Surrogacy Modern Day SLAVERY — Human Rights ALARM

Pregnant woman holding her belly, sitting comfortably.

A UN report calls for a global ban on the surrogacy industry, likening it to modern-day slavery and raising serious ethical concerns.

Story Highlights

Surrogacy, even with consent, may violate human rights, according to a UN report.
Exploitation and coercion are rampant in the surrogacy industry, impacting vulnerable women and children.
The report highlights significant regulatory gaps in the international surrogacy market.
Experts are divided between banning surrogacy and improving regulations to protect human rights.

UN Report Criticizes Surrogacy Practices

The United Nations has highlighted serious ethical and human rights concerns within the global surrogacy industry. Despite the presence of consent, the UN report argues that surrogacy often constitutes a violation of fundamental rights. It points to widespread exploitation, coercion, and commodification of women and children, challenging the notion that informed consent alone justifies the practice. The report stresses the need for significant regulatory reforms to address these issues.

The report emphasizes the global dimension of the surrogacy market, which often involves recruits from economically disadvantaged regions to satisfy the demands of wealthier individuals or couples. This cross-border nature complicates effective regulation, often leading to systemic abuses. The report calls for international cooperation to address these regulatory gaps and ensure accountability.

Impact of Surrogacy on Vulnerable Populations

Surrogacy has become a lucrative industry, projected to grow from $14 billion in 2022 to $129 billion by 2032. However, this economic potential comes at a significant human cost, primarily affecting vulnerable women and children. Many surrogate mothers, often from marginalized backgrounds, face coercion and exploitation due to power imbalances and economic pressures. The legal uncertainties surrounding children born through surrogacy further complicate the situation, raising concerns about their rights and identities.

Advocacy groups such as the World Youth Alliance and the Center for Bioethics & Culture have submitted reports to the UN, echoing the call for stricter regulations or outright bans. These organizations highlight the need for protective measures to safeguard the rights of women and children, stressing that current practices often overlook these rights in favor of profit.

Debate Over Regulation Versus Bans

Experts remain divided on the best approach to address the ethical and human rights challenges posed by surrogacy. Some argue for outright bans, citing the inherent exploitation and commodification involved in the practice. Others advocate for improved domestic regulation and international cooperation to protect reproductive rights while preventing exploitation. This ongoing debate underscores the complexity of balancing reproductive autonomy against the need to prevent abuse and exploitation.

United Nations Report: ‘Slavery’-Like Rent-A-Womb Industry Should Be Globally Banned https://t.co/jmyxYbw9SB

— Nicky Chaleunphone 🇺🇸 (@NChaleunphone) August 27, 2025

The UN report has sparked renewed discussions about the future of surrogacy, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both ethical concerns and the rights of all parties involved. As the international community grapples with these issues, the path forward remains uncertain, but the focus on human rights and ethical considerations is a crucial step in the right direction.