Clare mothers and surrogacy campaigners are urging the Government to progress new legislation amid serious legal uncertainty regarding rights to their children.
Although its almost two years since the Health Assisted Human Reproduction bill was signed into law, it still hasn’t been commenced.
It’s estimated there are over 2,000 children in Ireland that are awaiting formal recognition of their parentage.
Currently in Ireland, the surrogate mother who gives birth to the child is recognised as the legal mother and guardian, rather than the biological parents.
The intending mother can make an application for custody rights after two years, but in any circumstance has no legal links to their child once they turn eighteen.
Miltown Malbay Mother Fiona Whyte, whose two children were born in a surrogate clinic in India, says it’s a deeply flawed system.
Irish Families Through Surrogacy have held a briefing for TDs and Senators to highlight the need for the Health Assisted Human Reproduction Act, to be fully enacted.
Hilary O’Donovan from Kilrush, who is a mother to twins born in Ukraine in 2016 and attended the briefing yesterday is hopeful politicians will act on the urgency of the situation.
Listen to the full interview here
