to deny father any rights?

[traceybaybee]

Im 22 and ive recently found out im pregnant and the baby's father is a guy that ive been seeing for 3yrs in a casual thing. He is 37 and has 2 boys of 13 and 10 with his ex wife (finished way way before we met). When i told him i was pregnant he told me to get an abortion as he doesnt want the baby plus the fact according to him im "not mentally ready to have kids" . I had an early scan as had bad cramp and it showed the heartbeat and he didnt seem bothered when i phoned to tell him. Then next step was the midwife on monday, he asked to come with me and then didnt even come in as he doesnt consent to the pregnancy?!? So in light of that ive decided that i want nothing more to do with him and the baby will be taking my name instead of his. AIBU in my stance? My cousins and auntie think i am however parents and my sisters support my view.

And those parental rights would not necessarily bestow that (above) degree of input on how you raise your child.

Once awarded, Parental Responsibility carries the same weight, no matter how it was obtained and how long for.

The Gingerbread fact sheet explains very clearly which decisions regarding a DCs life should involve everyone with PR.

I realise, that in practice, very few absent parents suddenly have a personality transplant and become responsible and involved, but the Law does clearly leave the door open for them should they decide to.