Illegitimate?

[MistyLady]

Following the birth of my daughter I had access to her hospital records when returning to another hospital to recuperate. I read a form which was completed after she was born, it included some pretty blunt questions i.e. baby dead or alive (delete where applicable!). But the shocker was the legitimate/illegitimate question. I am not married to my partner of six years so our gorgeous daughter was classed as illegitimate. We were both stressed by this and asked our health visitor why was the question asked, she was unable to help. I know the definition of illegitimate so I don't need that spelt out but I would be interested to know if answerbankers think this is outdated bearing in mind the mad political correctness we have to live with these days.

[andy hughes]

I read your story with an equal mixture of sadness, sympathy, and outrage! Political correctness or not, this is a dreadful bureaucratic high handed morally dubious way to treat the parents of a new baby. Regardless of the appalling way in which the NHS has treated you, remember that your daughter was conceived and born in love between you and your partner, and needs no petty definition of 'legitimacy'. She will be a loved and wanted baby, and she will grow up knowing that her status is defined by the love of her parents and family, and not decided by some out-dated official nonsense. Please try and enjoy the pleasure of your new daughter, and don't allow your happiness to be spoiled by some dusty form-filler who is (hopefully!) long dead and gone!

[incitatus]

Yes it is outdated, as the legitimacy of birth qualification for inheritance is no longer strictly enforced. Im not sure what the question was for. But then I'm not sure why you were upset either. You have a lovely daughter and a a happy life...its a word. I think you win.

[dekhay]

We are in the same position and had been together for 10 years before our daughter was born. I was very much aware that she may have been regarded as 'illegitimate' - not least by my mother who has strong feelings on children born out of wedlock!!! However, many years on, my daughter knows why we werne't married and despite a hankering to dress up as our bridesmaid, knows she is loved and very much wanted. The word 'illegitimate' is meaningless in our society, and is only of use for goverment bods who compile yearly statistics on such matters.

[good2skull]

Its clear that the UK has a lot of catching up to do in these situations. In Sweden unmarried couples are quite normal and accepted, all social benefits apply as to a married couple and the children are not treated or seen as being any different than those with married parents. Seeing the way in which the Swedes differ in their attitude towards families and children to the British has made my mind up as to where mine (if and when they arrive) will be raised. Things are changing in the UK for the better but 15 years ago we were still caning 8 year olds in our schools.

[vittoria]

I was extremely surprised to read about your experience. I think the whole think is preposterous, but I cannot think of one good reason why a document should specify legit/illegit. It may be for statistics collecting, but event then it is ridiculous and unnecessary.