Ethical concerns for maternal surrogacy and reproductive tourism

J Med Ethics. 2012 Dec;38(12):742-5. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2012-100551. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

Reproductive medical tourism is by some accounts a multibillion dollar industry globally. The seeking by clients in high income nations of surrogate mothers in low income nations, particularly India, presents a set of largely unexamined ethical challenges. In this paper, eight such challenges are elucidated to spur discussion and eventual policy development towards protecting the rights and health of vulnerable women of the Global South.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Custody / ethics
  • Child Custody / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Child, Preschool
  • Commerce / ethics*
  • Delivery of Health Care / ethics
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards
  • Developed Countries
  • Developing Countries*
  • Embryo Transfer / ethics
  • Embryo Transfer / methods
  • Female
  • Gestational Carriers*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Informed Consent / ethics
  • Maternal Welfare / ethics
  • Medical Tourism / ethics*
  • Medical Tourism / trends
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Poverty*
  • Pregnancy
  • Vulnerable Populations*