Ethical and Philosophical Issues Arising From Surrogate Motherhood

Abstract

In this paper, I presented the most important philosophical and moral issues concerned with the idea of contract pregnancy. Terminological disputes over the concept of surrogacy, which I presented, are rooted in different axiological backgrounds, which can be defended on various philosophical grounds. The most important moral and legal dilemmas, which were revealed in the landmark cases, can be also elucidated with the reference to the major philosophical doctrines, which I presented in this paper with reference to the problem of surrogacy. Most of the proponents of surrogacy contracts invoke the concept of reproductive autonomy and the principle of privacy (including the right to use one’s own body and reproductive capacities). Yet, this concept just as our relationship with the body may be differently interpreted depending on the philosophical stance we take. Most of the arguments in favor of surrogacy are formulated from either libertarian or utilitarian perspective. The strongest arguments against the practice of surrogacy are provided within a deontological and neo-Aristotelian approach.

Keywords: surrogate motherhood, reproductive technologies, biomedical ethics, bioethics