New law on IVF and surrogacy a 'relief' for families and parents says Laois minister

New laws regulating IVF, surrogacy and assisted reproduction in Ireland will come as a relief to families while bringing clarity, safety, and enhanced rights to parents, patients and all those involved in the area.

So said Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Seán Fleming in welcoming the completion of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill in both Houses of the Oireachtas.

In a statement, he said this legislation will support people who want to have children through AHR. He said the law will regulate treatments and procedures related to surrogacy and fertility, in Ireland and for certain individuals connected to Ireland but living abroad.

He added that the bill ensures that individuals born through these treatments have the right to access information about their genetic origins. He said this promotes transparency and the well-being of individuals born through these methods.

He said an important component of this new legislation is the legal position of the children who have been born through Assisted Human Reproduction.

"I know this was a particular worry for many parents and families across the country, and this will come as a relief to them," he said.

Dep Fleming believes there will be other benefits.

"This legislation will bring clarity, safety, and enhanced rights to parents, patients and all those involved in Assisted Human Reproduction.

"Having a family is one of the most special feelings, and we in Fianna Fáil want to be progressive and inclusive in how we can help people achieve that," he said.

The TD said his party is moving the country forward with the new law. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with Seán Fleming. Pic: Michael Scully

"This is a positive and progressive step forward for our country. Fianna Fáil is committed to a more progressive Ireland. We have always been a party to support progressive change for our country, and the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is more evidence of that," he said.

The bill was passed after being voted through by TDs and Senators.