In recent years, India has found itself facing several significant social issues that shape its modern landscape. Surrogacy, euthanasia, and malnutrition are three areas that not only highlight the evolving socio-legal fabric of the country but also spark intense debates among policymakers, ethicists, and the general public. This blog post aims to unpack the intricacies surrounding these topics, including their social, legal, and ethical dimensions.

Surrogacy: Social, Legal & Ethical Issues

Understanding Surrogacy in India

Surrogacy in India has become a prominent reproductive choice for many couples, both from India and abroad. For instance, the surrogacy industry saw exponential growth between 2002 and 2016, with up to 15,000 surrogates estimated to have participated in the process. This offers hope to couples facing infertility challenges, with many turning to India's advanced medical facilities that provide services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

However, this burgeoning industry raises numerous social, legal, and ethical concerns. While surrogacy can provide a profound gift, it also runs the risk of exploiting vulnerable women who may not fully grasp the implications of becoming surrogates.

Social Implications

From a social perspective, surrogacy can be seen as both empowering and exploitative. On one side, it provides women with an opportunity to make financial decisions regarding their bodies, with surrogate mothers typically earning between ₹300,000 and ₹500,000 for their services. On the other, critics argue that this system commodifies women's reproductive abilities, leading to instances where the health and rights of surrogates are compromised.