In the latest figures, over 400 children were born to Australian intended parents in Thailand in the year ended 30 June 2012, according to figures gleaned from the Australian government by Professor Jenni Millbank:

Source: Jenni Millbank/Dept Immigration & Citizen

Given the similar number in India, this makes Australians the highest per capita users of commercial international surrogacy arrangements of any country in the world.

As I have said elsewhere, trying to prohibit Australians undertaking surrogacy overseas will not work. It is akin to King Canute holding back the tide. A much, much better outcome is to prevent the exploitation of surrogates (and children, and intended parents) overseas, by making commercial surrogacy available here- properly regulated by clear, sensible and transparent rules.