Bodies, Souls and Rights: A Bioethical Review of 21st Century Surrogacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/rib.i29.y2025.004Keywords:
surrogacy, bioethics, reproductive rights, feminism, utilitarianismAbstract
Surrogacy raises ethical challenges concerning autonomy, social justice, and reproductive rights. This article takes a bioethical perspective to examine how feminism and utilitarianism can provide a foundation for fair regulatory frameworks governing this practice. Through a systematic review of academic literature (2015-2024) and a comparative analysis of international regulations (Canada, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States), it identifies tensions between the protection of surrogate mothers and reproductive rights. The findings highlight that: (1) liberal feminism supports surrogacy under informed consent, whereas radical feminism criticizes it as a form of exploitation; (2) utilitarianism justifies the practice if it maximizes collective well-being, although it overlooks structural inequalities. The article concludes that a global regulatory framework should balance autonomy, protection against exploitation, and the rights of the child, while prioritizing human dignity.
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