Couples around the world have struggled for many years with issues of infertility. When they are heterosexual couples, the response from others tends to be sympathetic. When they are homosexual couples, people may not be as kind. The view tends to be that gay couples choose to be in relationships that prevent them from naturally having children. However, as anyone close a homosexual person knows, being gay isn't usually a choice and the issues surrounding having children with their partners are just as difficult for these couples as they are for heterosexual couples with infertility issues.
Australia has traditionally not been very helpful in equalizing the treatment of fertility issues between heterosexual and homosexual couples. However there is a surrogacy ban in Queensland which is under review; if lifted, it could be a huge step forward for fertility issues facing homosexual couples in the region.
The surrogacy ban as it currently stands bans the act of altruistic pregnancy (woman choosing to have children for others without benefit of financial gain). This applies to any couple that is interested in making use of that type of surrogacy agreement. However, it may be most beneficial to gay male couples on a budget who have few other options for raising a child together. As surrogacy gains popularity around the globe, it may be time for Australia to rethink its position on this issue.
Question of the Day: What is the purpose of an altruistic surrogacy ban and who does it serve today?
