In 2014, same year that same sex marriage was legalised in the UK, a law was passed to allow same-sex couples to apply for parental orders. These allow intended parents in surrogacy, arrangement, legal parenthood. Gareth and Tom have still not gained full parental rights to their baby even though she went home with them several months ago. The Law Commission has proposed that the parental orders be ditched now for babies born in Britain.
Today, the president will meet with the Republican leader in the house of representatives to try and prevent the country from defaulting. But what if they cannot come to an agreement? Britain is reviewing its surrogacy laws which could ease the process for gay parents. And come with us on a foraging adventure.
Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurvey
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer