Politics · Netherlands · 1 day ago
Dutch surrogacy law remains delayed as families seek legal clarity
Around 30 to 50 families in the Netherlands have a child through surrogacy each year, and the number is rising.
But Dutch law does not set out clear rules for intended parents and surrogates.
This lack of clarity can lead to difficult situations for both.
Annemiek van Tilborgh was a surrogate twice for a close friend and says she regrets how quickly she gave up legal parenthood.
The Dutch government wants to introduce a new surrogacy law, but it has been repeatedly delayed.
The proposed law has drawn objections and criticism, while many people involved say they need clearer rules.
The law’s timing and final shape remain uncertain.
About 30 to 50 Dutch families have a child through surrogacy each year, and the number is rising.
Surrogacy is not regulated by law in the Netherlands, leading to difficult situations for intended parents and surrogates.
A new surrogacy law planned by the cabinet has been repeatedly delayed.
Many people want clarity, while the draft law has also drawn objections and criticism.
Journalist Fleur Damen spoke with surrogates, intended parents and family judges about the sensitive and emotional issue.
- Who
- Intended parents and surrogates in the Netherlands are affected.
- What
- A proposed surrogacy law remains delayed, while surrogacy is not legally regulated.
- When
- The article was published on 10 October 2026. It does not state when the law will be introduced.
- Where
- The Netherlands.
- Why
- The article says the draft law faces objections and criticism, but does not give specific reasons for the delay.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Families per year
- About 30 to 50
- Trend
- The number of families using surrogacy is increasing
- Legal status
- Surrogacy is not regulated by law in the Netherlands
- Proposed law
- A new law the cabinet wants to introduce has been repeatedly delayed
- Published
- 10 October 2026
Sources
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