Legal & Non-legal Measures – Surrogacy & Birthing Technologies

Resource Description

Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in dealing with surrogacy and birthing technologies in Australia

INTRO: Australian legal and non-legal measures, whilst somewhat limited and scarce, have been effective in dealing with surrogacy and birthing technologies. The multitude of state legislative reforms, have effectively accommodated the changing values of society, and have also clarified the uncertainty and conflict regarding this contemporary issue. However, issues regarding assisted reproductive technologies remain prevalent throughout society, as the demand for surrogacy and birthing technologies increases, hence reflecting the growing presence/acceptance of the LGBT community in Australia, and the fact that 1 in 6 couples are affected by infertility, thus reaffirming the Human Rights Law Centre’s statement that “Australians are the largest client market for international surrogacy and birthing technology arrangements”. Additionally, the dis-inclusion of surrogacy and birthing technologies as a federal matter, heightens the withstanding issues, and challenges the protection and individual rights of various family members.