An American couple signed up for a surrogate child from a Ukrainian agency, but the girl was born with disabilities. The parents rejected her. Now, Bridget is six and a different American family is trying to adopt her. Their efforts have been hampered by the war.
“As the result of publication of the matters complained of, the applicants have been subjected to hatred, ridicule and contempt, and have suffered and continue to suffer, distress and damage to their reputations,” according to their statement of claim.
Justice Wendy Abraham in June ordered them to pay $100,000 within 28 days as security for the ABC’s legal costs.
The federal court proceedings would be stayed until the security was paid.
Their lawyer on Tuesday told the judge his clients were unable to raise the money and would not be continuing with the case, but asked they not be ordered to pay the ABC’s costs to date.