A bill that would allow compensated surrogacy in Washington State for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, cleared an important hurdle on Monday as it was approved by the state House:
The Washington House has approved a bill that aims to clarify the requirements under which women may become surrogate mothers. The bill that passed 57-41 Monday night establishes specific provisions to allow women to enter into surrogacy contracts for compensation and seeks to increase protection for surrogate mothers. It’s sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jamie Pedersen of Seattle.
Democratic Rep. Mark Miloscia of Federal Way introduced a slew of unsuccessful amendments, arguing that the underlying bill doesn’t do enough to protect the rights of surrogate mothers and doesn’t assign adequate value to the work of what he termed “vulnerable women.” Supporters say they’re confident the bill includes all necessary protections, particularly requirements for independent counsel and health insurance coverage.
The bill would also change the language of the current law to specifically reference domestic partnerships in the provisions related to parentage.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
You can read the bill here.
