The High Court has declared that a mother and her local authority were not required to notify a father of the birth of his baby. 

Case Background 

The couple had been in a relationship between 2019 and 2022, having two children (F and G). The mother had another child (H) from a previous relationship and a fourth child (D) who had been adopted. The mother made numerous reports to the police about the father’s abusive behavior, who had a history of ADHD and self-harm. 

In early 2023, the mother discovered she was pregnant with X after separating from the father. She wished to relinquish care of X at birth, fearing the consequences of the father finding out. 

Court’s Decision 

The court granted the local authority’s application not to notify the father or wider family about the birth. It noted the significant breach of individual rights under art.8 of the European Convention on Human Rights but balanced this with the circumstances of the child. The father had no parental responsibility for X and minimal involvement with F and G. The court found a real risk of harm if the father were notified, and X’s placement for adoption might be jeopardized by further delays.