Gov’t Senator Calls for Consultations on Surrogacy
By: , July 28, 2019The Key Point:
Photo: Michael Sloley
(FILE Photo) Government Senator Kerensia Morrison (standing) highlights a point while opening the State of the Nation debate in the Senate on Friday (October 26). Other Government Senators pictured (seated from left, second row) are: Matthew Samuda; and Dr. Saphire Longmore. In the front row is Senator Ransford Braham.The Facts
- She noted that conflicts may arise from transactions concerning surrogacy, which could demand that the matter be resolved in the courts.
- Senator Morrison said that the psychological impact on the parties involved could lead to mental health challenges, and there are ethical concerns regarding surrogacy, “in so far as it may be pursued for commercial purposes, and not for the development of a family”.
The Full Story
Government Senator, Kerensia Morrison, has called for consultations with relevant stakeholders aimed at crafting an appropriate policy and legislation concerning surrogacy.
Surrogacy is an arrangement, often supported by a legal agreement, whereby a woman (the surrogate) agrees to become pregnant and give birth to a child for another person(s) who is or will become the parent(s) of the child.
Senator Morrison, who moved a private members’ motion in the Senate on July 26, noted that Jamaica has not yet developed the technical and legal framework to govern surrogacy.
She said surrogacy is being practised and marketed in the country, and a number of persons are becoming increasingly interested in pursuing this option for raising families.
She noted that conflicts may arise from transactions concerning surrogacy, which could demand that the matter be resolved in the courts.
Senator Morrison said that the psychological impact on the parties involved could lead to mental health challenges, and there are ethical concerns regarding surrogacy, “in so far as it may be pursued for commercial purposes, and not for the development of a family”.