Hong Kong parents refuse DNA proof for baby's birth registration on privacy grounds

The parents of a Hong Kong baby without legal identity have insisted on not providing DNA proof for birth registration on privacy grounds, with the city’s welfare minister saying authorities would “strive to meet” the family after finally receiving an email reply from them.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Tuesday said that the Social Welfare Department had finally received a reply from the parents of two-month old Danny via email on Monday night. The department had first reached out last Thursday, hoping to visit the family and assess the infant’s well-being.

Danny remains without a birth certificate after being delivered at home, sparking public concern over his health and welfare and prompting lawmakers on Monday to call on the government to step in.

Danny’s father, Tsang Wai-bong, a 43-year-old former physiotherapist currently seeking employment, told the South China Morning Post on Tuesday morning that the family would not consider providing a DNA test for Danny’s birth registration.

He said Danny was in good health after seeing a family doctor but did not reveal how the consultation had been arranged in the absence of a birth certificate.

“Home birth is totally legal. According to the law, children must be registered with the Immigration Department within 42 days of birth, and we have already initiated this process,” Tsang said.