Surrogacy: Morality Debates

Daniela Hrizo, 2/4/25

A surrogate is a woman who carries and gives birth to the child of another person for the full term of pregnancy.

How It Works

First, the embryo is created. The provided egg (intended mother/donor) is fertilized with the provided sperm (intended father/donor) through IVF (in vitro fertilization). Then, the embryo is transferred into the uterus of the appointed surrogate. Finally, the surrogate carries the baby for the full term and gives birth.

Types

There are two types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and partial surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy means that the egg came from the intended mother, and the surrogate is not genetically related to the child. Partial surrogacy means the surrogate is genetically related to the child (“birth mother”) because her egg is fertilized with the sperm of the intended father.

How To Determine When One Is Needed

Typically a surrogate is needed when a woman cannot have a child or carry pregnancy due to medical conditions relating to her uterus (e.g. hysterectomy, severe scarring, etc.) or other health conditions that make pregnancy risky. The woman may also have a history of pregnancy loss (e.g. miscarriages) or carries a genetic condition that could be passed on to her child. Surrogates are also used for same-sex couples and single men that want to be the biological father.

Choosing The Right Surrogate

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right surrogate. These include:

• Age: Ideally between 21-40 years old

• Health history: Healthy BMI; no significant medical conditions; no known genetic conditions

• Pregnancy experience: Typically at least one full-term health pregnancy of a live child with no complications

• Lifestyle: Surrogate should preferably maintain a good lifestyle of diet and exercise and have healthy habits; non-smoker; non-alcoholic

Potential parents can learn more about their surrogate candidates by holding interviews and doing background checks.

Morality

The ethics of surrogacy is still debated. Some people argue that commercial surrogacy violates the rights of women. Plus, some assert that surrogacy exploits women in low and middle-income areas. Others debate whether the child is legally the surrogate’s or the intended family’s. These issues also revolve around labor, payment, and inequality.

Arguments in favor for surrogacy:

• Fulfilling family dreams: This would allow parents who cannot conceive naturally to have a child and start a family.

• Regulation & psychological support: These can help protect surrogates and prevent negative effects.

• Altruistic motivations: Someone may decide to be a surrogate without financial compensation, which may be considered more morally acceptable.

Arguments against surrogacy:

• Commodification of the body & exploitation: Some argue that surrogacy essentially rents a woman’s womb, which reduces it to a commodity. Plus, women from low socioeconomic backgrounds and/or financially dependent women may feel pressured to follow through with a surrogacy, thus resulting in exploitation.

• Psychological impact: The child-bearing individual may experience extreme psychological and emotional strain and distress despite consenting to the surrogacy.

• Commercial surrogacy: Some argue that commercial surrogacy, where there is large financial compensation for surrogates, is unethical because it may cross the line to profit-driven exploitation.

Things To Consider

• The surrogate should be medically examined for infectious diseases and immunities.

• The surrogate should have their own doctor.

• Everyone involved should have counseling and legal advice.

• The cost of surrogacy can largely vary from $125,000 to $200,000 (average) - this also changes by agency (the company that oversees and outlines the process like matching prospective parents with a surrogate, screening, and counseling/legal services)

Sources

Using a Surrogate Mother: What You Need to Know

Surrogacy – a worldwide demand. Implementation and ethical considerations

What is Surrogacy? The Terms to Know