Couple fights to add both moms to baby’s birth certificate in N.S.

A lesbian couple from Nova Scotia say they’re frustrated with the long and arduous process of trying to add both mothers to their daughter’s birth certificate.

A lesbian couple from Nova Scotia say they’re frustrated with the long and arduous process of trying to add both mothers to their daughter’s birth certificate.

Caitlin and Stacey Lamrock, who live in Wolfville and have been married for seven years, had their first baby, Gwendolyn, in mid-July at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

The infant was conceived via sperm donor and Caitlin was the one who carried her to term, though Stacey was there every step of the way — from pregnancy to birth, from diaper changes to playtime.

“Stacey is amazing. I don’t know how I could get through this without Stacey,” Caitlin said.

“It’s been a lot of late nights, a lot of early mornings. … Stacey has been a big support for both Gwen and I.”

But despite her many contributions to Gwendolyn’s life, and the deep love she feels for her child, Stacey has been unable to add herself as the second parent on her birth certificate.

Instead, that field says: “Not stated.”

The failure to recognize her as Gwendolyn’s parent has been “devastating,” said Stacey, as it could impact what rights she has in regard to her child.