Surrogacy may be banned in France, but it must recognize children born to surrogate parents abroad, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled. The case may have broader implications. If children of overseas surrogate mothers will automatically become French citizens, it will be easier for gay couples to create families. Dean Hutchinson, a lawyer for Circle Surrogacy, an international agency which specializes in gay clients, observed:
“Countries that are members of the European Court of Human Rights must recognize the parentage of parents who have a genetic connection to their children born through surrogacy abroad, as this is in the best interests of the child. Our analysis of the case shows that, as long as at least one parent has a genetic connection to the child, the authorities must recognize parentage and grant citizenship— even if the country does not allow surrogacy. This is a blessing to intended parents from countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany that do not recognize surrogacy and have placed impediments to parents returning home with children born through surrogacy.”
Click here to read the full BioEdge article.
Click here to read the full blog post by Dean Hutchison.
