Australia to continue granting citizenship to babies born via surrogacy in Thailand

31.03.2015

Australia's ambassador to Thailand has defended his embassy's decision to continue granting citizenship and passports to babies born via surrogacy. Earlier this year Thailand passed legislation to ban commercial surrogacy, although it still needs royal approval.

Nationals whip George Christensen has criticised the embassy for granting passports when Thailand is trying to ban the practice.

Ambassador Paul Robilliard said Australian law makes clear if a baby is a descendent of an Australian a passport must be granted. "We have had good cooperation between the embassy and all Thai agencies on this very difficult issue of surrogacy," Mr Robilliard said.

A Parliamentary committee, headed by Mr Christensen, has recommended an inquiry into domestic and international surrogacy.

Recently, Thailand's interim parliament passed a law banning foreigners from seeking surrogacy services. The law passed with 160-2 votes in favour of banning commercial surrogacy in the country, which means only a relative can act as a surrogate mother.

Under the new laws, foreigners will be prohibited to use Thai surrogates unless they have been married to a Thai national for at least three years.

Thailand's status as a top destination for fertility tourism came under scrutiny last year after an Australian couple's baby with Down syndrome was left behind while his healthy twin sister was taken home.

Based on: abc.net.au

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