Originally posted by: return_to_hades
There appear to be a lot of misconceptions and misgivings about surrogacy.
Obviously adoption is a preferable and altruistic solution. There are too many unwanted children in the world. Irrespective of whether there are conception issues or not, I feel that people should be encouraged to adopt. There are many ways to encourage adoption. Adoption fees should be tax deductible. Parents should be able to take adoption leave just like maternity/paternity leave to bond with a the new child. Companies that offer adoption benefits should be given subsidies and tax breaks. Public institutions can offer discounts to adopted children.But vilifying surrogacy is not the right way to encourage adoption. For some reason many human beings have a strong parental drive to have a child that is their own DNA and blood. Perhaps it is an inherent trait of our mammalian nature. Perhaps it is human selfishness. But the desire for one's own child is real, personal, emotional and overwhelming for many people.Surrogacy gives many people hope and choice to fulfill that desire. Of course surrogacy comes with many challenges. There have been scams and scandals. There have been women who have been exploited. There have been situations where couples have backed off leaving a surrogate with the burden of the child. There have been situations where the surrogate has had a change of heart and refused to give up the child. Surrogacy definitely does need to carefully legally controlled to prevent exploitation.
However, the current approach is quite regressive. Barring single people, gay couples, or live in relationships is unfair to those people who want a child. Forcing the surrogate to be a close married relative who has borne children is also unfair. Sometimes it is better that the surrogate be a third party to prevent tensions within the family due to emotional attachments. It is also unfair to rule out friends or single relatives who may want to be altruistic.Instead the law should mandate psychological evaluation of both the surrogate and parents by at least two separate and independent psychiatrists to ensure they are mentally prepared for the task. Both parties should have a separate lawyer fairly representing their interests while stipulating the surrogacy agreement. Compensation and terms should be clearly stipulated. The decision to abort or not in case of birth defects or in case of risk to mother should also be documented. Surrogacy should be done through accredited agencies that are audited regularly for fair practices.
India is acting on a noble intent but going about it in a horribly wrong manner.
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