An unusual battle is developing in the state capital as a Hollywood father fights for parental rights. That dad says he was more than just a sperm donor, but hasn't seen the child in months.
Men who sell their sperm to a sperm bank lose all parental rights, but what if he gives it to someone he knows? Is he a donor or a dad? Jason Patric is an actor from the 1987 teen vampire film "Lost Boys". On Wednesday Patric told us, "My son was stolen, was taken away."
Now he has a starring role in what could be a reality show. The 47-year-old is in Sacramento lobbying politicians for a proposal that allows the law to define him as a dad. A court has already ruled he's just a sperm donor. "Because you're a donor, you are not allowed to prove in any other statute or any other way, you're a parent, even though I'm the biological father," said Patric.
Patric's drama started when he and his former girlfriend, Danielle Schreiber, agreed to have a child through artificial insemination. He was even a part of his son's life for more than two years. The actor could have been considered the legal father if a signed agreement granting him that status was in place prior to conception. After a split and no legally binding contract in place, he lost custody and hasn't seen the now 3-year-old for months.
St. Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, doesn't like what he calls "the Hollywood circus" his bill has created. He just wants to help men and same-sex couples who have been in that situation. "Because of the PR hype, it has lost its focus. To me the focus is parenting. What's in the best interest of the child?" said Hill. Calls to Schreiber's Sacramento representative were not returned, but the California Cryobank is also opposed to changing the 25-year-old law that protects birth mothers from custody battles.
Alice Crisci, who is eight months pregnant through an anonymous donor, says we shouldn't get in the middle of a court battle. "The reality is he's seeking to impact a few number of men that then disrupts tens of thousands of families. That seems like an irresponsible use of creating new laws," said Crisci.
Patric insists Hill's proposal just gives him and others a fighting chance to be part of their child's life. "This doesn't give you your son back, your daughter back. It gives you the opportunity to go to court and present your evidence," said Patric. Schreiber attorney recently told ABC7 News they hope lawmakers do not interfere with the rights they were promised.
Article: 7th August 2013 www.abclocal.go.com