The first step towards an international instrument to abolish surrogacy.

[TheywontletmehavethenameIwant]

"A group of states at the United Nations has launched a political declaration calling for an international moratorium on surrogacy, marking a significant first step in what its supporters hope will become a global abolitionist framework."

UN States Launch Political Declaration for Global Surrogacy Moratorium ━ The European Conservative

"That is a long road. But for those who oppose the buying and selling of babies and the exploitation of women, the fact that states have now placed the issue formally on the UN track is already the point: the market is global, and the response is beginning to become global, too."

I not sure I have any faith in the UN anymore, but hopefully this will gain some traction, I can see it clashing with the Global Left's Utopian ideals though.

I agree. It just means we can’t present any of the research at this stage as ‘ta da! Here’s the evidence’.

No, because we are still allowed to do those things once our ability to provide informed consent as has been thoroughly assessed.

But we can search for the most robust evidence that does exist and has been peer reviewed as having enough validity to be published in reputable academia.

It can be tempting to reject any research that disagrees with our opinions though, as well as the institutions that allowed it to be published. No True Scotsman and all that.

Are you confident that is happening in the surrogate industry outside the UK?

I don’t think surrogacy is analogous to abortion or adoption. Abortion prioritises the mother who doesn’t want to bear and care for a child. Fair. Adoption prioritises the child whose parents cannot care for them so someone else needs to. Best outcome for the child in difficult circumstances.

Surrogacy is prioritising those that want a child and can’t or won’t have their own. It prioritises them and is not in the best interest of the mother or the child. In a capitalist system it will become essentially a market for people. I think it’s pernicious and needs to be banned.

The end result is some sort of breeding class of women as pregnancy and birth are dangerous and unpleasant so why not buy your way out of that? Which is actually nightmarish.

Adoption- many adopted children suffer feelings of abandonment. It is still better to be adopted than go into care, and some adoptees are not so affected, but it is not something that just affects the mother of the child or just affects the adopting mother.

The mother can choose but the poor child can’t.

Surrogacy - the child is taken away from the mother it knew for nine months in the womb, during birth, and as it emerged into the world and experienced more of her.

If it is born with special needs, it may be abandoned.

It is questionable that just anybody can order the creation of a child especially an unrelated child. (A child is in greater danger from an unrelated father.)

One mother’s body is being used even if she chose. Who will help her if she gets a dreadful birth injury?

No but I'm not confident about the ethical practices of lots of things in and outside the UK. Doesn't mean I'd see them banned. Just means I fully support better ethical practices everywhere.

"the child is taken away from the mother it knew for nine months in the womb, during birth, and as it emerged into the world and experienced more of her."

How is this not true of adopted children. If this is a real ethical issue, then it is an issue for children destined for adoption.

"Who will help her if she gets a dreadful birth injury?"

This is an issue that any woman giving birth faces to varying degrees across the globe. Why would it be ethical to give birth (and take this risk) in order to raise your own baby but not one that is destined to be raised by others?

Why do you think you can decide what is in the best interests of another autonomous adult?

I can just about see how one could argue what is in the best interests of all children, because ultimately adults have to make decisions on their behalf. I can't see how that would extend to every adult.

It seems sensible to me to have a moratorium (temporary suspension) of surrogacy while states have a think about whether to move to abolition. Presumably that would be an opportunity for people like yourself to show how surrogacy could survive in a fully ethical framework.

Here is the conclusion to Reem Alsalem's 2025 report (UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls):
The practice of surrogacy is characterized by exploitation and violence against women and children, including girls. It reinforces patriarchal norms by commodifying and objectifying women’s bodies and exposing surrogate mothers and children to serious human rights violations.

Link to full report for those interested: https://docs.un.org/en/A/80/158

I would consider surrogacy as exploitative as prostitution. Womens'bodies are seen as financial commodities, usually but not always financially beneficial to men. Rich women do not sell their bodies, it's a way of poor women trying to get by. In a world where women were completely equal to men i doubt either form of exploitation would exist.

Was she speaking about the UK?

Seen recent events I think it seems too easy to adopt. Around me it's completely normalised not to want children. Several friends and neighbours who have decided not to without regrets.

I'm sure you don't need me to interpret the report for you. Have a read yourself.

I have. It all seems to be focused on women from war-torn and developing countries.

I think it is best that women read it for themselves, rather than have it interpreted for them by others.

I have never been happy with surrogacy and so if it is a step towards a reduction or ending, am glad.

Am I stopping anyone from clicking the link?

Unlikely, since we are in an online forum.