Reconstructing Parentage is a comprehensive investigation into what makes someone a parent. Drawing on liberal-egalitarian philosophy, the book argues that the community must ensure children's basic rights, including their right to a parent. In light of parenthood's political foundation, no adult could have a natural right or duty to parent based in genetics, procreation, caregiving, or intentions. Nevertheless, by scrutinizing existing law, the book uncovers a limited role for each intuitive basis of parentage and reassembles them into a pluralistic system of parentage law. Reconstructing Parentage offers a timely and thought-provoking analysis of a complex and contentious issue in modern society.

‘Reconstructing Parentage is an amazing text: original, comprehensive, and persuasive. It combines policy, morality, and doctrine, without simplifying or distorting the issues or the positions. It will be the authoritative text on parental rights and duties for a long time to come.’

Brian Bix - Frederick W. Thomas Professor of Law and Philosophy, University of Minnesota

‘A superb book that asks - and answers - fundamental legal questions about parenthood. Gregg Strauss traces the foundations of our many legal methods for becoming a parent and, harnessing the law and moral philosophy, rebuilds a compelling( framework for moving forward to ensure respect for parents and children.’

Naomi Chan - Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia School of Law

‘Using liberal philosophy and a concern with distributive justice for children and parents alike, Strauss develops an approach to assigning parenthood without recourse to ad hoc judicial decisions. … The book is most appropriate for law students and practitioners in the field of family law, but its focus on the theoretical and legal bases of familial relations may also be of interest to graduate students in American politics … Recommended.’

H. H. Williams Source: Choice