Sydney surrogacy

Sydney surrogacy

On Monday and Tuesday this week I attended the Fertility Society of Australia conference in Sydney, to learn about IVF and ART issues, and to talk about surrogacy.

The Fertility Society of Australia is the peak body for the country’s fertility doctors, nurses and counsellors. It is unique in the world for getting all three groups together at the one conference, sharing ideas. I am a member of the society.

On Tuesday I presented about ethical and moral dilemmas to do with surrogacy. The paper I prepared for the conference is here. My presentation was after hearing Professor Jenni Millbank’s call for there to be commercial surrogacy in Australia, a call which I endorsed. While there are many concerns about commercial surrogacy, it seems crazy that there are so many limitations in Australia about surrogacy which have necessarily resulted in Australians going to developing countries for surrogacy. One might wonder that if surrogacy were easier to do at home, the potential for things going awry overseas (let along any potential exploitation) would greatly abate.

Our presentations went well. The overflowing room was full of questioning audience members keen to discuss issues further. A great conference!

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

A Call for National Reform: Stephen Page’s Submission on Surrogacy to the ALRC

Australia’s surrogacy laws remain inconsistent and outdated, varying widely between states and lacking a unified, national approach. In response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review, renowned family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page has submitted a detailed and passionate proposal for reform.

What You Need to Know About Separation & Divorce

Contemplating separation or divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences in life. If you find yourself at this crossroads, it’s vital to approach the situation with foresight and preparation.

Should You Go to Iran for Surrogacy?

When it comes to surrogacy destinations, Iran is probably not the first country that springs to mind. Yet, surprisingly, Iran’s surrogacy laws share some striking similarities with those of California—a state known for its progressive and clear legal framework on assisted reproduction.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board