State lawmakers in Texas are considering a ban on foreign nationals using Texas surrogates, a move that could have significant implications for the surrogacy industry in the state. The proposed ban is part of a larger effort to restrict access to surrogacy services for non-citizens, with some lawmakers arguing that it is being used to exploit the U.S. citizenship system.

Background

Surrogacy is a medical procedure where a woman carries and delivers a child for another party. In Texas, surrogacy is currently allowed, but there are concerns that it is being used by foreign nationals to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. The Texas Senate health committee will hear testimony on the proposed ban, which is being pushed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. citizenship system, while opponents argue that it would unfairly restrict access to surrogacy services for families who need them. The ban is part of a larger national conversation about the use of surrogacy services by foreign nationals, with some states already having implemented similar restrictions.

Impact on Families

The proposed ban could have significant implications for families who rely on surrogacy services to have children. Many families who use surrogates are those who are struggling with infertility, and the ban could limit their access to these services. Additionally, the ban could also impact the livelihoods of surrogates who work with foreign nationals.

Surrogacy agencies in Texas are already expressing concerns about the potential impact of the ban. "Families that need surrogates, they're cancer survivors, they're women without a uterus, they're same-sex couples, they're people with unexplained infertility that just don't know, or they're more at advanced maternal age," said Katy Encalade, president & CEO of Frisco-based Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions.

The U.S. is globally considered the gold standard for surrogacy, which is why many parents come to the U.S. for treatment. However, the proposed ban could change that, and many families may be forced to seek surrogacy services elsewhere.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.