Surrogacy is an assisted reproduction technology that involves gestation of a fetus outside a woman's uterus, which is then transferred back into her womb for birth. This process can be expensive, time-consuming, and highly regulated, making it difficult for some couples to access.
Laws around surrogacy vary greatly across countries, and some countries do not allow surrogacy at all.
Surrogates may charge high fees due to their role in creating life, potentially limiting access even more. LGBTQ individuals face particular challenges when seeking reproductive assistance because they often cannot access their own genetic material. As such, many turn to surrogacy to build their families, but this raises moral questions regarding the rights of both parents and children.
The first question is whether surrogacy should be legalized in every country where people want to become parents. Proponents argue that any person who wants to have a child should be able to do so safely and without discrimination. Opponents worry about the exploitation of surrogates, particularly if they are poor or marginalized women from developing countries. They also fear that allowing surrogacy might create a market for human beings as commodities, leading to abuse and trafficking.
There are ethical concerns about the use of donated eggs or sperm, as well as psychological risks for both surrogate and intended parents.
Another moral dilemma arises when considering the best interests of the child. In cases where the surrogate carries the fetus to term, she may form an emotional bond with the child during pregnancy. What happens when she must give up the baby after birth? Some argue that giving birth and raising the child is part of her job as a surrogate, while others believe it is wrong to take away someone else's biological connection to a child. Similarly, if the surrogate decides not to carry the fetus to term or gives it up for adoption, what obligation does she have to ensure its well-being? Should she provide information about the intended parents? What if the intended parents cannot afford to raise a child financially or emotionally? These issues require careful consideration before entering into any contract.
There are questions around identity. LGBTQ individuals often struggle with their sense of self and place in society due to societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender. Will children born through surrogacy experience this same discrimination? If so, how can they develop healthy identities without support from their biological parents?
Some argue that children deserve to know their genetic history, but this may be difficult to do in cases where one parent is not biologically related. This raises questions about who gets custody and decision-making power over medical care and education.
Reproductive freedom includes access to assisted reproduction technology like surrogacy.
Moral concerns arise regarding exploitation of vulnerable women, ethical treatment of donated material, best interests of the child, and psychological effects on all parties involved. While these challenges can seem daunting, it is vital to consider them carefully to create just policies that protect both parents and children.
What moral questions arise regarding LGBTQ individuals' access to surrogacy in contexts of limited reproductive freedom?
The moral implications of providing equal opportunities for LGBTQ individuals' access to surrogacy are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, some argue that it is unfair to deny LGBTQ people the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to having children through assisted reproduction methods such as surrogacy. This argument stems from the belief that everyone has the right to start a family regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.