What is Wrong with Surrogacy: Ethical Issues to Think About

Introduction

Surrogacy has emerged as a contemporary solution for couples facing infertility, providing them with the opportunity to build their families. However, this practice raises several ethical concerns that merit careful consideration. While the desire to have children is universal, the means of achieving that goal can sometimes be fraught with moral implications. This essay explores the non-obvious ethical issues associated with surrogacy and encourages a thoughtful examination of its broader impacts on society and individuals involved.

The Commodification of Childbirth

One significant concern regarding surrogacy is the commodification of childbirth. When intended parents engage a surrogate mother, they are essentially entering into a contractual agreement that treats pregnancy as a transaction rather than a profound life experience. The emotional depth often associated with childbirth is replaced by financial considerations, leading to perceptions of infants as products rather than unique human beings.

This commercialization can distort societal views on family and parenthood. In some regions, such as India, surrogacy has developed into an industry where women are compensated modestly—often between $4,000 and $5,000—while agencies profit significantly more from their services. This creates an environment where women’s bodies are seen merely as vessels for reproduction, thus undermining the sanctity of motherhood and birth.

The Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Surrogate Mothers

Another layer of complexity arises when considering the surrogate mothers themselves. Many women enter into surrogacy agreements due to economic necessity; however, this raises questions about informed consent and exploitation. In circumstances where poverty limits options for women, choosing to become a surrogate may feel like one of the few viable paths available to improve their financial situation.

Culturally rooted beliefs further complicate this issue. For instance, in many traditions—including Chinese culture—the body is revered as sacred and should not be harmed or sold. Surrogacy conflicts with these values by promoting the notion that it is acceptable to 'rent' one's uterus for monetary gain. This perspective can lead to feelings of guilt or shame among surrogate mothers who grapple with conflicting emotions regarding their role in bringing life into the world.

The Impact on Children Born via Surrogacy

The ethical implications do not stop with surrogate mothers; they extend deeply into the lives of children born through surrogacy arrangements. One particularly troubling aspect involves potential abandonment scenarios wherein intended parents might choose not to raise the child due to unforeseen circumstances—such as divorce or discovering congenital health issues like Down syndrome.

A striking example occurred in 2014 with Baby Gammy—a case in which an Australian couple abandoned their son after learning he had Down syndrome while taking home his healthy twin sister from Thailand after using a surrogate mother. Such incidents highlight potential pitfalls within surrogacy agreements and raise difficult questions about parental responsibility: If neither intended parent wants to care for an unwanted child after birth, what will happen? The child could face neglect or abandonment and may grow up without familial support systems.

The Complexities of Maternal Identity

Surrogacy also complicates traditional notions of maternal identity. Typically, children grow up knowing their biological parents; however, children born through surrogacy may find themselves navigating multiple maternal relationships—the genetic mother (who provides her egg), gestational mother (who carries and delivers the baby), and social mother (who raises them). This complexity can create confusion about familial roles for both children and adults involved.

For example, how should these children refer to each maternal figure? Questions surrounding identity may arise during formative years leading potentially toward emotional struggles related to belongingness or self-worth stemming from unclear parental connections.

Questions Surrogate Mothers Should Consider

If one contemplates becoming a surrogate mother herself there are essential factors she must reflect upon before proceeding:

• Family Dynamics: It’s crucial for any prospective surrogate to consider how her decision might affect relationships within her own family unit—especially if there are differing opinions on whether it’s ethically appropriate or personally beneficial.
• Emotional Preparedness: Becoming emotionally attached during pregnancy is natural but relinquishing that bond post-delivery may prove challenging; understanding this psychological process is vital before making such commitments.
• Health Implications: Pregnancy impacts physical health significantly over time—it’s important that potential surrogates consult healthcare professionals regarding personal health status prior attempting this route so they understand all risks involved comprehensively!

Conclusion

In conclusion, while surrogacy presents opportunities for some couples yearning for parenthood amidst challenges posed by infertility—its ethical dimensions remain complex & multifaceted! Concerns over commodification & exploitation coexist alongside inquiries related specifically toward long-term outcomes affecting both surrogate mothers & resultant offspring alike! Ultimately if families truly wish embrace parenthood journey adopting would likely provide more humane alternatives devoid distress emerging from complicated nature surrounding contemporary practices involving reproductive technologies!

References

• Bbc News (2016). Australian couple 'did not reject Down's baby' Gammy. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-36012320
• Conceiveabilities (2018). Do Surrogate Mothers Get Attached to the Baby?. Retrieved from https://www.conceiveabilities.com/about/blog/do-surrogate-mothers-get-attached-to-the-baby
• SURROGACY IN INDIA: What You Need To Know (2015). Surrogate.com. Retrieved from https://surrogate.com/intended-parents/international-surrogacy/surrogacy-in-india/
• The Classic Of Filial Piety (2017). Wikisource Retrieved from https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Classic_of_Filial_Piety