Surrogate Pregnancies: Medical, Ethical, Legal, and Religious Aspects

Abstract

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a clinical service offered to infertile couples in most developed countries. More than 40 years have elapsed since the birth of Louise Brown, but there is still some controversy concerning certain aspects of IVF practice. One of these controversial issues concerns the practice of surrogacy. In cases of infertility due to uterine factors, when a woman is unable to carry the embryo, or when her general health makes pregnancy and delivery inadvisable, the embryo is implanted into the uterus of another woman, who will give birth as a “surrogate mother.” In this chapter, we will review various aspects of the issue of surrogacy including the medical, social, ethical, legal, and religious aspects. With regard to the legal aspect, we will focus on Israeli law and see how he chose to treat the issue of surrogacy in a unique way, in which the state is responsible for the management and supervision of the process. Regarding the social aspect, we will address the implications for all involved in the surrogacy process, including the surrogate herself, her spouse, the parents-to-be, and the newborn himself. Finally, we will discuss the different approaches of the major religions to the issue of surrogacy.