'I'm still waiting': Uncertainty around parental rights remains two years after assisted reproduction legislation was passed

Under Part 12, intended parents would be able to secure a parental order with the consent of the surrogate and the biological father, subject to strict criteria around residency and the legality of the arrangement.

Nearly two years after the Health Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2024 was passed, key sections of the legislation are still not implemented, leaving many families in legal limbo.

The act was widely described as landmark legislation which was designed to regulate assisted reproduction and provide long-awaited clarity on issues such as surrogacy and legal parentage in Ireland.