Transnational gestational surrogacy: does it have to be exploitative?
This article explores the controversial practice of transnational gestational surrogacy and poses a provocative question: Does it have to be exploitative? Various existing models of exploitation are considered and a novel exploitation-evaluation heuristic is introduced to assist in the analysis of the potentially exploitative dimensions/elements of complex health-related practices. On the basis of application of the heuristic, I conclude that transnational gestational surrogacy, as currently practiced in low-income country settings (such as rural, western India), is exploitative of surrogate women. Arising out of consideration of the heuristic's exploitation conditions, a set of public education and enabled choice, enhanced protections, and empowerment reforms to transnational gestational surrogacy practice is proposed that, if incorporated into a national regulatory framework and actualized within a low income country, could possibly render such practice nonexploitative.
a Dalhousie University.
Jeffrey
J
Kirby
D000328:Adult; D003068:Coercion; D003132:Commerce; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty / Q000941:ethics; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011247:Pregnancy; D012935:Social Justice / Q000941:ethics
gender/sexuality; health policy; informed consent; moral theory; regulatory issues; reproductive technologies