Surrogacy law must put the best interests of children at its heart

We are at a point where Ireland can produce a piece of legislation that respects parents and children in this situation, and we have to get it right

There is an urgent need for the commencement of legislation in Ireland that puts the best interests and welfare of children born through surrogacy, both international and domestic, as its paramount and primary consideration. Picture: Getty

In 1978, the first IVF baby in the world was born in Britain. Eight years later, the first IVF baby was born in Ireland.

In 1985, surrogacy legislation was enacted and commenced in Britain. In Ireland today, some 36 years later, children born through surrogacy continue to exist in a limbo, having no recognised legal relationship with their second parent.

Surrogacy in Ireland has been the focus of substantial media attention during the last number ...