Surrogacy, also known as surrogacy, is a process in which a woman carries a pregnancy to term for another person or couple who will later become the parents of the baby. This practice has gained popularity in recent years as an assisted reproduction alternative for those who cannot conceive naturally or carry a pregnancy. However, surrogacy has generated intense ethical debate in society, as it raises complex moral, legal and social questions. In this article we will explore in depth what surrogacy is, the different ethical points of view on it and the possible associated risks.
Origin and Definition of Pregnancy Surrogacy
Surrogacy has its roots in the 1970s, when the first documented case was performed in the United States. Since then, it has evolved and expanded globally, with different forms and regulations in various countries. In its traditional form, surrogacy involves two main types:
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the woman who carries the pregnancy is genetically related to the baby she carries. . This means that your own eggs are fertilized with the father's or a donor's sperm, and then implanted in your uterus to carry out the pregnancy. In this case, the surrogate acts as the biological mother, but renounces her rights to the baby once it is born, in favor of the intended parents.
Gestational Surrogacy
On the other hand On the other hand, in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic relationship with the baby she is carrying. In this case, the eggs and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) are used to create an embryo through in vitro fertilization, which is then transferred to the surrogate's uterus. In this scenario, the gestational surrogate has no biological relationship with the baby and simply acts as an "incubator" to carry the pregnancy forward.
Ethical Debate Regarding Surrogacy
The use of surrogacy raises numerous ethical questions that have divided society and bioethicists. Some defend surrogacy as a way to help infertile couples fulfill their desire to have children, while others argue that it involves the commodification of women's bodies and the exploitation of the most vulnerable. Among the main points of ethical debate are:
Reproductive Autonomy vs. Exploitation
One of the arguments in favor of surrogacy is that it respects people's reproductive autonomy, allowing them to make decisions about their reproduction and family. Those couples who cannot conceive naturally can turn to surrogacy as a legitimate option to start a biological family. However, critics maintain that surrogacy can lead to the exploitation of low-income women, who are forced to carry children for others due to economic difficulties.
Body Commercialization vs. Fair Compensation
Another point of ethical conflict is the possible commercialization of a woman's body through surrogacy. Some argue that paying a woman to carry a pregnancy goes against human dignity and turns the body into a commodity. On the other hand, advocates of surrogacy maintain that surrogates should receive fair compensation for the risks and sacrifices they assume when carrying out a pregnancy for others.
Emotional Bonds and Children's Rights
Surrogacy also raises questions about the emotional ties between the surrogate mother and the baby, as well as the rights of the child born through this process. In cases of traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is genetically related to the baby, emotional and legal conflicts can arise as to who the biological mother is and what the kinship rights are. Additionally, children born through surrogacy may face issues of identity and belonging throughout their lives.Risks Associated with Surrogacy
In addition to ethical dilemmas , surrogacy carries certain risks for all parties involved in this process. It is important to keep these risks in mind when considering the feasibility and ethics of surrogacy:
Risks to the Surrogate Mother
Surrogate mothers who participate in surrogacy may face physical and emotional during pregnancy and childbirth. The risks of medical complications, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and delivery problems, are higher in surrogates than in women carrying their own pregnancy. In addition, surrogate mothers may experience psychological difficulties related to attachment to the baby they are carrying, especially in cases of traditional surrogacy.
Risks for Intentional Parents
Intentional parents who resort Surrogacy also faces certain risks, such as the possibility that the surrogate mother decides to change her mind and retain the baby once it is born. Although this is rare, it can lead to difficult legal and emotional disputes for all parties involved. Additionally, intended parents may face social and judicial criticism in some countries where surrogacy is unregulated or illegal.
Risks to the Child
Children born through Surrogacy may also experience risks and complications, especially in terms of their identity, relationship with their parents, and legal rights. In some cases, children may face abandonment or rejection if family circumstances change after birth. Furthermore, the lack of regulation and supervision in surrogacy can expose children to risks of exploitation and abuse.
Conclusions
In short, surrogacy is a complex issue that raises important ethical, legal and social debates in contemporary society. While surrogacy can offer a valuable solution for those who wish to form a biological family but cannot do so naturally, it also raises ethical challenges related to reproductive autonomy, the exploitation of surrogate women, and the rights of children born. through this process.
It is essential to address these ethical dilemmas and risks associated with surrogacy in a comprehensive manner, taking into account both the emotional and individual aspects as well as the legal and social implications. Adequate regulation and ethical and psychological support of all parties involved are crucial to guarantee that surrogacy is carried out ethically and safely for all those involved.