Review of the Surrogacy Act 2010 and the Status of Children Act 1996
On 2 August 2024, Stephen Page submitted a comprehensive review of the Surrogacy Act 2010 and the Status of Children Act 1996 to the Department of Communities & Justice. This submission critically examines the guiding principles of both Acts, addressing issues such as the protection of children born through surrogacy, the rights of surrogates, and the need for legal certainty in surrogacy arrangements. Stephen Page, an experienced family and fertility lawyer, raises concerns about the current legal framework, including the prohibition of commercial surrogacy and the complexities around parentage orders.
In this review, Stephen advocates for key reforms, such as simplifying the post-birth parentage process and introducing enforceable surrogacy agreements, to provide clarity and protection for all parties involved. He also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Australia’s surrogacy laws align with international human rights obligations. This submission offers valuable insights for policymakers, legal professionals, and families navigating surrogacy in Australia.
To read the full submission, click the button below.
