The Guardian | March 30, 2023
A 68-year-old Spanish actor’s decision to have a child via a surrogate in the U.S. has set off a political firestorm in Spain, prompting both criticism from several government ministers as well as calls to reconsider Spain’s longstanding ban on the practice.
CNBC | March 7, 2023
With more intended parents interested in surrogacy––largely from wealthier Western countries––comes more demand for surrogates. Women in countries including Georgia and Mexico are drawn to surrogacy because of the financial compensation, but risks of exploitation–particularly in a largely unregulated industry– remain.
Marie Claire | February 27, 2023
A new online platform connects vetted gestational surrogates with intended parents, and provides support for both groups, though through the largely unregulated process of surrogacy.
Carolyn Barber | Fortune Well | November 17, 2022
The surrogacy industry is booming in the US with little to no oversight. Clinics often fail to inform potential surrogates about risks of IVF, which can lead to dangerous complications for them and for the children.
Ellen Trachman | Above the Law | November 16, 2022
The US-based nonprofit SEEDS recognizes ethical challenges of the surrogacy industry and is establishing best practices for surrogacy agencies to follow. But even this approach assumes, with evidence to the contrary, that US clinics will be able to self-regulate.
Jenny Kleeman | The Guardian | October 1, 2022
Gay men hoping to have biological children navigate high costs, complex surrogacy laws, and infertility definitions that exclude LGBTQ persons. But critics worry about exploitation of surrogates, especially internationally.
Emily Rosenthal | NYU | September 27, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Dobbs. vs. Jackson Women’s Health enabled states to restrict or ban abortion, which could limit the use of IVF in those states, including in the case of surrogacy. Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion opened the door to challenging LGBTQ rights, which could have ripple effects on surrogacy and other techniques often used by same-sex couples for family formation.
David Dodge | The New York Times | August 23, 2022
Concerned about losing access to pregnancy care, and fearful of legal consequences, surrogates and those who work with them are rewriting contracts and changing the way they operate.
Men Having Babies
The “Equal Access to Reproductive Care Act,” filed by Representatives Adam Schiff and Judy Chu, in collaboration with organizations like Men Having Babies and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, will allow LGBTQ parents and single people to deduct ARTs–including surrogacy–on tax returns without needing to demonstrate medical infertility.
Julie Moreau | NBC News | August 1, 2022
US state abortion bans could affect IVF, because discarding embryos is common practice. LGBTQ couples will be disproportionately affected and are advised to consult with attorneys. Surrogates in these states will also have limited options in cases of pregnancy complications.
