When a married heterosexual couple have a child by the use of assisted reproductive technology, the spouse of the new mother will legally and morally be considered the father of the child, although he may not be the biological father. In the same way, homosexual lesbian couples can have children. The role and status of the non-biological mother or co-mother, is called co-motherhood. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Australia, there is an approximation towards equal legal rights for all parents, regardless of sexual orientation. This includes the right to co-maternity leave and many other rights, responsibilities and obligations assumed by fathers.
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