Australia Reviews Surrogacy Laws to Help Families

Kenedi Hyler followed in her mother's footsteps when she became a surrogate, helping families achieve their dreams of parenthood three times over the past decade.

One of those families lives in Australia, where surrogacy laws are now under the country's first comprehensive nationwide review. The Australian Law Reform Commission is examining how to make surrogacy safer and more accessible for the growing number of families seeking this path to parenthood.

The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2020, around 351 babies were born through surrogacy to Australian families. By 2023, that number jumped to approximately 361 children born through overseas surrogacy alone, showing just how many families are pursuing this option.

The private Facebook group Surrogacy Community Australia now has over 3,000 members, creating a supportive space where families share experiences and navigate their journeys together. This growing community demonstrates both the demand and the need for clearer, more consistent laws.

Currently, surrogacy regulations vary across Australian states, creating confusion and forcing many families to look overseas. Anthony and his partner Joseph were among those who traveled abroad to build their family, eventually welcoming three children.

Their experience, along with thousands of others, is now informing the national review. The Attorney General asked the commission to develop recommendations that could standardize and improve surrogacy regulation across the country.

The Ripple Effect

This review represents the first time Australia has comprehensively examined surrogacy at a national level. Families, surrogates, medical professionals, and legal experts are all contributing their voices to shape policies that could help thousands of future families.

The commission's final report is due in July, potentially paving the way for laws that better serve both intended parents and surrogates. Countries around the world are watching as Australia works to create a model that protects everyone while expanding access.

For people like Kenedi, who says surrogacy allowed her to help others while achieving personal financial stability, the conversation represents progress. She bought her first home in California and paid off debt while giving three families the gift of children.

The review acknowledges a simple truth: families are already pursuing surrogacy, both at home and abroad. Better laws could mean safer journeys, clearer rights, and more support for everyone involved in bringing new life into loving homes.

Thousands of Australian families are waiting to see what July brings.