A woman has become a mother to her own grandson after acting as a surrogate for her adult son.
The extraordinary story emerged after a family court judge ruled that the man – who has been looking after the seven-month-old baby since he was born – can now legally adopt him.
The court was told that the man, who is in his mid-20s and lives alone, had taken advice from specialist lawyers before 'embarking' on the 'process of becoming a father'.
At the High Court in London, Mrs Justice Theis said she had never encountered such a surrogacy but that it was 'entirely lawful'.
She said her paramount consideration had been the little boy's 'lifelong welfare' and that allowing the man to adopt would provide 'legal security' and meet his son's long-term welfare needs.
In her ruling, the judge said: "(The baby) has lived with ... his biological father since birth. All the reports describe (the man's) care of (the baby) as being to a high standard.
"(The baby) was born following a surrogacy arrangement whereby the gestational surrogate was (the man's) mother. (Her husband) fully supported this.
"(She) agreed to undertake this role when another maternal relation, who had offered to be a surrogate mother for (the baby) had to withdraw prior to any treatment, due to her own medical position.
"This, admittedly, unusual arrangement was entered into by the parties after careful consideration, following each having individual counselling and with all the treatment being undertaken by a fertility clinic licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)."
The judge added: "The arrangement the parties entered into is not one, as far as I am aware, that either this court or the clinic has previously encountered and although highly unusual, is entirely lawful under the relevant statutory provisions."
She said the man was in his mid-20s, lived alone and had worked since leaving school.
Mrs Justice Theis added: "The papers show that for some considerable time he has wanted to be a father.
"He waited until his circumstances were settled in terms of a job and home to enable him to provide the care a child would need.
"He sought advice from specialist fertility lawyers and licensed fertility clinics, to enable him to gain advice and understanding before embarking on any process of becoming a father.
"This is an issue that he has discussed openly with his family and close friends."
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