Parenthood needs a new set of laws

In simpler days, the concept of fatherhood wasn't too difficultto understand. It was someone who begot a child, or, at its mostcomplicated, someone who adopted a child.

Now, thanks to a changing technology and shifting notions aboutsocial relationships, the concept of fatherhood is becoming somewhatvague. Take the latest case: A man's wife wants to have a child, buthe is sterile. She becomes artificially inseminated with donorsperm, but after the child is born the couple is divorced. Is herhusband the child's father, legally responsible for paying childsupport?

Under Illinois law, the answer appears clear: The husband islegally the father if he consents in …