Have you ever wondered why some Australian families travel overseas for surrogacy? Or been confused by headlines about proposed payments for surrogates and whether that crosses a line?

Australia's surrogacy laws have been called "confusing, restrictive, and not fit for purpose." Now there's talk of reform, including monthly payments to surrogates. But it raises questions about whether we're finally acknowledging the labour involved, or creating new problems.

In this episode, Dr Renee White explores Australia's proposed surrogacy law reforms and sits with some uncomfortable questions that don't have simple answers. Like whether it's more exploitative to pay someone for nine months of physical and emotional labour, or to expect them to do it for free while the doctors, lawyers and agencies all get paid.

This isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating space to think about what fair support and real protection actually look like.

You'll hear about:

Why 369 families a year go offshore for surrogacy and whether our current laws are protecting anyone
The thinking behind altruistic surrogacy and why surrogates are the only ones not compensated
What the proposed reforms actually include and why people are so divided
Whether we can put a price on pregnancy and who gets to decide what counts as exploitation
How this connects to bigger questions about valuing reproductive labour and care work

Whether you've considered surrogacy, know someone who has, or you're just trying to understand this complex issue, this episode offers space to think critically about what we owe to surrogates, children and families navigating this path.

Resources & Links

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

✨ This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village.

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Disclaimer

The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.