Tomorrow is the final day to make your submission on surrogacy law reform in Australia.
As specialists in surrogacy counselling, we understand the profound impact these laws have on intended parents, surrogates and most importantly, the children at the heart of every surrogacy journey.
Why This Matters Now
Australia’s surrogacy laws are at a crossroads. The current framework, while well intentioned, creates significant barriers for families and fails to adequately protect all parties involved. This is your opportunity to influence meaningful change that could transform how surrogacy works in our country.
Key Issues That Need Your Voice
Through our extensive experience providing independent surrogacy counselling across Australia, we’ve identified critical areas requiring urgent reform:
1. The Need for Independent Counselling
Surrogacy counselling should always be independent from fertility clinics to ensure unbiased, child focused support. When counsellors work directly for clinics, conflicts of interest can compromise the quality of care and guidance provided to all parties.
2. National Consistency is Crucial
Currently, each state has different rules and processes, creating confusion and inequity. A national approach would ensure fair, consistent standards across Australia, regardless of where you live.
3. Supporting Our Surrogates
The current altruistic only model doesn’t acknowledge the significant physical, emotional, and time commitments surrogates make. Many other countries have successfully implemented regulated compensation models that respect surrogates’ autonomy while maintaining ethical standards.
4. Protecting Children’s Rights
Every child has the right to know their story. A national registry would ensure children born through surrogacy can access information about their origins when they’re ready, supporting their identity and wellbeing throughout life.
5. International Surrogacy Realities
Many Australian families pursue surrogacy overseas due to limited domestic options. These families shouldn’t face legal uncertainty or criminalisation. We need pathways that recognise international arrangements while improving domestic options.
What Makes a Good Submission?
Your submission doesn’t need to be lengthy or formal. Consider sharing:
- Your personal experience with surrogacy (as an intended parent, surrogate or donor conceived person)
- Challenges you’ve faced with current laws
- How proposed changes would impact you or your family
- Your vision for ethical, accessible surrogacy in Australia
How We’re Contributing
As registered psychologists and ANZICA registered fertility counsellors, we’ve submitted our professional recommendations based on 25+ years of clinical experience. We’ve advocated for:
- Mandatory independent counselling
- National standards and oversight
- Recognition of surrogates’ contributions
- Protection of children’s rights to identity
- Support for all family formation pathways
Make Your Voice Heard Today
Whether you’re an intended parent, surrogate, donor conceived person or simply someone who believes in reproductive choice and family diversity, your perspective matters.
The submission deadline is tomorrow. Don’t let this opportunity pass by.
How to Submit
Making a submission might feel daunting, but remember there’s no right or wrong way to share your perspective. Your authentic story and heartfelt experiences are what matter most.
To help you get started, you can download a template submission from Sarah Jefford’s blog to use as a guide. This template provides a helpful structure, but don’t feel constrained by it—your unique voice is what counts.
Where to submit:
- Online via the ALRC website
- By email to the review team
- By post if you prefer traditional mail
Deadline: Friday 11 July 2025 (tomorrow!)
We’re Here to Support You
At Happy Minds Psychology, we provide specialist surrogacy counselling services across Australia. Whether you’re beginning your surrogacy journey, navigating challenges, or supporting a loved one, we offer:
- Independent psychological assessments
- Ongoing counselling for all parties
- Evidence based guidance
- Child focused approach
- Support for both domestic and international surrogacy arrangements
Looking Forward
Tomorrow’s deadline isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of potential transformative change for Australian families.
By speaking up now, you’re helping create a future where surrogacy is ethical, accessible and truly centres the wellbeing of all involved.
Thank you for being part of this important conversation. Together, we can build a surrogacy framework that honours love, respects choice and protects the vulnerable.