The Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 20141 developed by MP Christopher de Souza together with the Inter-Agency Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons set up in 2010, came into effect on 1 March 2015. POHTA is an important step in Singapore's anti-trafficking efforts. First, existing laws do not specifically address trafficking in persons ("TIP"), focus on outcomes rather than process, are couched in vague terms, and in some cases have not been utilised at all. For example, sexual exploitation cases with TIP elements are often prosecuted as prostitution-related offences under the Women's Charter 3 or the Penal Code. These aim towards protection of women and minors, not men. Further, such provisions do not distinguish between consensual and forced prostitution. Secondly, POHTA comprehensively provides for various aspects of tackling TIP, eg victim protection and enforcement procedures. Thirdly, it signals the seriousness with which the Government views TIP. In this note, we critically analyse POHTA, highlighting its issues and uncertainties_x000D_ which would, it is hoped, be addressed by the courts in the course of applying the POHTA.

This case note discusses the Singapore High Court case of UKM, in which an order was granted to a gay man to adopt his biological son conceived through a gestational surrogacy arrangement in the United States. In particular, the High Court's assessment of the welfare of the child and of public policy, in light of two factors—the prohibition of male homosexual acts in section 377A of the Penal Code and the de facto curtailment of domestic surrogacy by Singapore's restrictive rules relating to the use of assisted reproduction technology services—will be examined.