• Comment: Still fails WP:ANYBIO / WP:NLAWYER - is highly dependent upon primary sources, which are not independent of the individual. Articles written by the individual, interviews with the individual, and publications by the individual are all primary sources. The remaining secondary sources are insufficient to establish notability. Being a failed political candidate or being awarded an OAM are insufficient grounds for being considered notable. Dan arndt (talk) 09:55, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Fails WP:ANYBIO, requires significant coverage in multiple independent secondary sources. The individual's website is a primary source and therefore not independent. Dan arndt (talk) 08:01, 6 March 2024 (UTC)


Sarah Jefford
OAM
NationalityAustralian
Alma materMonash University
Occupation(s)Lawyer, surrogate, author
Known forWork in surrogacy and donor conception law, Political activism
Political partyGreens
Children2
AwardsMedal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Websitesarahjefford.com

Sarah Jefford OAM is an Australian lawyer specialising in family creation law, including surrogacy, donor conception, and co-parenting arrangements, an author, and a political candidate for the Australian Greens. Recognised for her advocacy in surrogacy law reform and her contributions to the surrogacy community in Australia, Jefford's work spans legal practice, political activism, and advocacy for legislative reform.

Career edit

Jefford is a family creation lawyer who has dedicated her career to assisting families through surrogacy, donor conception, and co-parenting arrangements.[1] Drawing from her personal experience as an IVF mum, egg donor, and surrogate, she offers a unique perspective to her professional work, having delivered a baby for two dads in 2018. She advocates for positive and best-practice altruistic surrogacy arrangements within Australia and supports intended parents in making informed decisions about overseas surrogacy.[2][3] Jefford is recognised as the only lawyer in Australia practicing exclusively in surrogacy and donor conception law across all states and territories in Australia.

More Than Just a Baby: A Guide to Surrogacy for Intended Parents and Surrogates edit

In More Than Just a Baby, Jefford offers a comprehensive guide to surrogacy, aimed at both intended parents and surrogates.[4] Drawing on her unique dual perspective as a specialist surrogacy lawyer and a surrogate herself, Jefford delves into the complexities of surrogacy agreements within Australia and internationally. The book is positioned as an essential resource for navigating the surrogacy journey, from understanding legal and psychological considerations to fostering positive relationships between all parties involved.

Jefford's work is praised for its depth of insight and practical advice. It offers solutions to potential challenges while emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the children involved. Testimonials from individuals and families who have been through the surrogacy process, including Jarrad & Michael, described as the "Real Dads of Melbourne," and Phillipa Ross, a solo mum through surrogacy, underscore the book's impact as a valuable resource for anyone considering surrogacy as a path to family creation.[5]

Moreover, Jefford advocates for a model of altruistic surrogacy, presenting it not just as a means to an end but as a journey that can culminate in lifelong friendships and extended family bonds. Her emphasis on ethical practices, transparency, and mutual respect among surrogacy participants distinguishes the book as a beacon for those embarking on this deeply personal venture.[6]

Political involvement edit

Jefford has run as a candidate for the Australian Greens in multiple elections, advocating for policy changes that fight for a sustainable and equitable future.[7][8] Notably, she ran in the Division of Wills in 2022 obtaining 28.28% of the primary vote (a swing of +2.01%) and 41.43% in the two-candidate-preferred result[9]. She also ran third on the ballot in the Northern Metropolitan Region in 2022 and the electoral district of Bundoora in 2006.

Awards and recognition edit

In 2023, Jefford was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to law and the surrogacy community.[10] She has also been recognised in legal and community sectors for her thought leadership and innovation in law.

Advocacy and legal reform edit

Jefford's advocacy extends to significant contributions to law reform related to surrogacy and donor conception within various Australian jurisdictions.[11] She continues to advocate for federal law reform and the harmonisation of surrogacy laws across Australia, aiming to make family creation more accessible and equitable.[12][13]

Personal Life edit

Jefford resides in Melbourne, Victoria with her partner and two children. She openly shares her surrogacy journey, contributing to the broader dialogue on family creation and the importance of surrogacy in Australia.[14]

References edit

  1. ^ Selinger-Morris, Samantha (2022-11-10). "What is commercial surrogacy and why can't Australians use it here?". The Age. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  2. ^ "Surrogacy is growing in Australia. Here's what these women learnt on their journey". ABC News. 2022-12-17. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  3. ^ "Renewed calls for legalised commercial surrogacy in Australia - Women's Forum Australia".
  4. ^ Jefford, Sarah (2020-08-04). More Than Just A Baby: A guide to surrogacy for intended parents and surrogates. Sarah Jefford - Family & Surrogacy Lawyer. ISBN 978-0648906001.
  5. ^ "Surrogacy in Australia: More than just a baby". The Memo. Retrieved 2024-03-06.[non-primary source needed]
  6. ^ "ParlInfo - More than just a baby : a guide to altruistic surrogacy for intended parents and surrogates / Sarah Jefford". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  7. ^ Tongol, Robyn (2022-04-12). "Meet the surrogacy lawyer standing for the Greens in Wills". www.lawyersweekly.com.au. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  8. ^ Selinger-Morris, Samantha (2022-11-10). "What is commercial surrogacy and why can't Australians use it here?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  9. ^ "2022 Federal Election - Wills, VIC". AEC Tally Room. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  10. ^ https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/AD23%20-%20Media%20notes%20-%20OAM%20%28F-L%29%2010.2%20No%20Phone.pdf#page=103
  11. ^ Lawyer, Today's Family (2021-10-27). "Venturing Into The Realms Of World Surrogacy - Today's Family Lawyer". todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  12. ^ Cunningham, Melissa (2019-12-19). "Surrogate mothers to claim loss of income from parents under new laws". The Age. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  13. ^ "Two Australian families able to leave hospital with babies after Greece surrogacy scandal". www.9news.com.au. 2023-08-26. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  14. ^ Croft, Lauren (2022-04-21). "How surrogacy has shaped this lawyer's career". www.lawyersweekly.com.au. Retrieved 2024-03-06.[non-primary source needed]


Category:Australian lawyers Category:Australian non-fiction writers