21-22 October 2024
Event Date(s)/Period(s)
21-22 October 2024
Organised by:
Centre for Medical Ethics and Law
This conference was part of a wider project examining the existing rules criminalising actions relating to surrogacy in more than 25 jurisdictions on five continents. Ethical concerns about surrogacy have given rise to increasing calls to ban the practice and criminalise those involved in it, including surrogates, intended parents, agencies, and medical and legal practitioners. This stance is in stark contrast to the jurisprudence of many higher courts, including the European Court of Human Rights, which prioritises the best interests of the existing child.
This project specifically examines the efficacy of criminalising surrogacy in light of its express aim of preventing the practice. Preliminary findings suggest that not only are there very few prosecutions (if any), but citizens of countries with surrogacy prohibitions merely go elsewhere to become parents in that way. Any ethical concerns, therefore, simply shift to other jurisdictions.
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