The Danish Moderate Party (Moderaterne) has proposed a significant shift in Denmark’s current legislation on surrogacy, advocating for the legalisation of altruistic surrogacy procedures within the country. The initiative aims to allow women who voluntarily choose to carry a child for others to be inseminated in Denmark, rather than having to travel abroad.
Legal barriers to altruistic surrogacy
Under current Danish law, women who wish to act as surrogate mothers are not permitted to undergo fertility treatment within Denmark. As a result, couples or individuals pursuing altruistic surrogacy must coordinate medical procedures in other countries before returning to Denmark for the pregnancy and birth. This legal gap, critics argue, creates unnecessary logistical and emotional strain.
Rosa Eriksen, the Moderates’ health spokesperson, stated: “If you are lucky enough to have someone willing to carry your child, the surrogate is forced to travel abroad to be inseminated. We believe this is something that needs to be addressed.”
The proposal is presented as an independent initiative from the Moderates and does not yet reflect a broader consensus within the ruling coalition.
Citizens’ initiative drives policy debate
The Moderates’ move follows a citizens’ initiative launched by a group of women advocating for the rights of surrogate mothers and childless couples. Their petition calls on Danish lawmakers to enable access to medical assistance for women willing to carry a child for others under altruistic terms.
The initiative has resonated with many Danes and helped reignite public and political debate on an issue often overshadowed by the country’s traditionally cautious approach to reproductive rights.
Denmark’s restrictive framework
Denmark permits some forms of assisted reproduction, but surrogacy remains a legal grey area. Commercial surrogacy is banned, and while altruistic surrogacy is not criminalised, the lack of clear legal and medical protocols effectively discourages the practice. Health professionals are currently not allowed to assist in the fertilisation process for surrogate arrangements, even if no payment is involved.
Supporters of reform argue that a clear legal framework would improve protection for all parties involved—especially surrogate mothers and intended parents—while aligning Denmark’s policies with evolving societal attitudes and international trends.
Limited political support so far
Despite growing public interest, it remains unclear whether the proposal will gain enough support in parliament. Other government parties have not formally backed the Moderates’ initiative, and the topic remains politically sensitive. Nevertheless, the issue is now firmly on the legislative agenda, with further discussions expected in the coming months.
