Surrogate mother – praiseworthy or stigmatized: a qualitative study on perceptions of surrogacy in Assam, India

Abstract

Background: Surrogacy is a reproductive practice that has been strongly marketed in India as a solution for childless couples. As a result, the number of surrogacy clinics is increasing. Meanwhile, a global discourse on surrogacy, originating from a Western perspective, has characterized surrogacy as being exploitative of women in low-income settings, where poverty drives them to become surrogate mothers.Objective: This study explored perspectives on surrogacy from men and women in Assam, an Indian state known to be a low-income setting. Surrogacy arrangements in Assam are still uncommon. It can be expected that the dominant global discourses on surrogacy will be unfamiliar to the general population, and the objective was also to position the results within the divergent global discourses of surrogacy.Methods: In order to explore local views on surrogacy, we conducted individual interviews and focus group discussions with people from various socioeconomic groups in Assam.Results: Our findings reveal that people in Assam perceive surrogacy as a good option for a childless couple, as it would result in a child who is a ‘blood’ relation – something highly desirable for sociocultural reasons. However, the part played by the surrogate mother complicates local views on surrogacy. Most people consider payment to the surrogate mother contrary to societal norms. A surrogate mother is also often judged in a moral light, either as a ‘bad mother’ for selling her child, or as a ‘noble woman’ who has helped a childless couple and deserves payment for her services.Conclusions: In order to decrease the stigmatization of women, a regulatory policy is needed that will take into account the complex understandings of surrogacy and perceptions of surrogate mothers in Indian society. In policy, the possible effect of the dominant exploitation discourse needs to be modulated by local understandings of this reproduction method.

The Perceptions of Childless Women on Surrogacy as an Assisted Reproductive Technique (Art) in Lebowakgomo, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province

“…Brochures should be made available in social workers' offices for childless couples to make informed decisions regarding the issue. The findings further confirm that a childless couple perceive surrogacy as a viable option and something highly desirable for socio-cultural reasons (Arvidsson, Vauquiline, Johnsdotter & Essen, 2017).…”

Surrogacy among Filipinos who have struggled with infertility: A discourse analysis

“…Thus, the surrogate mother is portrayed in a positive light due to her intention to help. These descriptions effectively minimize the importance of monetary earnings (Pande, 2011) and highlight how the surrogate mother effectively fulfills the expectations of parenthood by offering couples the possibility of having their “own child” (Arvidsson et al., 2017).…”

“…Studies in the literature highlight the two frames of reference under appropriate theoretical frameworks. A commonly used lens is one of feminism, which has conflicting views of empowerment and desperation (Arvidsson, Vauquline, Johnsdotter, & Ess en, 2017). Although surrogacy can be viewed as a way to empower women to exercise control over their chosen reproductive mode, surrogate mothers potentially risk becoming "breeding machines" when practiced without limitations (Andrews, 1988).…”

Impact of Bioethics Education in Decision Making on Commercial Surrogacy: A Study with Medical Graduates

“…This is principally because the surrogate mother is unknown to the commissioning couple, is mostly from a poor financial background, has been possibly lured to surrogacy and is opting for the pregnancy for financial reasons [8][9]. Globally one school of thought views commercial surrogacy to be an exploitation of a poor woman desperately needing financial benefits, is like prostitution, is a form of alienated labour, turns babies into commodities is for the wealthy only, exploiting third world women as baby machines and that adoption is better for the world [18][19]. While the support views include statements that surrogacy fulfils the deepseated wish for a family, adoption is not that easy, surrogate mothers are conscious of their choice, it is beneficial in empowering the destitute women and to be of benefit to the childless couple [18][19].…”