What Is Commercial Surrogacy?

Since commercial surrogacy is a controversial and often complicated topic, finding a single definition that defines it can be a bit hard. What is generally refers to as surrogacy in America is known as commercial surrogacy in other countries. But what is commercial surrogacy?

Commercial surrogacy refers to the agreement in which the surrogate mother is paid for her services. The alternative to this is the altruistic surrogacy in which a woman volunteers to carry the pregnancy without asking for any compensation. In the recent past, there has been debate over commercial surrogacy with critics arguing that it commoditize human life and exploits the women. Advocates, however, argue that it’s not fair for the woman to carry the pregnancy for someone without getting some payment in return.

While the discussion is still going on, the process has helped thousands of single parents, infertile couples, and other couples who cannot carry the pregnancy. Although ethical concerns have made some countries to restrict or ban commercial surrogacy agreements, with the laws intended to protect the children and women, there are several consequences that should be considered.

Countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy prohibit any form of surrogacy while others such as Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom only allow altruistic surrogacy. These limitations have not only prevented many couples from becoming parents but also led others to seek the process where it’s allowed.

What is commercial surrogacy- the process?

When it comes to commercial, surrogacy the first step is to speak to families who have gone through the process. You can also visit surrogacy websites so as to gather more information. If you are not using your eggs, you also need to look for agencies that provide egg services. While egg donors can charge up to $8000, you will get a full personality, medical and education profile of the donor, photos, and even videos. Surrogacy medical process is a long way to go.

Another thing to do is, you need to choose a surrogate. Women who want to be surrogates are usually screened well before they can be allowed. However, due to cultural and language barriers, different countries have different processes. For instance, in the US/Canada, the intending couple and the surrogate are given chance to get to know each other and agree.

While the meetings are meditated by the caseworker if things are smooth the intended parent and the surrogate will continue meeting alone. This communication will continue until the time of giving birth. As the most important step, the intending parent is required to be present at birth while also planning for other things knowing very well they will be having a newborn baby.

What is commercial surrogacy?

Pros

  • In countries where there are well-defined laws, it’s well regulated to protect the intended parents and the surrogate mother.
  • Commercial surrogacy allows women to be paid well for their commitment as well as their emotional and physical demands during pregnancy.
  • It’s a good option for intended parents who do not want to bother their family members and friends.
  • It allows agreements to be made ahead of time to determine the compensation that the surrogate will get. This will prevent any form of dispute that may occur.

Cons

  • As compared to altruistic surrogacy, commercial surrogacy is very expensive.
  • Critics have argued that it exploits the women.
  • Since it’s not allowed in some countries some intended parents have been pushed to seek international surrogacy which can lead to ethical and legal complications.

What is commercial surrogacy?- Conclusion

Regardless of the compensation offered, Commercial surrogacy agreements are generally positive and noble acts of generosities offered to the intended parents. This means the money paid to the surrogate mother cannot be compared to the physical toll and the complications that may arise due to pregnancy. The value, therefore, comes from the feelings of kindness that surrogates experience after giving a child to someone who could not get a baby without their help.

 

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