LGBTQA+ Families

LGBTQA+ Families

Learning from Australia: Family Building for the LGBTIQA+ Community

What if Thailand's same-sex marriage law allows LGBTQA+ couples to access surrogacy and fertility treatments? Genea Thailand shares insights from Genea Australia for LGBTQA+ couples.

Thailand Leads with Same-Sex Marriage Legislation in Southeast Asia

On June 18, 2024, Thailand's Senate passed a landmark same-sex marriage bill, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex relationships. Pending royal assent, the Thai Marriage Equality Act will take effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This significant legislation not only advances LGBT rights within Asia but also sets a global precedent, highlighting Thailand's commitment to equality and acceptance.

Learning from Genea Australia's Inclusive Approach to Family Building for LGBTQA+

Genea Australia offers a wide range of fertility services for LGBTQA+ families, including surrogacy and a comprehensive donor program, to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

How Does Australian Law Allow LGBTQA+ Surrogacy?

Australian law allows LGBTQA+ individuals to access surrogacy, but regulations vary by state. Generally, same-sex couples and single men can legally access surrogacy, except in Western Australia, which currently only permits surrogacy for heterosexual couples and single women.

Key Principles of Surrogacy Law in Australia:

• Altruistic Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Australia must be altruistic, meaning the surrogate cannot receive financial compensation beyond pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses.
  
• Surrogacy Agreements: Intended parents and surrogates must enter into a legally binding surrogacy agreement, with the assistance of a specialized lawyer.
  
• Court Orders: After the child's birth, intended parents must apply to the court for a parentage order to legally establish their parental rights.
  

Differences by State in Australia:

• New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Australian Capital Territory: Allow same-sex couples and single men to access surrogacy.
  
• Western Australia: Currently only allows heterosexual couples and single women to access surrogacy, but is considering law amendments to include same-sex couples and single men.
  
• Northern Territory: No specific surrogacy laws, but the court can issue parentage orders.

While Australian surrogacy law allows LGBTQA+ couples to access surrogacy, there are still limitations and challenges. However, with the help of experts and careful planning, LGBTQA+ couples can achieve their dream of building a family.

Fertility Options for LGBTQA+ at Genea Australia

With extensive experience in providing comprehensive fertility services to LGBTQA+ couples in Australia, Genea is recognized for its expertise and supportive environment. Our services in Australia range from egg and sperm donation to ICSI to surrogacy, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQA+ community. We ensure that all clients receive personalized care and guidance, helping them navigate their fertility journeys with confidence and support.

Medicare Rebates for Fertility Procedures

Genea advocates for equal access to fertility treatments under Medicare, asserting that everyone who needs assisted reproductive technology (ART), regardless of their relationship status or sexual orientation, should be eligible for rebates. This stance supports not only LGBTQA+ families and single individuals but also ensures that all patients receive equitable treatment in line with the latest standards from the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) and compliance with the Sex Discrimination Act of 1984.

Advocating for Nationwide Fertility Rights in Australia

We are actively working to align the entire Australian ART industry with our inclusive policies, aiming to remove historical barriers and uncertainties around what constitutes a "clinically relevant service." Our efforts are geared towards establishing clear, fair practices that enable easier access to necessary medical treatments for everyone. Genea aims to be a community-leading organization for these policies and practices.

Fertility Options for Same-Sex Female Couples

Genea provides several fertility treatments for same-sex female couples in Australia, including artificial insemination (IUI) with donor sperm and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor sperm. These options may also include the use of donor eggs, sourced from known donors or Genea's sperm bank, ensuring a personalized approach to family building. These options are not legally available in Thailand at this time, and we will continue to monitor any regulatory changes to come.

Supporting Same-Sex Male Couples

For same-sex male couples, Genea facilitates the process of securing an egg donor and arranging surrogacy. Our team offers full support and guidance throughout these processes, making sure that every couple receives the assistance they need to start their family legally and safely in Australia. These options are not legally available in Thailand at this time, and we will continue to monitor any regulatory changes to come.

Genea Thailand Stands Ready to Support LGBTQ+ Families' Dreams

Genea Thailand recognizes the importance of family in all forms and believes that everyone has the right to build their ideal family. We closely monitor the progress of the same-sex marriage law in Thailand and are ready to adapt and provide services that align with the changing legal landscape.

If in the future, the same-sex marriage law takes effect and allows LGBTQA+ individuals to legally access surrogacy or fertility treatments, Genea Thailand is fully prepared to provide comprehensive services, leveraging the expertise and experience of Genea Australia, a global leader in assisted reproductive technology.

We understand that the journey to parenthood for LGBTQA+ individuals may be more challenging and complex than for others. Genea Thailand has a team of doctors and specialists who understand and are ready to provide detailed advice at every step, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Genea Thailand reaffirms our commitment to supporting the dreams of LGBTQA+ families in Thailand. We will continue to develop our services to ensure everyone has the opportunity to create their perfect family.