Surrogacy

Definition

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman, known as a surrogate mother, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple, who will become the child's legal parents. This practice raises various ethical, legal, and social issues, especially when considering the implications for social justice and human rights, particularly regarding the rights and welfare of all parties involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surrogacy can be either gestational, where the surrogate carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents' or donors' gametes, or traditional, where the surrogate is artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm.
2. Legal regulations around surrogacy vary widely across countries and regions, affecting the rights of surrogates, intended parents, and the resulting child.
3. Ethical concerns related to surrogacy often center on exploitation and informed consent, particularly when surrogates are from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
4. Surrogacy raises significant questions about parental rights, custody disputes, and how laws can protect the interests of all parties involved.
5. The involvement of religious perspectives on surrogacy can influence public opinion and legal frameworks surrounding reproductive technologies.

Review Questions

• How does surrogacy intersect with issues of reproductive rights and social justice?
  • Surrogacy is closely linked to reproductive rights as it involves an individual's choice to use their reproductive capabilities. However, it also raises social justice concerns, particularly about the potential exploitation of women who serve as surrogates. Many surrogates come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, leading to questions about informed consent and whether they are truly making free choices. Thus, understanding surrogacy requires examining both personal autonomy and broader societal implications.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding surrogacy agreements, especially concerning the rights of the surrogate mother.
  • The ethical considerations surrounding surrogacy agreements include informed consent, the potential for exploitation, and the health risks associated with pregnancy. It is essential for surrogates to fully understand their rights and responsibilities before entering into such agreements. Ethical dilemmas arise when surrogates are not adequately compensated or supported throughout the process. The welfare of the surrogate must be prioritized alongside the desires of intended parents to ensure a fair and equitable arrangement.
• Critically analyze how different cultural and religious views impact societal attitudes toward surrogacy and its regulation.
  • Cultural and religious views significantly influence societal attitudes towards surrogacy and its regulation. In some cultures, surrogacy may be seen as a taboo or morally unacceptable practice, while others view it as a legitimate means to build families. Religious perspectives often emphasize traditional views on family and reproduction, which can lead to calls for stricter regulations or outright bans on surrogacy. These differing viewpoints shape laws and policies that govern surrogacy practices, reflecting broader societal values about parenthood, women's rights, and bodily autonomy.

Related terms

Reproductive Rights: The rights of individuals to make decisions about reproduction free from discrimination, coercion, and violence.

Informed Consent: A process ensuring that individuals understand the risks and implications of medical procedures or agreements before participating.

Adoption: The legal process through which a person or couple becomes the legal parent(s) of a child who is not biologically their own.