The Moderaterne party in Denmark is advocating for the legalization of professional health assistance for altruistic surrogacy within the country. This move aims to eliminate the need for individuals, particularly male homosexual couples, to seek such services abroad. The proposal follows a citizen initiative that garnered enough support to be debated in the Danish Parliament.
Currently, while altruistic surrogacy is legal in Denmark, receiving professional medical help for fertilization is not. Additionally, assisting in finding a surrogate or establishing legally binding agreements for child handover is prohibited. The Moderaterne’s health spokesperson, Rosa Eriksen, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that surrogacy remains voluntary and driven by genuine compassion, with no financial incentives involved.
The proposal has gained traction, with several parties expressing openness to relaxing the existing laws. The change would primarily benefit couples and women with medical conditions, such as those born without a uterus or who have undergone cancer treatment, who cannot conceive without assistance.
Eriksen argues that allowing domestic surrogacy assistance would provide better oversight and ensure the process is entirely voluntary. She also addressed concerns about potential pressure on surrogate mothers, stating that domestic regulation would mitigate such risks. Furthermore, she highlighted Denmark’s declining birth rate and the difficulties in international adoption as additional reasons to support the proposal.
While acknowledging the ethical considerations surrounding surrogacy, Health Minister Sophie Løhde stated she is open to discussing the issue with other parties.