Australian families face complex surrogacy options, single-source report finds
7 reported
A Guardian report details the challenges Australian families face in pursuing surrogacy, based on submissions to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC). The article describes one couple, Ethan and his wife, who spent about $450,000 from IVF through surrogacy, including $125,000 for a program in Ukraine and $60,000 on travel. The ALRC is examining how to regulate surrogacy and harmonize laws, with more than 400 submissions received. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports over 1,300 children born through offshore surrogacy received Australian citizenship in the past five years. Costs range from under $50,000 in high-risk nations to over $300,000 in regulated developed nations. The National Health and Medical Research Council states altruistic surrogacy is acceptable but commercial surrogacy is ethically unacceptable due to exploitation concerns. The ALRC’s final report is due on 29 July.
What’s reported
Ethan and his wife spent about $450,000 total from IVF through surrogacy.
They paid $125,000 for a surrogacy program in Ukraine and $60,000 on travel.
The ALRC received more than 400 submissions on surrogacy regulation.
DFAT reports over 1,300 children born via offshore surrogacy received Australian citizenship in the past five years.
DFAT says about 5% of children born by surrogacy to Australians are abandoned, translating to more than 18 babies each year.
The National Health and Medical Research Council says altruistic surrogacy is acceptable; commercial surrogacy is ethically unacceptable.
The ALRC discussion paper includes 41 proposals; final report due 29 July.
Key figures
Ethan (requested real name not published)
Sarah Jefford (lawyer and surrogacy guide author)
FamilyVoice (submission opposing surrogacy)
Australian Christian Lobby (submission calling for surrogacy ban)
ADF International (submission arguing for surrogacy moratorium and abolition)
Sources: The Guardian
