How governments worldwide can make surrogacy accessible for everyone around?
According to a recent survey from a renowned medical association, every 1 individual in 5 is dealing with certain infertility issues or other. That said, most of them have utilized every option including various infertility treatments available around.
This is where for many who are unable to conceive naturally, surrogacy—a kind of assisted reproduction in which a woman (the surrogate) agrees to bear a child for another person or couple—has emerged as a glimmer of hope. This post examines the critical role that governments can play in ensuring that surrogacy is ethical, equitable, and supportive of all parties involved while also making it accessible to everyone.
But even though surrogacy has the potential to fulfil the wishes of countless people who desire a child, access to it is still restricted for many because of ethical, legal, and financial concerns.
The critical role that governments can play in ensuring ethical surrogacy
Bringing more reforms to the existing regulations
There is no denying saying that perfect and strong regulation is certainly the foundation of any procedure within a country. That said, the creation of a thorough, well-defined legal framework is the first step toward facilitating surrogacy. In addition to preventing exploitation and guaranteeing that surrogacy agreements are freely and fully consented to, these laws should safeguard the rights and welfare of the intended parents, the surrogate, and the child.
Legal Recognition: legal recognition of the surrogacy procedures has always come as a critical aspect in many countries. That said, to give all parties involved legal certainty, governments should accept surrogacy agreements as legitimate contracts. On the other side, these contracts must mention all the details regarding the rights and duties of everyone involved in a surrogacy procedure.
Regulation of Agencies: Agencies act as the right entity to guide and support the intended parents during their initial phase of the surrogacy procedure. Still, to stop unethical behaviour, surrogacy agencies ought to be subject to regulations. Enforcing standards about financial arrangements, surrogate health and well-being, and transparency is imperative.
International Surrogacy: International surrogacy is in trend these days. Moreover, as cross-border surrogacy becomes more common, international standards may be able to harmonize procedures and protect participants from legal entanglements resulting from different national laws.
Initiation of various Insurance and Financial Assistance programs
Surrogacy is a cost-effective program in every aspect. Also, the importance of insurance and other types of financial assistance is imperative in every phase of the surrogacy process. At the same time, the expense of surrogacy is one of the biggest obstacles to access, as it can be unaffordable for many. The following actions can be taken by governments to increase surrogacy’s financial accessibility:
Ensuring proper financial aid: Financial assistance could come in any form like random schemes and initiatives to help the lower income groups in accessing surrogacy. That said, lower-income individuals and couples may find it easier to access these services if they receive financial assistance or subsidies for surrogacy.
Government Insurance programs: The role of government insurance schemes is very critical within any surrogacy program. By adding surrogacy to health insurance plans, intended parents’ financial burdens can be greatly minimized. In a similar vein, it’s critical to guarantee surrogates have access to full health insurance.
Tax Credits and Deductions: Tax credits can help lessen the financial burden of any couple or individual seeking surrogacy. Providing tax credits or deductions for costs associated with surrogacy can help those considering surrogacy financially.
Taking care of the ethical aspects properly
Every country comes along with their cultural beliefs and ethics. Also, surrogacy includes several ethical concerns that need to be taken care of during every step of the surrogacy process. Moreover, it is crucial to make sure surrogacy is carried out ethically. On the other hand, governments have a crucial role to play in assisting intended parents and defending the rights and dignity of surrogates.
Proper Consent of the surrogate: Before giving their consent, surrogates should be fully informed about the emotional, legal, and medical ramifications of being a surrogate. This is where clear guidelines and support should be offered in this regard.
Right healthcare support for the Surrogates: Before, during, and following pregnancy, surrogates must have access to first-class medical care. They should also receive psychological support to assist them in navigating the emotional complexities of serving as a surrogate.
Post-Birth Support: To ensure a smooth transfer of parental rights, both intended parents and surrogates may need post-birth support, which may include counselling and legal assistance.
Making the larger population aware and informed
Surrogacy is a complicated subject for many and this is where most of the individuals seeking it may fall into the trap of random fake agencies and entities. Also, a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding surrogacy can result in misinformation and stigma. Moreover, governments can support public awareness campaigns that educate the public about surrogacy’s advantages, drawbacks, and moral implications.
Public education campaigns: These can help the general public understand and accept surrogacy by demystifying it and busting myths. Moreover, it can help them stay more aware and informed regarding every critical aspect of surrogacy
Resources for Surrogates and Potential Parents: Providing thorough resources and guidelines can aid in the decision-making of those who are thinking about becoming surrogates.
Being Non-Discrimination and Inclusive
There are countries where social discrimination basis of color, race, caste and sex is still evident. This is where ensuring surrogacy is available to everyone entails combating discrimination that might keep some groups from using surrogacy services.
Equal Access: Laws and regulations should guarantee that surrogacy is accessible to all individuals and couples, irrespective of their marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Reducing Disparities: To ensure that surrogacy is truly accessible to all, special attention should be paid to removing obstacles that may disproportionately affect marginalized communities
Final words
Surrogacy is a godsend for everyone who has struggled and even struggling with their infertility woes. At the same time, many people have the incredible chance to realize their aspirations of becoming parents through surrogacy. However, governments must work together to develop frameworks that are ethical, just, and supportive in order to fully realize the potential of surrogacy. Governments can make surrogacy a realistic option for anyone wishing to start a family through this special type of assisted reproduction by creating clear legal protections, offering financial support, guaranteeing ethical practices, encouraging education and awareness, and fostering inclusivity.
The ultimate objective is to establish a surrogacy system that upholds the intended parents’ rights and dignity, respects surrogates’ rights, and places a high priority on the welfare of the children born via surrogacy. Building families can make surrogacy an ethical, meaningful, and accessible option with careful regulation, support, and oversight.