News
Closing the “Blank Space”: Reflections from the most recent AAPT Webinar
On 15 April, we were proud to host an AAPT webinar focused on the Blank Space campaign
This is an issue that sits at the intersection of family law, identity, and fairness. The session brought together powerful lived experience alongside legal insight, highlighting a gap in the current system that continues to affect bereaved families across England and Wales.
The Story Behind the Campaign
At the heart of the discussion was the deeply personal story shared by Orlanda Bryars, Campaign Ambassador for Blank Space and member of WAY Widowed and Young. Her experience, following the death of her partner Julian during pregnancy, illustrates the emotional and legal challenges faced by many bereaved parents.
As emphasised during the webinar, the issue is simple but profound:
babies can be born with a “blank space” on their birth certificate where their father’s name should be.
This is not just an administrative gap—it has lasting implications for identity, recognition, and rights.
The Legal Position
Currently, the law in England and Wales does not allow a deceased parent’s name to be added to a birth certificate if they die before the birth is registered. Instead, families must apply to the Family Court for a Declaration of Parentage under section 55A of the Family Law Act 1986.
This process can be complex, time-consuming, and emotionally draining—particularly at a time of grief.
The webinar explored common barriers, including:
-
Lack of awareness of the legal route
-
Evidential challenges (such as proving parentage)
-
The emotional burden of court proceedings
Why This Matters
The absence of a parent’s name on a birth certificate has far-reaching consequences for a child. These include:
-
A sense of identity, ancestry, and personal history
-
Access to medical and genetic information
-
Recognition of family relationships
-
Citizenship and nationality rights
-
Financial and inheritance entitlements
In short, this is not just about documentation—it is about dignity, equality, and the child’s lifelong connection to their parent.
A Law Out of Step with Modern Families
A key theme of the webinar was how outdated the current legal framework has become. Since the law was last revised in 1986, family structures have evolved significantly.
-
Marriage rates have declined
-
Cohabitation has increased
-
The 2021 Census shows that 67% of pregnant women are not married
Despite this, the law has not kept pace—leaving many modern families without appropriate recognition.
Driving Change: The Blank Space Campaign
The Blank Space campaign, led by WAY Widowed and Young, is working to secure birth certificate equality for cohabiting bereaved parents.
Momentum is building:
-
The campaign has been introduced to Parliament through a Ten Minute Rule Bill
-
Engagement with policymakers is ongoing
-
Public awareness continues to grow
But change requires collective action.
How Professionals and Individuals Can Help
The webinar concluded with a clear call to action. Attendees were encouraged to support the campaign in practical ways:
-
Encourage affected families to gather DNA evidence where possible
-
Share guidance on navigating the current legal process
-
Raise awareness through professional and social networks
-
Write to MPs using available templates
-
Help build a stronger evidence base through engagement with the courts
Looking Ahead
While legal reform will take time, conversations like this webinar are a vital step forward. By combining lived experience, legal expertise, and advocacy, we can push towards a system that reflects the realities of modern families.
No child should begin life with a “blank space” where recognition should be.