The Wild West of Commercial Surrogacy
The United States has become a global hub for the booming commercial surrogacy industry, which is increasingly utilized by same-sex couples and celebrities. However, the practice faces growing international scrutiny and domestic backlash regarding ethical concerns, regulation, and the commodification of human reproduction.
Why it matters
As the surrogacy market grows into a multi-billion dollar industry, it highlights a deepening cultural and legal divide between the U.S. and other nations, raising critical questions about reproductive rights, ethics, and the regulation of human commerce.
Illustration by Molly Snee Ideas The Wild West of Commercial Surrogacy Most of Europe bans it. The United Nations likens it to slavery. But in the United States, business is booming.
Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 37:26 When Shoshannah Roberts talks about the four babies she’s given away, she glows. “When I think about it now, it still feels emotional,” she told me. “Those moments are so magical.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in