European Parliament: Surrogacy is reproductive exploitation
Ukrainian hotel for babies born from surrogacy. Photo AFP, Sergei Supinsky
European Union
The European Parliament condemns surrogacy, saying it is a form of reproductive exploitation. It did so in its resolution on the impact of the Ukrainian war on women at a plenary session in Strasburg.
Surrogacy puts women at risk in regards to exploitation, the resolution reads, “particularly those who are poorer and in situations of vulnerability, such as the contexts of war.”
The European parliament pleads for more attention to protecting surrogate mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and the maintenance of their rights.
Furthermore, the European Parliament stresses that surrogacy has negative consequences for gender equality and leads to consequences for international situations. For example, surrogacy led to problems when Ukrainian surrogate mothers attempted to leave the country but could not because their baby had to be born on Ukrainian soil. “Some surrogacy agencies have asked surrogate mothers not to flee Ukraine before the birth.”
Quarter of surrogacy industry located in Ukraine
In Ukraine, surrogacy is permitted by law, Die Tagespost reports. Thus, the country became one of the most prominent players in the field. About a quarter of the global commercial surrogacy market is located in Ukraine. According to the newspaper, more than 2,000 surrogate babies are born every year.
Europe for Family, a body of European citizens that supports the European Union regarding family policies, even calls for an international ban on surrogacy. According to Europe for Family, the resolution is non-binding but yet “another major step towards an international ban on surrogacy.”
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