Wash. Senate vote keeps paid surrogacy bill alive

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A contentious bill that would establish paid surrogacy in Washington has been gutted by the state Senate, but supporters say the move buys them time to salvage it.

The measure advanced by lawmakers Tuesday addresses various legal issues related to parentage. As originally written, it would allow surrogates and intended parents to enter into paid contracts.

Currently, surrogates may be compensated only for indirect expenses, such as medical or legal bills.

The Senate approved the overall bill, but passed an amendment striking all references to surrogacy contracts.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen, the bill’s main sponsor, says Tuesday’s vote allows the bill to return to the House, where it was adopted last month with the surrogacy provisions intact.

The Seattle Democrat says he’s hopeful lawmakers can reach an agreement on compensated surrogacy before an April 24 legislative deadline.