Surrogacy inquiry kicks off in Canberra

Protecting children involved in domestic and international surrogacy arrangements will form the basis of a new parliamentary hearing.

The head of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia will give evidence on Thursday in an inquiry into surrogacy arrangements in Parliament House, Canberra.

Chief Judge John Pascoe is representing Australia in negotiations for a possible international convention on surrogacy at The Hague.

The inquiry is looking at whether changes are needed to better protect kids involved in surrogacy arrangements as well as exploring exploitation and informed consent issues.

It will also consider Australia's international obligations on surrogacy laws and practices in other countries.

Surrogacy became a major issue last year following the case of baby Gammy, who made international headlines when West Australian couple Wendy Li and David Farnell left him in Thailand with his surrogate mother but took home his healthy twin sister, Pipah.