Couples who conceived through IVF and surrogacy fight to be legally recognised as parents Couples who conceive through IVF or surrogacy can find themselves in legal limbo, with no parental rights, despite new laws that came into effect last year, writes Áine Kenny Ranae von Meding (left), with her wife Audrey Rooney and their children Ava and Arya. Picture: Mark Stedman Mon, 15 Feb, 2021 - 14:00 Aine Kenny Couples who conceive through IVF or surrogacy can find themselves in legal limbo, with no parental rights, despite new laws that came into effect last year, writes Áine Kenny Couples in Ireland who conceived through IVF and surrogacy fear that they may never be legally recognised as their children's parents, due to a gap in legislation.