 to 2017, the CD rate fell 11% (26.4–23.7%, p < 0.0001) for White birthing people and 1% for Black birthing people (30.4–30.1%, p = 0.037). Over the study period, Black birthing people had a persistent 1.2- to 1.3-fold higher risk of CD and were persistently more likely to undergo CD for fetal intolerance (aRR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1–1.2) and less likely for active phase arrest or arrest of descent (aRRs: 0.9 and 0.4; 95% CIs: 0.9–0.9 and 0.3–0.5). Conclusion: The CD rate decreased substantially for White birthing people and minimally for Black birthing people in our cohort over the study period. Meanwhile, disparities in CD rate and indications between the two groups persisted, despite controlling for confounders. Although care bundles for reducing CD may be effective among White birthing people, they are not associated with reduction in CD rates among Black birthing people nor improvements in racial disparities between Black and White birthing people. Precis: Despite increasing attention to racial inequities in obstetric outcomes, there were no changes in disparities in CD rates or indications in California from 2011 to 2017. Key Points

Pola Asuh Pengetahuan Pemberian Makan dengan Status Gizi Balita

Stunting is a nutritional problem that can reduce the quality of life of children later. There are several factors associated with stunting, including maternal knowledge. This study aims to determine the relationship between the knowledge of child feeding parenting styles and stunting incidence in Ilotidea Village, Tilango District, Gorontalo District. The research method used a cross-sectional study. The nutritional status was obtained by measuring the height/length of the toddler's body using a microtoise and measuring body length. Meanwhile, the age can be obtained through birth certificates or family cards. The two data were then categorized by using the index of height or body length according to age using the WHO Antro 2005 classification. Data regarding knowledge of feeding parenting styles for toddlers was obtained using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 and 95% CI. A sample of 33 toddlers was taken using random sampling. The results showed that the knowledge of child feeding parenting affects the incidence of stunting (p-value = 0.006). Conclusions about the knowledge of child feeding contribute to feeding practice. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase access to information regarding proper feeding for toddlers.

Eligibility, Utilization, and Effectiveness of 17-Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate (17OHPC) in a Statewide Population-Based Cohort of Medicaid Enrollees

Objectives The primary objective was to estimate the initiation and adherence rates of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPC) among eligible mothers in a statewide population-based cohort of Medicaid enrollees. The secondary objectives were to (1) determine the association of maternal sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with 17OHPC utilization and (2) assess the real-world effectiveness of 17OHPC on recurrent preterm birth prevention and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study using a linked, longitudinal administrative dataset of birth certificates and medical assistance claims. Medicaid-enrolled mothers in Pennsylvania were included in this study if they had at least one singleton live birth from 2014 to 2016 following at least one spontaneous preterm birth. Maternal Medicaid claims were used to ascertain the use of 17OHPC from various manufacturers, including compounded formulations. Propensity score matching was used to create a covariate balance between 17OHPC treatment and comparison groups. Results We identified 4,781 Medicaid-covered 17OHPC-eligible pregnancies from 2014 to 2016 in Pennsylvania, 3.4% of all Medicaid-covered singleton live births. The population-based initiation rate was 28.5% among eligible pregnancies. Among initiators, 50% received ≥16 doses as recommended, while 10% received a single dose only. The severity of previous spontaneous preterm birth was the strongest predictor for the initiation and adherence of 17OHPC. In the matched treatment (n = 1,210) and comparison groups (n = 1,210), we found no evidence of 17OHPC effectiveness. The risks of recurrent preterm birth (relative risk [RR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.24) and births admitted to NICU (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.84–1.18) were similar in treated and comparison mothers. Conclusion The 17OHPC-eligible population represented 3.4% of singleton live births. Less than one-third of eligible mothers initiated treatment. Among initiators, 50% were treatment adherent. We found no difference in the risk of recurrent preterm birth or admission to NICU between treatment and comparison groups. Key Points

"Get Your Gavel Out of My Pants": Replacing the Medical and Legal Scrutiny of Trans Bodies with Self-Identification as a Basis for Changing Sex Markers on Birth Certificates

<p>Section 28 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 allows people to apply to the Family Court to change the sex marker on their birth certificate. This essay argues that this provision is out-dated and does not serve the needs of the trans community. It is based on the medical model of sex, and requires medical evidence that the applicant’s body conforms sufficiently to that of the “nominated sex”. This essay suggests a reform based on the self-identification model, which exists in Argentina for birth certificates, and in New Zealand for passports and drivers’ licences. Such a reform of s 28 would bring birth certificates in line with these other documents, leading to more consistency and increased respect for the human rights of trans people.</p>

Pelaksanaan Pengarsipan Akta Kelahiran

This research aims to determine the implementation of archiving birth certificates at the Department Population and Civil Registration of Sukoharjo Regency, and obstacles and solutions for the Department of Population and Civil Registration of Sukoharjo Regency in the implementation of archiving birth certificates. This research is a descriptive juridical empirical legal research were carried out by interview, observation, and document study, with qualitative data analysis techniques. The approach uses a qualitative approach with primary and secondary data source. The author concludes that Department of Population and Civil Registration of Sukoharjo Regency in carrying out birth certificate archiving has not run optimally. Due to a change in the system from using digital archives to conventional archives. Each of digital and conventional archiving has obstacles and solutions to overcome. Keywords : Archiving, Birth Certificate. Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan pengarsipan akta kelahiran di Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sukoharjo serta hambatan dan solusi bagi Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sukoharjo dalam pelaksanaan pengarsipan akta kelahiran. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum yuridis empiris bersifat deskriptif dengan mengumpulkan data melalui wawancara, observasi dan studi dokumen. Pendekatan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan sumber data primer dan sekunder, Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sukoharjo dalam melaksanakan pengarsipan akta kelahiran belum optimal. Adanya perubahan sistem dari arsip digital menjadi konvensional. Dalam pengarsipan secara digital maupun konvensional masing-masing memiliki hambatan dan solusi untuk mengatasinya. Kata kunci : Pengarsipan, Akta Kelahiran.

"Get Your Gavel Out of My Pants": Replacing the Medical and Legal Scrutiny of Trans Bodies with Self-Identification as a Basis for Changing Sex Markers on Birth Certificates

<p>Section 28 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 allows people to apply to the Family Court to change the sex marker on their birth certificate. This essay argues that this provision is out-dated and does not serve the needs of the trans community. It is based on the medical model of sex, and requires medical evidence that the applicant’s body conforms sufficiently to that of the “nominated sex”. This essay suggests a reform based on the self-identification model, which exists in Argentina for birth certificates, and in New Zealand for passports and drivers’ licences. Such a reform of s 28 would bring birth certificates in line with these other documents, leading to more consistency and increased respect for the human rights of trans people.</p>

Fertility intentions and child health in India: Women’s use of health services, breastfeeding, and official birth documentation following an unwanted birth

This study examines the relationship between women’s prospective fertility intentions and child health, measured via access to healthcare facilities for children and postpartum maternal behaviors that are indicative of future child health. We analyze two waves of nationally representative data (2005 and 2012) from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS). The analytic sample includes 3,442 non-pregnant, currently married women aged 18–40 in 2005 who participated in both rounds of the IHDS, and had at least one birth between 2005 and 2012. We investigate the influence of women’s prospective fertility intentions on access to benefits from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), indicators of breastfeeding as recommended by the World Health Organization, and official documentation of births via birth certificates or registration. We find that 58 percent of births among women in the sample were labeled as unwanted. We use an adaptation of propensity score matching—the inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) estimator—and show that, after accounting for maternal and household characteristics that are known to be associated with maternal and child health, children who resulted from unwanted births were less likely to obtain any benefits or immunizations from the ICDS, to be breastfed within one hour of birth, and to have an official birth certificate. Results from this study have direct policy significance given the evidence that women’s fertility intentions can have negative implications for child health and wellbeing in the short and longer term.