In a significant stride towards equality and inclusivity, the United Kingdom’s government has decided to repeal a longstanding law that previously prohibited individuals living with HIV from starting a family through surrogacy. The new legislation, announced by Minister Maria Caulfield MP, permits people with HIV who have an undetectable viral load to donate eggs or sperm for surrogacy, thus opening doors to parenthood that were previously closed.
Under the previous legislation, it was unlawful for couples living with HIV to engage a surrogate, and it also barred individuals from receiving gamete donations from those with HIV. The National AIDS Trust has tirelessly campaigned for these changes over several years, garnering significant support in recent times, including hundreds signing a petition in favor of this reform.
Minister Maria Caulfield MP, in her announcement, emphasized the government’s commitment to amending other discriminatory laws as well. She noted, “We will also be addressing the current discriminatory definitions of partner donation, which result in additional screening costs for female same-sex couples undergoing reciprocal IVF. Amendments through statutory instruments will be introduced as soon as possible.”
Deborah Gold, CEO of the National AIDS Trust, welcomed the legislation with enthusiasm, highlighting its transformative impact. She stated, “After years of campaigning on this issue, this morning we heard the Government finally commit in Parliament to change the discriminatory law that stops many LGBT people living with HIV from starting a family. This change will transform the lives of some people living with HIV who have until this point been barred from the opportunity to become a parent through fertility treatments.”
The campaign by the National AIDS Trust featured individuals living with HIV sharing their personal experiences and the importance of the law change. One individual, Noel, expressed, “I’d like to be a parent like anyone else – my motivations are no more different than the rest of the world. I’d love to be a parent. It’s just something that I’d like to do, it’s not all that unusual. The law stops me from having the future that I would want, with a family.”
This progressive legislative change marks a pivotal moment in advancing the rights and opportunities of LGBT individuals living with HIV in the UK, promoting inclusivity and equality in the realm of family-building options.