Surrogacy

Definition

Surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement where a woman, known as the surrogate, agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, who are typically referred to as the intended parents. This practice raises complex ethical, social, and legal questions surrounding parental rights, women's autonomy, and the commodification of reproduction, especially when considering advancements in reproductive technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surrogacy can be categorized into two main types: traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is genetically related to the child, and gestational surrogacy, where she has no genetic link to the baby.
2. Legal frameworks around surrogacy vary greatly across countries and states, impacting the rights of surrogates and intended parents.
3. In 'The Dialectic of Sex,' Shulamith Firestone argues that reproductive technologies like surrogacy could liberate women from traditional roles associated with motherhood.
4. Surrogacy often raises concerns about potential exploitation of women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who may see it as a financial opportunity.
5. Firestone suggests that by removing biological reproduction from women's bodies through technology, society could promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal structures.

Review Questions

• How does surrogacy challenge traditional notions of motherhood and gender roles?
  • Surrogacy challenges traditional notions of motherhood by separating the biological aspect of reproduction from the nurturing role typically associated with mothers. It allows women to engage in reproduction without being tied to child-rearing responsibilities. This reconfiguration of motherhood can lead to a broader understanding of gender roles, as it empowers women to choose their involvement in parenting while also questioning societal expectations around motherhood.
• Discuss the ethical concerns surrounding surrogacy as highlighted in Firestone's 'The Dialectic of Sex' and how they relate to women's rights.
  • In 'The Dialectic of Sex,' Firestone emphasizes ethical concerns regarding surrogacy, particularly the potential exploitation of women who act as surrogates. She critiques how societal and economic pressures may drive marginalized women to become surrogates, raising issues about consent and autonomy. The discussion connects deeply with women's rights as it highlights the need for regulations that protect surrogates while ensuring that their choices are free from coercion or financial desperation.
• Evaluate the impact of reproductive technologies like surrogacy on feminist theory and activism, drawing on Firestone's perspective.
  • Reproductive technologies such as surrogacy have significant implications for feminist theory and activism, especially through Firestone's perspective in 'The Dialectic of Sex.' Firestone advocates for utilizing these technologies to liberate women from the biological constraints imposed by traditional motherhood roles. By envisioning a society where reproduction is decoupled from women's bodies, she proposes that feminist activism can shift toward advocating for reproductive autonomy and equality. This evaluation prompts critical discussions within feminism about agency, choice, and how technological advancements can reshape societal norms.

Related terms

gestational surrogacy: A form of surrogacy where the surrogate carries a pregnancy created using in vitro fertilization (IVF), with no genetic connection to the child.

reproductive autonomy: The right of individuals to make decisions about their own reproductive health and choices without coercion or interference.

ethics of reproduction: The moral principles that govern how reproductive technologies and practices should be conducted, including considerations around consent, exploitation, and social implications.