Gay couple seek Maori egg donor

‘‘Ever since we met, we've always toyed with the idea of starting our own family.’’

A married same-sex couple in Australia is taking the unusual step of advertising in the newspaper for a Maori woman to help them realise their dream of becoming parents.

Nelson and Baden MarinoHall, who live in the southern Queensland city of Toowoomba, have placed an advert in The Dominion Post for a Maori egg donor to come forward so both men can each father a child with the same Maori genetic links.

While Nelson is Australian, Baden is of Maori descent and grew up in Otaki, on the Kapiti Coast, before moving across the Tasman a decade ago.

‘‘We’re very mindful of Baden and his Maori connections and we want to continue that legacy,’’ Nelson Marino-Hall said.

A prospective donor would be flown to Australia for up to two treatments, with the couple also open to the woman becoming a surrogate for two pregnancies.

‘‘The sense of family is really important to us, so we want to create a wonderful life for our child [or children], a very loving and supportive one,’’ Nelson said.

The pair married at Lake Taupo on New Year’s Eve last year and have been together for about four years.

‘‘Ever since we met, we’ve always toyed with the idea of starting our own family and one thing is for sure - we won’t give up,’’ Baden explained.

Nelson works in public relations, while Baden is a banker. Together, they also run a renovation company called The Reno Lads.

‘‘Baden and I have worked really hard throughout our careers. We’re now at the stage we’re set up and very comfortable and we really want to give that love back to our own child,’’ Nelson said.

A prospective donor would need to have a history of good health, be a non-smoker, ideally aged between 24 and 30, and would have finished having their own children.

Australian and New Zealand law meant donors could not be paid.

Since the advert was printed, the couple have received some interest, but nothing concrete yet.

They have also been using an app called Just A Baby to connect with potential donors and surrogates.

Fertility Associates counsellor, Joi Ellis, said each party would need good legal advice, especially given the relationship straddles two countries.

New Zealand law meant the birth mother would have legal rights to the child even if an agreement was in place for the baby to go into the couple’s care.

‘‘Egg donation and surrogacy is a lifelong relationship that people are entering into.’’