In Re Adoption of E.M.A.

OPINION OF THE COURT

ROBERTS, Justice.

The issue presented is whether appellant, not the spouse of the natural father, may become an adopting parent of his child, when the father gives only “qualified” consent, specifically retaining his parental rights. Our Adoption Act requires, as a prerequisite to adoption, inter alia, either the unqualified consent of natural parents under section 411, or the termination of their parental rights under sections 302 or 311. 1 Susko Adoption Case, 363 Pa. 78, 69 A.2d 132 (1949). The only provision for a qualified consent is contained in section 503:

“Whenever…