There are two types of surrogacy - commercial and altruistic. In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate mother receives payment for carrying the pregnancy. Alternatively, altruistic surrogacy is done without any financial compensation.
While both types of surrogacies arrangements can help couples and individuals who are unable to have children, they have their own distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will compare commercial surrogacy versus altruistic surrogacy.
Commercial Surrogacy
Commercial surrogacy involves the payment of the surrogate mother for carrying the pregnancy. The payment is typically a substantial sum of money, which is negotiated between the surrogate and the intended parents. In some countries, the practice of commercial surrogacy is illegal, while in others, it is legal, but heavily regulated.
Pros
- Financial Compensation: The financial compensation offered in commercial surrogacy can be a significant advantage to the surrogate mother. This can help her to support her family and provide a better future for her children.
- Greater Control: Commercial surrogacy provides greater control to the intended parents over the pregnancy and the surrogate mother. The parents can choose the surrogate based on their preferences, and they can be involved in the pregnancy and childbirth process. The control is generated from the legal agreement between both parties and clearly outlines the responsibilities.
Cons
- Expensive: Commercial surrogacy can be expensive for the intended parents, as they have to pay for the surrogacy fees, medical expenses, and legal fees.
- Ethical Concerns: Some people claim that the arrangement exploits women who are financially vulnerable and turns the process of childbirth into a commodity.
Altruistic Surrogacy
In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation for carrying the pregnancy. Instead, she does it out of kindness and a desire to help someone else. A common example of an altruistic surrogacy is when a relative of the intended parents offers to carry the child.
Pros
- Lower Cost: Altruistic surrogacy is typically less expensive than commercial surrogacy, as the intended parents do not have to pay for the surrogacy fees.
- More Ethical: Altruistic surrogacy is sometimes viewed as more ethical, as it is based on a voluntary decision by the surrogate mother to help someone else. However, in the situation of a family member performing the surrogacy there can also be a power imbalance and an implied aspect of coercion.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Finding an altruistic surrogate can be very challenging, as not many women are willing to carry a pregnancy without any financial compensation.
- Legal Uncertainty: The legal status of altruistic surrogacy can be uncertain, as it is not always clear who has legal rights over the child.
In conclusion, both commercial and altruistic surrogacy have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. While commercial surrogacy provides greater control and financial compensation, it can also be expensive and raises ethical concerns. On the other hand, altruistic surrogacy is generally viewed as more ethical and is less expensive, but it may be difficult to find a willing surrogate. Ultimately, the decision between commercial and altruistic surrogacy depends on the individual circumstances of the intended parents and the surrogate mother.