An Aussie Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry has said it has ‘strengthened its processes’ after a new mum was able to name her child after a Class A drug.
Journalist Kirsten Drysdale recently welcomed a little boy with her husband Chris - and, of course, like all new parents they were then tasked with the responsibility of naming their new bundle of joy.
The couple attended offices of the New South Wales Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry and were able to seamlessly give their baby boy his moniker.
However, their name of choice is sure to raise a few eyebrows - because the little fella’s name is Methamphetamine Rules.
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Yep, but before you blast his parents over the name, Kirsten actually has a pretty interesting reason for choosing the unusual moniker.
The journalist works for ABC’s WTFAQ, which aims to answer questions sent in by viewers - and Kirsten says one question that she was repeatedly asked to investigate was ‘What can I legally name my baby?’
And while researching the episode, which is due to air this week, the heavily-pregnant reporter wanted to know what the Registry would give as a ‘default name’ to babies whose parents’ first choice was rejected.
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But after not being given a clear answer from the media department she decided to give her own newborn a name that would ‘definitely not be accepted’ - and hence, little Methamphetamine Rules was named.
Speaking to news.com.au, Kirsten said: “We thought, what is the most outrageous name we can think of that will definitely not be accepted?
“Methamphetamine Rules we thought would surely get rejected, and then when it does, we can find out what name the Registrar chooses.
“It was really just a lighthearted, curious attempt to get an answer to this question.”
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Unfortunately for Kirsten and Chris - and even more unfortunately for Methamphetamine Rules - the name managed to ‘slip through’, meaning it was the baby’s legal name and they had the birth certificate to prove it.
“I don’t know how it slipped through,” she said. “I’m not sure if someone was overworked, or if it was automated somewhere.
“Or possibly, maybe they thought Methamphetamine was a Greek name.
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“They haven’t really given us a clear answer.”
Thankfully, the NSW Registry has since accepted it was a mistake and Kirsten’s son will be re-registered under his real, ‘normal’ name - which Kirsten has chosen not to publicly disclose.
A spokesperson for NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages told the publication that it had since overhauled its process following the incident.
They added: “The Registry has since strengthened its processes in response to this highly unusual event.
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“The vast majority of parents do not choose a name for their newborn baby that is obscene, offensive or contrary to the public interest.”
Claire Reid