A citizen proposal advocating for healthcare professionals to assist with fertilization in altruistic surrogacy cases has garnered over 50,000 signatures, mandating a debate in the Danish Parliament. The proposal, initiated by seven women who have voluntarily carried children for childless couples, aims to establish a safe and regulated framework for altruistic surrogacy within Denmark.

The proposal reached the required signature threshold on Wednesday, after being published on June 2nd. It seeks to address the current legal gap where altruistic surrogacy is permitted, but Danish healthcare professionals are barred from assisting with fertilization, forcing individuals to seek solutions outside the Danish healthcare system.

The proposers emphasize the need for a responsible Danish model for altruistic surrogacy to ensure safe conditions for all involved families. The debate in Parliament is scheduled to take place no earlier than October 7th, the commencement of the next parliamentary year.

The Danish Council of Ethics issued a statement in January 2023, supporting the involvement of healthcare professionals in altruistic surrogacy, with a significant majority recommending a change in the existing regulations.