Some People Disagree with Surrogacy, Others See it as a Blessing

This weekend, Anna, Matt, and Brendan are continuing their yearly tradition a bit late. Each year, Matt and Brendan, a gay couple, visit Anna’s house with their son, Baker, to help put up Christmas lights. “Then we take a photo in front of the tree,” Anna says. “This year, we’ll take the lights down instead, since we missed it.”
They exchange gifts, including ones for Baker, who is 3 years old. “I’m like his aunt,” Anna says. But these two families from Adelaide have a unique bond. Anna was a surrogate for Matt and Brendan, helping them become parents.

Before becoming a surrogate, Anna donated eggs to three families. “I liked the feeling of helping others in a meaningful way,” she says. It became addictive.” So, she decided to become a surrogate to carry a baby for another couple. “I enjoyed being pregnant with my own children and wanted to experience it again without raising more children,” she explains. “Giving birth felt empowering.”
Anna gave birth to Baker at home with the help of midwives. Matt and Brendan, the “commissioning parents” as the surrogate community calls them, were there too. Now, the two families meet about six times a year and celebrate an annual ‘Surryversary’, marking the day Anna agreed to carry their child. “We celebrate the journey we went through together to create life,” she says.

The Complex World of Surrogacy

About 100 babies are born to surrogates in Australia each year, and this number is growing. Many of the parents using surrogates are gay couples like Matt and Brendan, as well as couples facing infertility. Australia has strict rules for surrogacy, allowing only “altruistic surrogacy,” where women volunteer to carry a child without monetary compensation beyond medical expenses.
“You can’t ask someone to be your surrogate in Australia; you have to wait for a surrogate to offer,” Anna explains. Surrogacy is complex and can be ethically challenging. Recently, Pope Francis called surrogacy “deplorable,” sparking debate.
Australia bans commercial surrogacy, leading some couples to seek options overseas. However, altruistic surrogacy is permitted. The laws vary between states, with some allowing babies born via commercial arrangements overseas to be brought in.
To understand where Australia stands on surrogacy, ABC News spoke to experts, people conceived through surrogacy, surrogates, and those who’ve used surrogates.

Different Perspectives on Surrogacy

Morgan, born via commercial surrogacy in the US, sees nothing wrong with it. She believes her upbringing was not exploitative, as her parents were open about it from the start. She emphasizes the rigorous testing involved in the process.
On the other hand, Olivia, who was separated from her birth mother at birth, advocates for a complete ban on surrogacy. She believes it harms the child’s relationship with their birth mother.
Alice used to oppose commercial surrogacy but changed her mind after the Baby Gammy case. She now believes it could ensure fair compensation for surrogates and deter exploitation.
Odette’s experience as a surrogate turned sour, leading her to believe that there aren’t enough protections for surrogates and children.
Feminist activists like Dr. Renate Klein and Catherine Lynch argue against surrogacy, citing concerns about exploitation and the rights of the child.
Shane and Sam, who used an altruistic surrogate in Canada, emphasize the importance of having a lifelong relationship with their surrogate for the child’s wellbeing.
Mark and his husband opted for commercial surrogacy in the US, spending $330,000. Despite criticism, they believe they’ve given their daughter a loving family.

Concerns and Future of Surrogacy

Recent scandals and exploitation cases have raised concerns about surrogacy, leading to calls for legislative changes.
Some argue for better compensation and protections for surrogates to prevent exploitation.
Others emphasize the importance of maintaining contact and relationships between surrogates, commissioning parents, and children.
Anna, now working to support intended parents, believes Australia may eventually adopt a compensated surrogacy model but cautions about proceeding carefully.

Read full story here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-14/pope-francis-surrogacy-deplorable-others-australia-gift-parents/103313940