The case of Henderson Land Development scion Peter Lee Ka-Kit, who was reported to have hired a California-based surrogate mother to give birth to triplet sons, has been referred to the police.
The birth of the three grandsons to Henderson chairman Lee Shau-kee earlier this year sparked heated public discussion amid reports that the father of the triplets, Peter Lee, a 47-year-old bachelor and a devout Buddhist, had hired a California-based surrogacy agent.
Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow Yat-ngok told lawmakers yesterday: 'We can confirm that referral concerning suspected surrogacy arrangements has been made to the police for consideration as to whether investigation and law enforcement action are required.'
Chow, who mentioned no names in the case referred to police, was responding to lawmakers who asked about the government's policy on the use of commercial surrogate mothers by Hongkongers overseas. Commercial surrogacy is illegal under Hong Kong law.
Lawmaker Cyd Ho Sau-lan referred to a case of a 'male Hong Kong permanent resident' who issued a press release announcing the birth of three sons. Ho cited media reports that the man used a surrogate mother in the United States. Ho asked Chow if it was considered a violation of the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance.
Chow said he would not comment on individual cases reported in the media because 'there might be investigation, enforcement and further legal proceedings in future'.
A police spokesman confirmed the referral, but would not comment further.
