Sarah Jefford

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==
Jefford is a family creation lawyer who has dedicated her career to assisting families through surrogacy, donor conception, and co-parenting arrangements. 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. 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 ==
In More Than Just a Baby, Jefford offers a comprehensive guide to surrogacy, aimed at both intended parents and surrogates. 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.
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.
==Political involvement==
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. 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. 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==
In 2023, Jefford was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to law and the surrogacy community.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 She has also been recognised in legal and community sectors for her thought leadership and innovation in law.
==Advocacy and legal reform==
Jefford's advocacy extends to significant contributions to law reform related to surrogacy and donor conception within various Australian jurisdictions. 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.
==Personal Life==
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.
Category:Australian lawyers
Category:Australian non-fiction writers
Category:Australian people
Category:Monash University alumni