‘It has taken years, but we are finally there’ – Families of children born through surrogacy celebrate law giving parents new legal rights

Cathy Wheatley (left) and surrogate Ivanna Holub from Ukraine at Ms Wheatley's home in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow.

Eilish O'Regan

It has been a long journey for mother-of-two Cathy Wheatley and countless other families, but yesterday they celebrated as legislation was passed allowing families of surrogate children new legal rights.

“It has taken years, but we are finally there,” Ms Wheatley said as parents gathered at Leinster House after the Seanad cleared the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill, which will regulate surrogacy as well as fertility treatments.