Members of the Hague Conference are currently considering whether to take forward work at the international level in relation to international surrogacy arrangements. At the IFSW General Meeting in 2008 the Federation adopted the policy on cross border reproductive services. This policy has been submitted to the Conference for its consideration and a meeting will take place in London on 10th January to further inform the process. The IFSW Human Rights Commission will be represented at this meeting and for more information please contact
The Hague Conference currently has a series of Questionnaires circulating http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=text.display&tid=178. The Questionnaire responses will inform the Report being prepared for their Members to write in this area and this, in turn, will facilitate IFSW Members’ consideration of whether work at an international level should go forward and, if so, in what way and with what priority.
Whilst the Questionnaire is not specifically addressed to social work professionals, the Hague Conference are hoping that Members would seek input from all stakeholders for their country Questionnaire response. Where this has not been the case, they would be extremely grateful to be provided with any experience / thoughts which you think might be relevant for them to consider, specifically the desirability and feasibility of international legislation in the field. In this case please respond through Questionnaire addressed to health professionals (No 3) or indeed any other Questionnaire you think most relevant and provide your views on the questions contained therein (and / or on additional points you consider important). They would also be very happy for you to provide your views in any way you think appropriate (e.g. in a Word document). If you are able to provide such a response by 20th December and if you can supply a copy to IFSW to assist the meeting in January we would be most grateful.
Ruth Stark
IFSW Human Rights Commission