The Government has approved new legislation that will recognise families that were created through international surrogacy.
There are currently no laws in place in Ireland for international or domestic surrogacy, meaning many surrogacies take place outside of the country.
As there is no governance over surrogacy in Ireland, the biological dad can apply for parental declaration, whereas the ‘intended mum’ of the child could not, as she is not biologically related to the infant.
The Irish Families Through Surrogacy group met with Minister of Health, Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.
Today is a great day for families created through international surrogacy.
— Fianna Fáil (@fiannafailparty) December 13, 2022
New legislation will provide for parental status in Ireland in international surrogacy arrangements. @DonnellyStephen @ErinMcGreehan @LorrCliff pic.twitter.com/GFL8Yg2Q8J
When making a statement about the wonderful new legislation, which he described as a “landmark legal approach to surrogacy”, Minister Stephen Donnelly said, “It has been my great honour to be able to bring forward legislation to deal with International surrogacy”.
“As I said earlier today we're fixing the issues for parents and children, and fixing them permanently”.
Fianna Fáil also Tweeted about the new policies writing, “Today is a great day for families created through international surrogacy. New legislation will provide for parental status in Ireland in international surrogacy arrangements”.
When celebrating the news, the Irish Families Through Surrogacy shared photos to Instagram and wrote, “A Christmas Miracle for our families. Our Christmas Dreams have come true".
"Today, Irish Families Through Surrogacy met with Minister @stephen_donnelly_wicklow, @rodericogorman and @heatherhumphreys.td where they informed us that Cabinet have approved drafting legislation for international surrogacy”.
“Today is a hugely significant day for thousands of Irish families. This has been the result of a years long campaign by so many”.
“Thank you to the many families who have shared their stories and bared their souls to be heard. Thank you to @mseerykearney for her relentless passion to make this a reality and her constant support”
They closed off by saying, “To the Oireachtas and International Surrogacy Committee who worked so diligently to make sure that comprehensive recommendations were put in place this summer”.
