Clare families feel as if Christmas has come early as parents of surrogate children will soon be recognised in law.
Cabinet yesterday agreed to make amendments to legislation, which will see surrogate parents registered on their children’s birth certs.
In a milestone moment yesterday, the government approved policy proposals on international surrogacy and past surrogacy arrangements.
Once drafted, the amendments will be inserted into the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 Bill, with the changes set to go before a committee early next year for final approval.
Previously, non-biological parents to surrogate children could apply for guardianship after the child had turned two, but this would end after the child turned 18.
Additionally, this mean that only parents recognised on the birth cert could make medical decisions for the child up until guardianship was acquired.
Similarly, issues in relation to inheritance and custody should a marriage or partnership break down were also complicated by the lack of legal recognition for parents to children born through surrogacy.
Ennis man Johnny Kelly and his wife welcomed twins via a surrogate in Ukraine 20 months ago.
Johnny is welcoming the comprehensive changes to the current legislation.
A West Clare mother says her family is ‘euphoric’ after receiving confirmation of the move.
Kilrush resident Hilary O’Donovan and her husband also welcomed twins via surrogate in Ukraine.
Hilary says all she ever wanted was a family and this legislation legally recognises hers as one.
Listen back to the full interview here:
