Two to Tango, One in Limbo: A Comparative Analysis of Fathers' Rights in Infant Adoptions

Abstract

This Article argues that both the father and the child should have their relationship protected9 and that the father-child rela- tionship must be properly severed and waived by the biological father before a child is placed for adoption. Part II therefore be- gins by considering the American approach to fathers' rights in contested adoption cases. Part III then examines the contrary English position of favoring immediate severance of legal ties to a child, even if at the expense of obtaining both the mother's and the father's consent. Finally, Part IV analyzes the lessons resulting from a comparison of these two approaches, concluding that to work against fathers' rights is to work against children's interests.