Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Delaware Senate Bill SB119

Introduced
5/1/25  
Introduced
5/7/25  
Refer
5/1/25  
Engrossed
5/8/25  
Refer
5/8/25  
Enrolled
5/15/25  

Caption

An Act Directing The State Registrar Of Vital Statistics To Issue A Birth Certificate With The Name Of The Father Of Levi Ryan Murray.

Impact

The bill seeks to provide clarity in Delaware law by resolving the inconsistency between two legal provisions: one that asserts the name of a husband must be entered on a child's birth certificate if the mother was married at the time of conception, and another that restricts such entry unless certain conditions are met, particularly regarding consent and timing. By mandating the inclusion of Ryan Murray's name on Levi's birth certificate, the bill effectively offers a legal remedy for the Murray family while broader legislative efforts are considered to reconcile the overall conflict in the law.

Summary

Senate Bill 119 aims to address a unique legal conflict in Delaware regarding the establishment of parentage for children conceived through assisted reproduction, particularly in cases where the intended father has died before the child is born. The bill specifically directs the State Registrar of Vital Statistics to amend the birth certificate of Levi Ryan Murray by adding his deceased father, Ryan Murray's, name. This action is taken to resolve the ambiguity in the law resulting from the simultaneous application of conflicting statutes concerning assisted reproduction and parentage definitions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB119 appears to be supportive as it aims to provide a timely solution to an emotionally charged issue for the affected family. Legislators and advocates recognize the importance of ensuring that familial bonds are acknowledged in official records, particularly in sensitive situations involving assisted reproduction. However, broader discussions about the implications of this case on existing laws and future legislation may introduce some contention among different legal interpretations and family rights advocates.

Contention

While the intent behind SB119 is to offer immediate relief to the Murray family regarding their child's birth certificate, it raises questions about the broader implications for similar future cases. The legal precedent set by this bill could lead to ongoing debates about parentage laws and the rights of parents in assisted reproduction contexts, especially concerning the interpretation of consent and parental intent after death. These issues remain a sensitive topic and may require further legislative attention to avoid complications in the law in the future.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

DE HCR120

Honoring The Men And Women Of The National Guard Association Of Delaware For Their Service In Advocating, Organizing, Training, And Equipping The National Guard In Support Of The Defense Of Our State And Nation.

DE SCR144

Recognizing April 2024 As "child Abuse Prevention Month" In The State Of Delaware.

DE HCR64

Recognizng June 25th, 2023 As World Vitiligo Day Within The State Of Delaware

DE HB282

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The State Employee Benefits Committee.

DE HB281

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To State Health Care Insurance.

DE SCR142

Observing April 2024, As The "2024 Month Of The Military Child" In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR152

Recognizing The Month Of May 2024 As "healthy Vision Month" In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR55

Proclaiming May 2023 As "community Action Month" In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR139

Commemorating The Outstanding Achievements And Contributions Made By Scottish Americans To The United States By Proclaiming April 6, 2024, As National Tartan Day.

DE SCR67

Recognizing November 2023 As "autoimmune Disease Awareness Month" In The State Of Delaware.

Similar Bills

CA AB785

Parentage.

CO HB1153

Affirm Parentage Adoption In Assisted Reproduction

UT SB0093

Birth Certificate Modifications

MI HB5214

Family law: paternity; determination under the acknowledgment of parentage act; exclude children conceived by assisted reproduction or surrogacy. Amends secs. 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 of 1996 PA 305 (MCL 722.1002 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5207'23

MI HB5208

Records: birth; birth certificates issued for a child whose parentage is determined under the assisted reproduction and surrogacy parentage act; provide for. Amends secs. 2822, 2824, 2831, 2832 & 2891 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2822 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5207'23

CA AB2684

Parent and child relationship.

NJ SR78

Urges United States Supreme Court to protect freedom of reproductive choice with respect to use of and access to mifepristone.

NJ AR190

Urges United States Supreme Court to protect freedom of reproductive choice with respect to use of and access to mifepristone.