Woman who hid pregnancy from ex-partner can put child up for adoption without identifying him

The unnamed 22-year-old woman went to court to win the right to put her child up for adoption despite refusing to identify the father to adoption agencies, who are typically obliged to record his details and ask for his consent, The Irish Times reports.

She told the court that the father did not know of the existence of the child and would not be able to “cope” with the news due to ongoing mental health issues.

Mr Justice Henry Abbott said he was making an order allowing the child to be placed for adoption despite his “considerable regret” as it was in the best interests of the child.

However, he said the father’s legal rights were not being met and he could challenge any adoption order if he found out about the child.

He refused to compel the woman to identify the father because of fears it could encourage other women to seek abortions or give birth in secret, saying he preferred to take a “balanced approach”.

However, Mr Justice Abbott added: “The problem with secrets is that they are frequently found out and that the father would probably find out eventually.”