Episode 222: Sarah Jefford – Why Surrogates Deserve Compensation

Sarah Jefford OAM is a family creation lawyer in Melbourne, practicing across Australia. Sarah was a parent via IVF, and later become an egg donor, and delivered a baby as a surrogate for two dads in 2018. Sarah practices surrogacy and donor conception law, advising surrogates and intended parents about domestic and international surrogacy. In 2025, Sarah completed a Churchill Fellowship, researching best practice surrogacy to inform law reform in Australia, and her final report is published on her website , Listen as Sarah shares with Ellen and Jenn: Her path to surrogacy and advocacy. Writing More Than Just a Baby and launching the Australian Surrogacy Podcast (100+ episodes). Australia vs. U.S. frameworks: Australia’s patchwork laws, altruistic-only system, low overall volume (about 150 domestic births/yr), and limited infrastructure push many intended parents overseas. Compensation does not equal commodification: Sarah argues compensation can honor time, risk, and labor while still centering altruistic motives—pointing out that everyone else in the fertility ecosystem is paid. The real risk isn’t money; it’s lack of robust safeguards. Safeguards that matter: Independent legal counsel for all parties, informed consent in a language the surrogate understands, counseling, medical best practices, and regulation that protects surrogates, children, and intended parents. Medical-need requirements: Sarah’s evolved view—dropping mandatory “medical or social need” recognizes lived realities (recurrent loss, tokophobia, gender dysphoria, etc.) and avoids intrusive, inequitable gatekeeping. Media narratives and “human trafficking” claims: Sensational coverage often ignores nuance, ethical programs, and children’s future privacy. Red flags abroad include language barriers, agency-appointed lawyers, and opaque promises. Churchill Fellowship learnings: After meeting stakeholders in South Africa, Ireland, England, Canada, and the U.S., Sarah sees momentum for reform—if lawmakers treat surrogacy as reproductive health and women’s rights. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about Sarah Jefford: Follow Sarah on Instagram: Buy Sarah’s book: More Than Just a Baby - Sarah Jefford Surrogacy Lawyer Australia Learn more about our podcast: Learn more about our surrogacy agency: Get your IWTPABIY merch here! Learn more about Ellen’s law firm:

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Episode 222: Sarah Jefford – Why Surrogates Deserve Compensation is an episode from I Want to Put a Baby in You! by I Want To Put A Baby In You.

This episode is 55:24 long.

This episode was published on Nov 5, 2025.

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