These Regulations are made as a consequence of the introduction of section 54A to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (“the 2008 Act”), by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Remedial) Order 2018 (S. I. 2018/000). Section 54A makes provision for parental orders to be granted under that Act to one applicant only.

Regulation 1 provides that in any provision which is applied with modifications by regulations 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the Regulations “parental order” means an order which is sought under section 54, or 54A of the 2008 Act.

Regulation 2 and Schedule 1 applies with modifications in relation to parental orders certain provisions of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 relating to adoption orders.

Regulation 3 and Schedule 2 make similar modifications in relation to the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, and regulation 4 and Schedule 3 make similar modifications in relation to the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.

Regulation 4 makes modifications to other legislation as a consequence of the modifications made by these Regulations.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.