OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington House has approved a bill that aims to clarify the requirements under which women may become surrogate mothers.
The bill that passed 57-41 Monday night establishes specific provisions to allow women to enter into surrogacy contracts for compensation and seeks to increase protection for surrogate mothers. It’s sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jamie Pedersen of Seattle.
Republican Rep. Mark Miloscia introduced a slew of unsuccessful amendments, arguing that the underlying bill doesn’t do enough to protect the rights of surrogate mothers and doesn’t assign adequate value to the work of what he termed “vulnerable women.”
Supporters say they’re confident the bill includes all necessary protections, particularly requirements for independent counsel and health insurance coverage.
