Knowledge, attitude and perception about surrogacy among urban working women

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Infertility is a social stigma in India. Infertility affects 10% of the population in India. Surrogacy is an advanced form of assisted reproductive technique (ART) wherein one woman bears a baby for another woman. Surrogacy is an alternative for the infertile parents for whom it is difficult to have a baby due to medical reasons. The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception about the ethical issues involved in surrogacy among urban working women.
 Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was devised to determine knowledge, attitude, and perception about surrogacy among young working women. Questionnaire was sent for validation and then distributed to urban working women between the age group of 25-35 years. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions with a range of 4-point response options and 1 open-ended question. Based on their response given a descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 16.
 Results: The urban women were aware of the ethical principles. 63% believe women should not be forced and have complete autonomy in making decisions. 60% believed Surrogate mothers and the baby born of surrogacy should not be ill-treated by the community and 70% said they should be given respect like any other human being.
 Conclusion: Altruistic surrogacy should be promoted and not commercial surrogacy as commercial surrogacy leads to the exploitation of the mother’s womb for money. 70% of women in our study believe that the Indian government should not promote surrogacy and in order to protect the rights and prevent injustice suitable Laws should be made and put into action.