IS SURROGACY ETHICAL? A Comprehensive Debate Analysis!
FACT BOX!
• Surrogacy is described by the UN as “a form of thirdparty reproductive practice in which intending parent(s) contract a surrogate mother to give birth to a child.”
• There are two types of surrogacy: traditional, where the “embryo is created with the surrogate’s own egg, usually through [insemination],” and gestational, where the “surrogate does not use her own egg and, therefore, is not biologically related to the child she’s carrying.”
• Gestational surrogacy requires the use of In vitro fertilization (IVF), a form of assisted reproductive technology where a woman’s mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab to create embryos, then transferred to a female’s uterus.
• As of 2023, “commercial surrogacy” is banned in Bulgaria, France, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Spain. The US currently has “no legislation concerning surrogacy at the federal level.”
• Many celebrities have had children through surrogacy. Notably, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had daughter Chicago in 2018 and son Psalm in 2019 by surrogate. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra had a daughter, Malti, in 2022 by surrogate. Paris Hilton and Carter Reum, who had fertilized 20 male embryos, had a son, Phoenix, in 2023 by surrogate.
FURTHER READING:
For an in-depth exploration of this topic, visit: Is Surrogacy Ethical?
INTRODUCTION:
Surrogacy, the practice where a woman carries and delivers a child for another person or couple, has sparked intense ethical debates worldwide. Proponents view it as a means of reproductive autonomy and compassion, while critics raise concerns about exploitation and commodification. This document delves into the multifaceted arguments surrounding the ethics of surrogacy.
ARGUMENTS SUPPORTING SURROGACY:
1. Reproductive Autonomy:
Surrogacy empowers individuals and couples facing infertility, health risks, or other challenges to have genetically related children, respecting their reproductive rights.
2. Informed Consent:
Legal agreements between surrogates and intended parents ensure that all parties are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities, promoting transparency and mutual understanding.
3. Empowerment and Economic Opportunities: For some women, surrogacy offers a chance to assist others in building families while also providing financial benefits, especially in regions with limited economic opportunities.
4. Legal Protections:
In countries like the U.S. and the U.K., surrogacy is regulated to protect the rights and well-being of both surrogates and intended parents.
ARGUMENTS OPPOSING SURROGACY:
1. Exploitation Concerns: Critics argue that surrogacy can exploit economically disadvantaged women, turning their reproductive capabilities into commercial transactions.
2. Health Risks:
Surrogate pregnancies can be high-risk, potentially endangering the health of both the surrogate and the child.
3. Emotional and Psychological Impact:
The separation of the surrogate from the child immediately after birth can lead to emotional distress and psychological challenges for the surrogate.
4. Ethical and Moral Dilemmas:
Some view surrogacy as unnatural, raising questions about the commodification of human life and the potential for coercion.
GLOBAL LEGAL LANDSCAPE:
• Permissive Jurisdictions:
Countries like the U.S., Russia, and Georgia have more lenient laws, allowing various forms of surrogacy, including commercial arrangements.
• Restrictive Jurisdictions:
Nations such as France, Germany, and India have banned commercial surrogacy, citing ethical and moral concerns.
CONCLUSION:
The ethics of surrogacy remain a contentious issue, balancing the desires and rights of intended parents with the well-being and autonomy of surrogates. While it offers hope to many, it also presents significant ethical challenges that societies must navigate carefully.
FURTHER READING:
For an in-depth exploration of this topic, visit: Is Surrogacy Ethical?