The Keys has unanimously backed the Reproductive Rights Bill, a major overhaul of the island’s laws on assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and legal parenthood.
The bill, championed by Tanya August-Phillips MLC, seeks to align the island’s legislation with UK standards established in 2008.
The legislation introduces strict licensing for fertility clinics, updates parental recognition for same-sex couples, and bans commercial surrogacy arrangements.
Lawrie Hooper emphasised the bill’s focus on fairness, stating: “The core reason behind this bill is to address the existing unfairness in our system of who has the right to legally call themselves a parent.”
Timelines
Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas questioned the bill’s implementation timeline: “Has this bill been brought above the other huge work strain that the Department of Health and Social Care has?”
Meanwhile, Onchan MHK Julie Edge raised equality concerns, noting: “Ladies can get IVF treatment. Males cannot get testosterone treatment on the Isle of Man presently.”
In response, Mr Hooper confirmed the bill includes provisions to adopt future UK legislative changes by regulation.
Clause-by-clause scrutiny will follow in subsequent sittings.
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