DutchNews.nl - Biological father loses internet baby battle

A Dutch couple who bought a baby from a Belgian surrogate mother via the internet can keep the child, who is now three years old, judges in Utrecht ruled on Wednesday.

The case was brought by the girl’s biological father, also a Belgian, who had sought a surrogate mother because his own wife was infertile, reports ANP news service.

However instead of handing the baby over to this couple as agreed, the surrogate mother sold the baby to a Dutch couple in Leusden, reports ANP.

The court ruled three years ago that the baby, Donna, could remain in the Netherlands with her Dutch parents on a temporary basis. The biological father objected, but his appeal was turned down, says ANP.

Donna was born in February 2005 and initially her biological mother said that the father was her own husband. But in April last year a DNA test confirmed the real identity of the biological father who began legal proceedings for custody of the child.

On Wednesday the biological father told local Flemish radio that he is disappointed with the court’s ruling. ‘I didn’t expect this. I don’t even get visiting rights,’ ANP quotes him as saying.

The judge said that while it is important that Donna gets to know her biological father, he must first accept that the girl will grow up with the Dutch family, said ANP.

The court said Donna will be placed under the supervision of social services who will help the family cope with the huge media attention the case has attracted.

Donna’s biological father and his wife are now considering further legal steps, reports ANP.

Where are the Belgian authorities in this? Surely someone can help the father get this ruling overturned? The Utrecht court should be ashamed of itself.

By Jen | May 7, 2008 11:54 AM

This is total garbage!!! How can you take a mans child away from him. Also he was frauded from his child. Not like he just left it or didn´t care about it. This child was stolen from him!!! Typical ummm when you get robbed.. The person who robbed you goes to jail and the property that was recoverd is returned to is rightful owner.. How is this soooo confusing.. The people buying , bought over the internet.. Are you joking!!! They should have done better research.. This has to be a joke??? When this child gets older the child will learn the truth and this will cause serious issues in the childs life. I went thru this as well, I am now 38 and still looking form my real family and dealing with this issue. I was ripped from by real mother & father by a court in the same issue as this. I have serious issues with my adopted parents to this day. Sure I was raised well, wanted for nothing. But to one day meet my real parents. That they went to court and took me away from. This child will have serious issues later in life. Knowing that the very people the child is living with TOOK the child away from he rightful parent. This is a Dutch court?? Must be the same court that let a drunk driver off a few weeks ago. After that driver ran over a child and killed that child.. The man was given a very min sentence!!! I guess in Holland it is ok to steal babies and drive drunk and kill people now a days...I think the Judges there have been smoking to much Amsterdam green if you ask me...

By DR | May 7, 2008 4:05 PM

great, that is really nice! yeppers, holland for sure! i filed for my survivors benefits when my husband died in canada, he was a dutch, the guy at the netherlands embassy, just kept asking me to send forms an i did it all, followed all instructions, after that. he even asked my bank account number! but it was all bullsh1t!, i spent lots of money sending original documents and they didnt even return it back!. a bunch of crook! i tell you

By r huster | September 2, 2009 4:34 PM