The changes would allow same-sex male couples, single men, transgender and intersex people access to altruistic surrogacy. Currently, only heterosexual couples and single women can pursue altruistic surrogacy.
‘Monumental legislation’
Gay father of two Paul Hadfield-Jia said the legislation would be life-changing for many if passed. He knows first-hand how hard it can be for same sex couples in WA to have children.
Hadfield-Jia told SBS News the laws that restrict IVF and surrogacy are “archaic”, and led to him travelling to the United States to become a parent, as he and his husband were not able to do so in Perth.
Bringing her back to Australia was another “challenging” process.
Paul Hadfield-Jia with his daughter Samantha, surrogate Dianna and egg donor Mariah. Credit: Supplied
“Once you’re in Australia, it’s really hard trying to get your children into the system with Medicare and Centrelink, and a lot of these systems are not set up to care for or take care of people and families like my own or other heterosexual couples that have had children through surrogacy,” Hadfield-Jia said.
“This is the most monumental life-changing legislation that we’ve had in years from a gay community perspective,” he said.
“Why would our MPs not want to support legislation which will allow Western Australians to have their children and families safely here in WA?”
Gay couples have felt ‘not welcome’ in WA
“I know of several clients that are now living in Melbourne and Sydney because they didn’t feel like they were welcome and thought this is supposed to be a progressive country, but actually the rainbow flag waving is bollocks because we’re not even welcome here.”
“I think in the future reforms will grow the availability and accessibility of surrogacy, particularly for gay couples and single men, but also for fertility treatments generally.”
‘Well past due’
“This legislation delivers on my government’s commitment to modern, inclusive and evidence-based laws that reflect the needs of our community,” he said.
