RELEASE: Groenewald Calls for Surrogacy Bill to be Sent to Committee for Proper Scrutiny

Australian Christians Leader, Maryka Groenewald MLC, has today called for the Labor Government's Surrogacy Reform Bill to be referred to a Parliamentary committee, following her second reading speech in the Legislative Council.

"In my speech, I made it clear that the only responsible way to proceed with this legislation is to send it to committee so that proper scrutiny and adjustments can be made," said Maryka Groenewald MLC.

"This Bill contains a glaring omission that should alarm every member of Parliament and every Western Australian. There are no protections excluding people with serious criminal records, including those convicted of violent or sexual offences, from using surrogacy services."

"This Bill also opens the door to de facto commercial surrogacy by allowing a wide and loosely defined list of expenses that can be reimbursed to surrogate mothers. In practice, these so-called reimbursements could easily become substantial financial incentives."

"The right and responsible thing to do is to refer this Bill to committee, give it the proper scrutiny it deserves, and ensure that the rights, dignity, and safety of both women and children are fully protected," Groenewald concluded.