Surrogacy possible for SA families

More South Australian's wishing to start a family now have surrogacy as a feasible option as the state parliament passed a new bill this week.

The Surrogacy Bill 2019 removes previous restrictions on single and homosexual parents and the rule that couples must contribute their own genetic material.

The minimum age of those entering a surrogacy agreement has risen to 25 and clear provisions have been made for compensating surrogates for a loss of income.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said no one should be denied the opportunity to start a family.

"Each year there are South Australians turning to surrogacy to have a child, often as a last resort because they have tried and failed in other ways," Ms Chapman said.

"These reforms respect the rights of the child, prospective parents and surrogates and provide safeguards to protect all parties."

Under the previous law, surrogacy was only for couples who were legally married, in a registered relationship or lived together for three years.