In a historic court case, a baby born to a transgender man could be the first person to have no legal mother.
The man is in a legal battle to have himself identified as the little one's 'father' or 'parent' on the birth certificate.
A birth registrar told the parent, though, that in England and Wales whoever gives birth to the baby must legally be registered as the child's 'mother', the Telegraph reports.
Now, the man is taking legal action against The Registrar General for England and Wales. He alleges that the body has discriminated against him.
Being forced to register as the baby's 'mother' violates his human right to respect for private and family life, he says.
His lawyers informed the judge that the parent had been biologically able to get pregnant and deliver the child but was legally a man when the baby arrived.
His gender recognition certificate was granted over a year ago, before he gave birth.
The parent explained at the High Court hearing that, considering the changes that had 'evolved in society', the 'interference' was not proportionate or needed.
This issue is a first in the courts of England and Wales, Mr Justice Francis said. The judge added that if the man won his case, ministers may have to change laws.
