UNITED NATIONS, September 19 — A recent United Nations report has ignited a passionate discussion on the complex issue of surrogacy, calling for its global abolition while raising critical questions about women’s rights and exploitation. The report, authored by Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, specifically addresses surrogacy as a form of exploitation that poses significant risks to women’s health and autonomy.
Officially titled “The different manifestations of violence against women and girls in the context of surrogacy,” the report was released on July 14, 2025, and is set to be a key topic at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in October. The document characterizes surrogacy as the “direct and exploitative use of a woman’s bodily and reproductive functions for the benefit of others,” suggesting that it often leads to enduring harm and takes place under exploitative conditions. In her recommendations, Alsalem urges member states to work toward an international legally binding instrument that prohibits surrogacy in all its forms.
Critics of the report argue that such blanket bans could ultimately harm the very women they aim to protect. Jutharat Attawet, a Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University specializing in surrogacy healthcare and domestic policy, points out a significant gap in education and legal standards surrounding surrogacy. This lack of knowledge can lead to social alienation and misconceptions, exacerbating the exploitation faced by surrogates who often lack adequate resources.
While Attawet acknowledges the potential benefits of surrogacy for nontraditional families, she emphasizes the need for enhanced autonomy and respect for surrogates. According to her research, approximately 1 percent of babies born in Australia are through surrogacy, a number that has doubled in the past decade. Yet, many medical professionals remain unfamiliar with surrogacy processes, resulting in a top-down legislative approach that fails to consider regional or specific needs.
Another significant issue is the lack of national support for surrogacy, which often does not meet the criteria for healthcare insurance plans. As a result, many prospective parents seek more affordable options abroad, where regulations may be less stringent. This international surrogacy trend, as both Attawet and Alsalem note, can lead to increased exploitation, particularly for the surrogates and children involved, who may not have the chance to know their birth mother.
The report criticizes international surrogacy as a mechanism that perpetuates wealth inequality between nations. However, some experts argue that for many women in economically challenged regions, surrogacy can provide accessible and well-paying employment opportunities. Polina Vlasenko, a researcher whose work is referenced in the report, highlights that in countries like Ukraine and Georgia, surrogacy allows women to combine work with childcare responsibilities, ultimately benefiting their families.
Vlasenko contends that an outright ban on surrogacy would hurt women involved in the industry rather than solve underlying economic disparities. She argues that the focus should be on addressing the systemic inequalities that drive women into surrogacy, rather than merely restricting the practice itself.
Similarly, Sharvari Karandikar, a social worker and professor at Ohio State University, warns against the implications of a blanket ban on surrogacy. In her view, countries like India struggle to uniformly implement policies, and instead of outlawing the practice, there should be a push for improved oversight of medical professionals and surrogate arrangements. She advocates for increased safety, better communication, more education, informed choices, and long-term health coverage for women engaged in surrogacy.
The broader implications of this debate touch on fundamental questions regarding women’s autonomy, economic inequality, and reproductive rights. As Vlasenko aptly points out, changing societal perceptions of surrogacy is crucial. Many view surrogate mothers through a lens of victimhood, overlooking their agency in making choices that align with their financial and familial responsibilities.
In conclusion, the discourse surrounding surrogacy is not merely about the practice itself but reflects deeper societal structures that influence women’s lives across the globe. As the UN report prepares to be discussed, the challenge remains: how to navigate the intricate balance between protecting vulnerable women and ensuring their rights and choices are honored in the context of surrogacy.
