WA surrogacy laws not in best interests of the child

Australian Christian Lobby - Newsletter

26 June 2008

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) is urging WA Upper House politicians to vote against the WA Surrogacy Bill 2007 because it is not in the best interests of children.

ACL’s WA Director Michelle Pearse said that ACL is opposed to the bill which is likely to be voted on in the Upper House today.

“While we sympathise with the deep pain felt by childless couples, we believe on balance that it is wrong to create a situation where numerous adults could have a biological stake in a child,” Mrs Pearse said.

 “I don’t think the public understands that a child could potentially have five parents under this new legislation including a genetic mother, genetic father, adopted mother, adopted father, and birth mother.

“Such arrangements are fraught with significant legal and relational consequences ranging from genetic bewilderment for children to custody disputes.

“Whilst there may be occasional positive stories, the evidence suggests that legalised surrogacy does more harm than good.”

Mrs Pearse said ACL is concerned that gay women and single women will have access to surrogacy. This creates further hardship for the child who would be intentionally born into the world without the benefit of a father.  While, in many cases, the absence of a father cannot be helped, ACL believes that a child should not be brought into the world where a father is purposely absent.   

ACL also believes that it is premature for the West Australian Parliament to vote on its controversial surrogacy laws while the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General (SCAG) is in the process of developing uniform surrogacy laws.

On March 28 this year, SCAG agreed to develop a unified national framework for surrogacy arrangements and to undertake public consultation.

“It seems ridiculous for Western Australia to go off on its own to make new surrogacy laws after agreeing to be part of a national process. Why not wait and gain the benefits of a wider consultation process?” Mrs Pearse said.

Media Contact: Michelle Pearse: 0400 869 107 or Glynis Quinlan: 0408 875 979