They previously described their ordeal as a ‘nightmare’, but finally the trauma is over for Gordon Lake and Manuel Santos – the same-sex couple whose surrogate refused to hand over their baby.
According to reports this evening, the couple have won their custody battle, with a Thai court ruling biological father Mr Lake to be the legal guardian of daughter Carmen.
The case has been running since Carmen’s birth, back in January 2015. Surrogate Patidta Kusolsang initially handed the child over to the doting parents, but later changed her mind after discovering that the couple were gay.
With Ms Kusolsang refusing to sign the papers required to enable Carmen to get a passport, Mr Lake and Mr Santos were forced to remain in Thailand to fight their case.
The couple’s plight was also hampered by a new Thai law banning commercial surrogacy in the country.
After going public with their story, Mr Lake and Mr Santos received an outpouring of sympathy and support. Indeed, it was through crowd-funding that the new parents were able to remain in Thailand with their daughter.
Speaking after their court victory, the couple said that they were “really happy” and are looking forward to starting their new life as a family in Spain.
