How can a baby be illegitimate?

Illegitimate children (or 'b@stards' - the true meaning of the word) are simply children born out of wedlock. I believe that doesn't extend to children conceived out of wedlock, which is an interesting matter in itself. Historically, illegitimate children were considered as such because they're were legitimate heirs (to the throne, to titles, to property, etc.). Children had to be born within wedlock to have a claim on their parents' possessions and/or title.

I think people do not care anymore. I was brough up by my baptist grandmother. I was taught to act like a lady and be married before children are brought on the scene. Sadly this is not the case with most of the females in the US/world today. We need to go back to old family values when grandparents were in the home and kids were taught to be proud of the family name and to have some self-respect.

Okay, this is old fashioned, and really not of any relevance anymore, but it has to do with money and power, and patriarchy. If a man and a woman are married, and they have a baby, and they know it's theirs, then the child is considered a legitimate heir. If a man and woman are not married, and they have a baby, then the child is considered an illegitimate heir because they don't know if the father is the real father or not. This really only applies for people who are of royalty, people who are well off and have a lot of money, and people who are of noble status. This doesn't really apply today because most people don't have this issue anymore, and if a person doesn't want their possessions or money to go to their children, it doesn't have to because there is such a thing as a "Will", and this designates who can and will inherit what and when, and it designates where the persons possessions and money will go.

hi professor, illegitimate children are often looked down upon by children with wed parents. but nowadays it is changing. society seems to have accepted the situation hence more and more children are born out of wedlock. ann

hello dada, You are right, how come the child/baby born out of wedlock become illegitimate? it's not the child's choice to be born out of wedlock , and the baby is innocent to whatever sin/s the parents ever done- so why let the child suffer the consequences. Here in our place, the law has implemented a fair treatment between the legal children and the illegitimate ones - meaning- there is no more illegitimate child here in our place. The child out of wedlock can use the father's name (last name/family name) if the child or the mother of the child decided to use it. When it comes to heirs/ heiress- every child will be given equal share as well. have a good day dada and hugs to you and maa

I never could understand why the social status of a child born to unmarried couples would ever be taken away! I was very young when I found this out. Here, in the US this was a practiced custom until recently. I was even more confused when I learned a child adopted by a married couple regains social status based on the social status of the married couple?! How much talent was lost by this closed minded point of view? Also, why is everyone so surprised when finding out a significant, intelligent, successful adult came from a poverty stricken family? I don't get it.

I never believed that children could be illegitimate. Two people get together, abd a child is born. If the child is Hunan, the child is legitimate. As for social status, I don't give a damn.

I consider the term to be just as offensive as the one that used to be in common usage beforehand. to suggest that a living being is NOT legitimate is offensive indeed. my parents were not married, but I am just as valid and legitimate as someone whose parents were. it makes no difference to how good or decent a person you were, and no difference to how much you are loved or how well you are brought up.

Hi professor, I think it's very wrong to consider any child illegitimate. It was common to think that way at one time but things have changed here and it's no longer true. Blessings.

I ask the same question my self...How can a baby be illegitimate? obviously some one gave birth to this child....soooo the child is legit don't matter is a parent is single or married!

People here are having children without being married more and more. There are also many many cases of the child carrying their mother's maiden name. I think that it is hardest for the child when they come to realize there is a difference. As it becomes more accepted..that will subside I think. Now the way that people feel about that here greatly depends on their social class and status though.

Hello Papa! Illegitimate and or as some call them "b-astard". Of course with birth records and or DNA a child can still gain proprietary from their parents even if illegitimately conceived. Once proven to be the child of such parents they are still entitled to benefits as any legitimate child. Although the world looks at them differently the law does not. I do not believe it is as shameful in this day and age as the "newer society" is in acceptance of per-marital s@x. I believe there are those who still consider them lessor in the world when it comes to status, sadly. I say sadly as it is not the child's fault. In my opinion doing so would mean that the child is evil in some way, and I do see how that is possible, though we do live in a cruel world. Illegitimate children in the US does happen as sometimes due to per-marital s@x, and or extramarital affairs. In reality the parents are the ones who should be illegitimate in my opinion. Though I was a single parent, I did conceive both of mine "legitimately" and with the same father, lol thought I add this in as though I firmly believe in legitimacy, I understand circumstances have occurred and whether irresponsible or not, I would never blame the child as it seems that the child is the one in the long run who suffers with such matters.