International Commercial Surrogacy: A Feminist Approach

International Commercial Surrogacy: A Feminist Approach.
The globalization of wage labor is no longer novel; it has become a main facet in an increasingly interconnected world. From call centers to clothing factories, the scope of labor being outsourced and sought out in different countries around the world is constantly magnifying. In a neoliberal world where virtually all industries are in constant search for new terrains for cheap labor, there has emerged another global enterprise commonly known as, “reproductive tourism.” Reproductive tourism entails the expansion of the fertility industry beyond country borders. Couples, usually from wealthier parts of the world, seek out solutions to their infertility, such as egg donors and surrogates,
As previously noted, in India, the women who undertake surrogacy come from impoverished backgrounds and use it as a means to alleviate their circumstances. A lot of them do not have a proper education and so, neither ask about nor are told the full implications of their choices. This also makes it rather easy to underpay them for their services and given the lack of legal enforceability of the contracts, they have little recourse to attain their rights. Moreover, because clinics are largely self-regulated, women are not guaranteed proper healthcare during and after the pregnancy, especially if there are any health
In a neoliberal world, the economic and political position India occupies is a direct result of global norms and practices that put a few a countries at an advantage to the detriment of the majority. Hence, ensuring the welfare of these women is an international responsibility. The global community must seek ways to lessen inequality and distribute resources more equitably in order for all governments to have the adequate resources to provide for their citizenry. While this approach is not politically feasible given the current reality of the world, this is what national governments and the international community at large should be looking towards. It is not sufficient to regulate surrogacy and pretend this actually cultivates meaningful agency for the women