Parenthood by Proxy

Parenthood by proxy occurs when someone assumes the responsibilities, decisions, and emotional bonds typically associated with being a parent for a child they do not share biological parentage with, often through legal or custodial arrangements. This scenario can involve caregivers, guardians, or even medical professionals acting in a parental role, particularly in cases like adoption, guardianship, or medical decision-making for minors. While it involves acting with the child's best interests in mind, it differs from biological parenthood because the legal or emotional connection is established through an external arrangement rather than biology alone.