Andrew Banks, an American, and Elad Dvash, an Israeli, were married in Canada in 2011. Years later, they became parents to fraternal twin boys, Aidan and Ethan, via a surrogate, with Andrew the biological father of Aidan and Elad of Ethan. Things became difficult when Andrew and Elad decided to move to California and discovered to their horror that Ethan couldn't get a U.S. passport. Thus began four years of legal filings, media exposure, and constant fear that the family would be unable to remain together in the U.S. A renowned psychologist who specializes in twin studies, Segal (Accidental Brothers, 2018) followed the case, and her findings form the substance of this insightful book, which is not without its complexities.… [T]he book is also an accessible human story with a happy ending: Ethan is now a U.S. citizen. Case closed.

Booklist

While same-sex marriage was still not legally recognized in the US, two men in a committed relationship—one of whom was a US citizen—chose to move from California to Canada to marry and start a family. The Dvash-Banks family soon welcomed twin boys, thanks to an egg donor and a surrogate; one father was biologically related to each child. But when they tried to move back to California, their story took a dark turn: officials claimed the child biologically related to the non-US citizen did not qualify for US citizenship. Segal employs a frame focusing on the twins to relate the successful legal battle waged by the family to secure US citizenship for their son, and includes expansive details about the individuals involved and their life stories. State Department policies have now been revised, paving the way for transmission of citizenship to children of same-sex and opposite-sex couples who similarly use assisted reproductive methods. Later chapters of the book may be of particular interest to those interested in LGBTQ rights and issues of citizenship and naturalization. Recommended. General readers.

Choice Reviews

This book is both a heart-warming and heart-breaking tale. It’s a story of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary obstacles. You cannot read it without rethinking the fundamental issues underlying family life. Using her great breath of scholarly knowledge (Psychology, Evolution, Child Development, Genetics, etc.) Nancy Segal weaves scientific ideas and personal experiences into a flawless tapestry that affords the reader a profound educational experience.

Thomas J. Bouchard, Jr., PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota

You would think having twins would be a glorious gift for parents, which it is if you’re heterosexual. If you’re a gay couple it’s another story entirely, one told by the preeminent twins researcher and masterful storyteller Nancy Segal. Gay Fathers, Twin Sons is at once gripping, infuriating, heartbreaking, and uplifting. For all the moral progress we’ve made over the centuries it’s hard to believe same-sex couples still struggle to be treated equally under the law. A brilliant read.

Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, author of The Moral Arc and Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational

This story highlights the heroics of two men who sacrificed their privacy to make a difference for their children and others to follow. Segal cogently focuses on the terrifying reality that not all families are treated equally under our law. This tale follows the lives of two men and their twin sons as they seek a fair and legal path to U.S. citizenship. As the book progresses, Segal’s treatment of the personal and legal paths that the men traversed makes us consider issues that get to the very bedrock of basic freedoms – who we can love and who we are allowed to nurture.

Lisabeth Fisher DiLalla, PhD, Professor of Behavioral Sciences, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Director of the Southern Illinois Twins/Triplets and Siblings Study (SITSS)

Gay Fathers, Twin Sons is indeed a book that needed to be written and written so well as only Nancy Segal could! As an immigrant and immigration attorney, I have so much admiration for Andrew and Elad and the courage they demonstrated throughout this incredibly trying battle for equality for their twins. Their bravery and persistence resulted in a categorical change in government policy that has – and will - benefit so many other families in the future. They refused to accept the unjust (and illegal) status quo and I’m grateful that people like them exist to persevere for equal justice for all.

Fiona McEntee, JD, Managing Attorney at McEntee Law Group, author of Our American Dream and U.S. Immigration Options for Startups: Accelerate Your American Dream