Parental order reporters' attitudes towards their role, surrogacy arrangements and UK legislation

This study investigated the duties, responsibilities, and attitudes of Parental Order Reporters (PORs) in surrogacy arrangements. A postal survey was distributed to all PORs employed by the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass). A total of 32 PORs completed the questionnaire (response rate 44%). Just under half reported that they received assignments without sufficient help to complete them. They were generous in what they considered to be reasonable expenses to surrogates, but believed surrogates should not receive financial compensation (as a job). Although most PORs were positive about surrogacy, they had differential concerns about genetic and gestational arrangements and supported the child's rights to openness, including the identity of the surrogate and any half siblings. The majority of PORs believed there were some risks of possible exploitation by intended parents and considered these to be heightened on overseas arrangements. PORs also believed more should be done by the UK Government to prevent couples using surrogacy arrangements overseas. Results suggest that Cafcass should provide PORs with more help for this work. Further, policy makers and surrogacy agencies could be aware that most PORs believed there were some possibilities of exploitation of UK and overseas surrogates by intended parents.

Originally presented at 30th annual conference of the Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology (SRIP) held in Leuven, Belgium on 8th-10th September 2010.