The Law Commission suggests that intended parents can apply for legal parental rights from birth. Parents should undergo screening and safeguarding checks overseen by non-profit Sargacy organizations, which are licensed by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority. Some do worry that this will make it too hard for a surrogate to keep the baby she's given birth to if she wishes to. The regulations won't cover the one in three roughly surrogate babies in Britain who were born overseas.
Today, the president will meet with the Republican leader in the house of representatives to try and prevent the country from defaulting. But what if they cannot come to an agreement? Britain is reviewing its surrogacy laws which could ease the process for gay parents. And come with us on a foraging adventure.
Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurvey
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer