International commercial surrogacy services

Sir, – An Oireachtas committee has been established to examine the issue of Irish people availing of international commercial surrogacy services.

In a European context, the Irish discussion around international commercial surrogacy exists in something of a vacuum.

"Progressive" EU member states like Finland have outlawed the practice, citing concerns similar to those expressed by Ireland's Attorney General, in an issues paper prepared for the Oireachtas committee, that it raises "complex ethical issues and concerns about the commodification of children and the exploitation of surrogate mothers" ("Officials warn against 'double standard' on commercial surrogacy", News, January 27th).

How did Ireland get to this point? – Yours, etc,

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GARETH GREGAN,

Ennis, Co Clare.