In what has been described as a landmark decision, the Supreme Court in Brisbane has granted a Toowoomba woman the right to use her deceased boyfriend’s sperm to have a baby.

Despite the recognition by many researchers that cerebral palsy (CP) is rarely related to obstetric malpractice, there are many instances where obstetricians face litigation when a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy following a difficult delivery.

Paediatricians may be asked to provide expert opinion in paediatric cases that come under legal consideration. This article provides suggestions to assist paediatricians in this role and emphasises their duty to the court when giving expert opinion.