Evolving issues in surrogate motherhood

Surrogate mothering is an arrangement whereby a woman who gives birth to an infant intends—through a contractual agreement— to give that baby to another couple. The recent Baby M case in the United States has raised numerous legal concerns causing many legislative bodies to consider possible statutes to regulate or prohibit surrogacy. The competing interests among and between the individuals involved in this relationship (i.e., the surrogate mother, the couple, the baby, and society) suggest various ethical issues related to benefits, risks, and autonomy. Legal and ethical concerns surrounding the technologically possible procedure of surrogate motherhood are discussed.