Buddhist Ethics and Surrogacy Problem of Thai Society

Abstract

In Thailand, surrogacy is practiced by a surrogate-volunteer woman-having an egg removed and fertilized with sperm from the male member of the household desiring offspring. The fertilized egg is then re-inserted into the surrogate to bring the embryo to term. However, there are many complications for couples desiring to explore the surrogacy alternative in Thailand: there is no clear legal ruling regarding surrogacy, the social perspective has not been adequately legislated, and the process has not been formally codified. Furthermore, the medical profession has been in a quandary as there is no clear authority to whom they can look to for guidance. Lastly, the medical profession lacks the ability to properly advise patients due to disputes over the ethical dilemma of surrogacy in Thailand.

This article an analysis of the Theravada Buddhist Ethics regarding surrogacy in Thai society has found that there are three main issues of surrogacy in Thailand as follow: legal issues, doctrinal issues, and ethical issue. For the Buddhist ethical issue about surrogacy in Thai society, it is necessary to consider how the five precepts in Buddhism teachings relate to the issue. Is surrogacy ethical or not? There are major considerations to be judged, does the Buddhist perceptive prohibit or support surrogacy. If surrogacy can only accomplish through the breaking of the five precepts, with mental unwholesome, or a lack of conscientious regard, then it should be deemed that “surrogacy is unethical.”

Keywords: Buddhist Ethics, Surrogacy, Thai Society

JEL Classification: Buddhist Ethics