A Senate committee is rejecting a House bill that bans commercial surrogacy.
The Senate Health and Human Services committee is denying the proposal, partly over concerns of the industry getting pushed underground if banned. Some members express a need to regulate the industry.
Elizabeth Waletich, of Britton, testified against the ban on commercial surrogacy. Joining her was her husband and their surrogate. She says she’s speechless with joy.
“To put the best interest of the child first, the intended parents and the surrogates all involved,” Waltich says. “I’m elated that we can all unite under that idea and go forward with regulations so the beauty of surrogacy can continue for years to come.”
During the hearing, commercial surrogacy was characterized as both something that brings value and joy to the world, but also has the potential for abuse.
The president of Dakota Surrogacy, a surrogacy broker from Sioux Falls, says she’s also requesting commercial surrogacy regulation from the state.
She says that will ensure protections for the parents, surrogate and child.
