Sperm donor, co-parenting and surrogacy laws in South Africa
The Children’s Act, 2005, fully ensures the protection and care of all South African children, including those born via alternative forms of conception such as sperm donor, artificial reproduction or surrogacy. South Africa has some of the most (if not the most) progressive legislation in the world concerning surrogacy, LGBTQ parenting rights and co-parenting. Every woman (including singles and lesbians) is granted access to forms of ART, such as artificial insemination. All couples (gays included) have access to altruistic surrogacy, which is legally recognized. LGBT parents are able to adopt jointly. Finally, unlike in most countries, co-parenting plans involving more than 2 persons can be established.
Donor Conception (embryo, egg and sperm donation) in South Africa
General
Egg and sperm donor conception are enforced by two acts in South Africa: the Human Tissue Act of 1983 (for egg and sperm donations) and the Children’s Act of 2005, enacted to protect all children, including donor conceived and surrogate children. The Children’s Act also covers parenting rights and responsibilities.Chapter 3 Part 4 (40): Rights of child conceived by artificial fertilisation / Children’s Act 38 of 2005: justice.gov.za
Assisted Reproductive technology (artificial insemination, IVF, etc.)
In South Africa, single women and lesbian couples have access to sperm donation within ART clinics.Guidelines for gamete donation 2008 / Policy Comittee of the SASRSS
List of Fertility and Artificial Insemination Clinics.
Self-insemination
No mention of self-insemination found in South African laws, it does not seem to be neither banned nor legally controlled.
Identifying information on embryo, egg and sperm donors
Sperm donation in South Africa is anonymous: a child born as a result of artificial insemination or surrogacy may only access medical and genetic information about the donor or the surrogate mother, but is not entitled to get identifying information. Artificial insemination from a known sperm donor is possible, in this case psychological evaluation and legal advice for the sperm donor, the intended mother and their partners (if applicable) is strongly recommended.Chapter 3 Part 4 (41): Access to biographical and medical information concerning genetic parents / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
Selection of the Sperm Donor, P4, Guidelines for gamete donation 2008 / Policy Comittee of the SASRSS
Paid or free sperm donors?
Commercial sperm donations are forbidden, but reimbursement or compensation are acceptable. Advertising for free sperm donation is allowed in RSA.
Surrogacy in South Africa
Altruistic surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy is legally recognized where a written surrogate motherhood agreement has been approved by High Court and the gametes of at least one the intended parent(s) have been used for the child’s conception.Chapter 19: Surrogate Motherhood / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
Commercial surrogacy
Commercial surrogacy is illegal in South Africa.Chapter 19 (301): Payment in respect of surrogacy prohibited / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
Surrogacy abroad
The law only recognizes surrogacy agreements passed in South Africa, between intented parent(s) and a surrogate mother that must all reside in RSA. International surrogacy is not contemplated by the law.
Can gay dads have a surrogate child?
Surrogacy commissioned by same sex couples is legal in South Africa.Navigating Surrogacy and Egg Donation in South Africa / Surrogacyagreements
Adoption in South Africa
Access to general adoption
Any single person may adopt. Same sex couples may also jointly adopt.Chapter 15 (231) Person who may adopt Child / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
Step child adoption for same sex couples
Adoption of same sex partner’s child is legally contemplated and authorized.231 Person who may adopt Child / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
LGBT rights in South Africa / Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
Co-Parenting in South Africa
Only 2 co-parents involved
The biological mother of a child has full parental authority in respect of this child (with the exception of surrogated motherhood). The second parent can be the biological father of the child or the mother’s partner.Chapter 3 Part 1: Acquisition and loss of parental responsibilities and rights / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
More than 2 co-parents involved (e.g. 1 couple + 1 single or 2 couples)
More than one person may hold parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the same child. A coparenting plan can be established between all parties with the help of a family advocate, social worker or psychologist.Chapter 3 Part 3: Parenting plans / Children’s Act 38 of 2005
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