Global Surrogacy: Modern Slavery Exposed

UN report exposes the ‘slavery-like’ exploitation in the global surrogacy industry, sparking calls for a worldwide ban.

Story Highlights

• UN report criticizes surrogacy as a form of modern exploitation.
• Consent is deemed insufficient to address ethical concerns.
• Global surrogacy market faces scrutiny for human rights violations.
• Advocacy groups push for stricter regulations or bans.

UN Report Challenges Global Surrogacy Practices

A recent report by Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, described the global surrogacy industry as a form of exploitation comparable to slavery-like practices. The report argues that even with consent, surrogacy can lead to severe human rights violations, particularly for women and children. Human rights advocates such as Jennifer Lahl, founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, argue that the industry often takes advantage of vulnerable women, particularly in regions with weak regulatory frameworks.

The report underscores the exploitation, coercion, and commodification intrinsic to surrogacy, emphasizing that consent alone cannot justify such practices. Surrogacy agencies often operate in countries with weak legal frameworks, allowing them to exploit economic disparities and power imbalances. This situation has resulted in widespread calls for stricter international regulations or outright bans.

Historical Context and Legal Reforms

Surrogacy emerged in the late 20th century as a solution for infertility but quickly transformed into a commercial industry. Countries including Mexico, Georgia, and Kenya became notable destinations for international surrogacy because of permissive laws and significant economic disparities, according to research by Dr. Olga van den Akker, Professor of Health Psychology at Middlesex University. In 1997, surrogacy was legalized in Tabasco, Mexico, leading to widespread exploitation until reforms were introduced in 2016 to curb abuses. However, the demand continues to rise, with the market projected to reach $129 billion by 2032.

Recent developments highlight the persistent challenges in regulating surrogacy. In 2023, Greek authorities dismantled a surrogacy exploitation network, drawing attention to the systemic issues plaguing the industry. These events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure ethical practices.

Diverse Opinions on Surrogacy Regulation

There is a divide among experts regarding the best approach to address the issues surrounding surrogacy. Some experts, such as Dr. Renate Klein, a long-time researcher on reproductive technologies, advocates for outright bans, arguing that commercial surrogacy inherently commodifies women and children. Other scholars, including Dr. Amrita Pande, a sociologist at the University of Cape Town, argues for stronger domestic regulation and international cooperation to balance reproductive rights with the prevention of exploitation. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of protecting women and children from systemic abuses.

UN Report: ‘Slavery-Like’ Surrogacy Industry Should Be Banned https://t.co/XS5QZewKiM

— DoNotFearAmericanCitizen (@randy_2019) August 27, 2025

The UN report has reignited debates on the ethical implications of surrogacy, with particular focus on international regulatory gaps and cross-border surrogacy practices. As the industry faces increasing scrutiny, the call for global standards and accountability grows louder, urging governments and international bodies to take decisive action.

Sources:

WYA Submits Report on Surrogacy to UN Special Rapporteur
Commercial Surrogacy: Between Ethics and Legalization
International Approaches to Surrogacy Regulation
Call for Input: Thematic Report by Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls
Human Rights and Surrogacy