Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think there are two different questions here. One relates to embryos that are created and the second deals with the case of posthumous donor assisted human reproduction where one of the intending parents dies. On the first, any embryos created would be treated in exactly the same way they are now and have been for many years. There are embryos created through IVF and through existing surrogacy arrangements; the same situation would apply.

If, for example, a couple are availing of IVF, embryos have been created and one of the intending parents passes away, it would be possible for the surviving partner to avail of surrogacy and to proceed as a single intending parent. If it was a woman, the woman could potentially use the embryo to attempt to become pregnant herself. If it is a man and if there is a genetic link to the embryo, he could apply as a single intending parent for surrogacy.