A same-sex couple who had two children through a surrogate have hit out at lawmakers for refusing to recognise them as parents.
Dublin gym owners Brendan and Gavin have just welcomed into their lives their little girl Lily who was carried by the American woman who gave birth to their son Theo two years ago.
But the couple blasted “archaic” legislation which refuses to recognise either of them as parents – deeming them merely guardians until their kids turn 18.
Brendan told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “Lily is a dream baby and Theo has been brilliant, with no jealousy whatsoever.”
The couple had Theo by gestational surrogate using embryos created from their sperm and a donor egg.
And when the time came to give him a sibling they chose the same surrogate, Noelle, from Colorado.
Brendan said: “We want her to be part of our lives and part of Theo’s life forever.
“We want him to know where he came from. But even though she is no relation to our children she is considered the mother.
“Her husband is considered the father of the child. It just beggars belief. It’s ridiculous how outdated the laws are. We created our family, yet we have to apply for guardianship. It’s pretty archaic, it’s heart-breaking really.”
Ireland has the second-highest rate of surrogacy per capita in the world, yet there is still no legislation around it.
The issue is explored in a series on Virgin Media entitled You, Me and Surrogacy where Brendan and Gavin and other Irish couples share their experiences.
Nadia and George Devin from Drogheda, Co Louth, are in almost daily contact with their surrogate Tiffany, who gave birth to their “miracle” twin boys.
Brendan said: “Yes, it is very expensive, and yes, you have to research it carefully.
“But everything has worked out very well for us and we have no regrets.”
- You, Me and Surrogacy airs on Virgin Media One tomorrow at 10pm.
