Proposed laws to regulate Thailand’s ‘babies-for-cash’ industry

Insight

Proposals to regulate 'babies-for-cash' industry in Thailand

Outrage over claims that a “babies-for-cash” industry is flourishing in Thailand has led to proposals for a law banning commercial surrogacy.

A lack of formal legislation has led to the country becoming a top destination for infertile couples wanting a child.

Police and health officials in Bangkok have raided IVF and reproductive clinics in a crackdown on what has been Thailand’s lucrative but largely unregulated surrogacy industry.

The country’s ruling military council has drawn up a draft law, which would ban surrogacy in exchange for cash.

It follows the case of baby Gammy, a surrogate twin born with Down’s Syndrome. His Thai mother claimed he was abandoned by his Australian biological parents, who only wanted his healthy sister. The parents denied the allegation, but a public outcry ensued.

It has been reported that couples pay more than $40,000 to surrogacy agencies, with the surrogate mother receiving around $10,000.

CCTV America’s Martin Lowe reports.

Sam Everingham, founder of the group Families Through Surrogacy, joined CCTV America for more on international surrogacy and how it should be regulated.