On 6th July 2022 the final report of the Joint Committee on International Surrogacy was published.
This was a historic and very important day for Irish children born through surrogacy, Irish intended parents currently pursuing international surrogacy and for future generations of Irish people who will look to the Assisted Human Reproduction legislation for guidance and regulation when navigating their own surrogacy journey.
I welcome hugely the publication of this incredibly important report. This Committee was tasked with considering and making recommendations on measures to address issues arising from international surrogacy and existing children born through surrogacy. I would like to thank and commend the members of the Committee for their hard work, commitment and dedication to their task. Regulation is the only means by which we can ensure that the rights, interests and welfare of children born through surrogacy, surrogate mothers and intended parents are safeguarded and protected.
The recommendations contained within this report provide a statutory legal framework for international surrogacy arrangements and a retrospective pathway to parenthood for the parents of existing children already born through surrogacy. I look forward to the inclusion of the recommendations in the Joint Committees report as amendments to the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, to watching the Bill progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas and to early commencement of the Bill in the best interests and or the benefit of all parties who require assisted human reproduction treatment.
To find out more about the Joint Committee Final Report please visit the Oireachtas website.
To download a copy of the final report, please click here.