Green Light for Surrogacy in New Zealand
(1998) Childrenz Issues, Vol. 2, No. 2
Victoria University of Wellington Legal Research Paper No. 39/2019
5 Pages Posted: 27 Apr 2015 Last revised: 21 Jun 2019
Date Written: 1998
Abstract
Surrogacy in New Zealand has had a chequered history. There is nothing illegal about private parties agreeing to surrogacy, but professionally managed surrogacy raises questions of legality and whether there should be legislation controlling the area. This article goes into the various historical and ethical questions that surround surrogacy in New Zealand, while drawing comparisons with the law in California. The Yates Bill is discussed, with mention of its attempts to control (rather than forbid) surrogacy in New Zealand. The legal questions of the status of the child and the validity of surrogacy contracts are also discussed.
Keywords: Surrogacy, Adoption, IVF, Paternity, Surrogacy Contracts, Law Reform
JEL Classification: K39
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation