Earlier this week it was speculated that the Irish government would be deferring any changes made to international surrogacy. This comes as a huge blow to those following that path here in Ireland, as it will impact many parents and their legal relationship with their child.
Rosanna Davison has spoken out about this on social media, sharing her story, and we have heard from other famous Irish faces this week on the issue including Westlife’s Mark Feehily and Georgie Crawford.
After suffering a devastating 14 miscarriages Rosanna, and her husband Wes decided to opt for surrogacy and in 2019 welcomed baby Sophia into the world through gestational surrogate in Kiev.
Sharing an emotional post about the experience Rosanna shared; “Surrogacy is physically, mentally & financially draining. It’s usually the last/only option for an individual/couple to have a child.”
“As a mum of 3, I’m deeply concerned to read in last Sunday’s Business Post, that the Irish Govt is considering deferral of legislation for international & retrospective pathways to surrogacy. If true, this will affect 100s of children & families across Ireland, including my own. Sophia & many other children will be left legally vulnerable & unprotected.”
Rosanna and Wes went on to conceive twins after having Sophia, and welcomed Hugo and Oscar into the world late last year. However, Rosanna shared that legally her relationship with her children is different; “The heartbreaking reality is that I’m not legally recognised as Sophia’s mother like I am to my twins, yet I am her biological mother.”
“I can apply to be her legal guardian from age 2 to 18, but after that I’m a legal stranger to her. Whilst I trust that doctors & caregivers will always put a child’s health & welfare first, it’s extremely worrying to know that I can’t consent to a vaccination or a blood test & I wouldn’t be considered her mother on medical consent forms.”
Continuing she added; “If Sophia’s legal parent @wesquirke were to become incapacitated or worse, I would be her guardian but not viewed as her parent or mother. It’s beyond distressing to consider, but these are the thoughts that cause such anxiety for me & others. Sophia shouldn’t be treated differently to her brothers. My 3 children should have me as their mother, parent & protector.”
“I’ve felt compelled to make this statement today about my family & to share how this potential legislation affects my children & many others because it’s so important for their future.”
Finally the former Miss World shared an emotional plea on behalf of her family and others across Ireland; “I can only hope that our government is listening to all the parents speaking out on behalf of their children & trust that they will bring forward legislation so that no child is left out, allowing me to be a legally recognised mother to my 3 children.”
