The government has made it clear that it will not speed up potential reforms to the child surrogacy laws.
This decision was announced during a recent Parliamentary debate. The subject was the status of surrogate parents following the birth of the child. Campaigners want the law in Wales and England to recognise them as the legal guardians from this point. Diana Johnson, the health minister, stated it was not possible to bring such legislation forward, but the government fully understands the demand for change.
Surrogate parents currently have to apply for a parental order before they can be legally recognised as the guardians. This is a lengthy process that requires the expertise of family law solicitors in North Wales or England. It involves completing a 200-page document as well as a mandatory visit from a social worker.
During the debate, MP Dave Robertson highlighted the complexity of the documentation and the stress of the interview with a social worker. However, any change to the law would have to balance the rights of surrogate parents with the need for child safeguarding.
This was a point made by shadow education minister Rebecca Smith. According to Today’s Family Lawyer, she said:
“The parental order process exists to ensure that a child’s welfare comes first and that a surrogate mother’s consent is freely given. Any reform should strengthen those protections for women and children, not diminish them.”
At Bennett Smith Solicitors, our team possesses expertise across all areas of family law in North Wales. Contact us now to get a quote.
