Surrogacy and Society: Changing Perceptions and Realities

Mimi - 2021 Indian movie Poster

Does this image strike you to what it is about? Yes, you are right. This is the film Mimi, which won the 69th Indian National Award for Best Actress by Kriti Sanon and Best Actor in a Supporting Role by Pankaj Tripathi. The movie revolves around the concept of surrogacy in a beautiful, engaging way. It also had a humorous storyline along with the emotional moments conveying the protagonist’s love for the child. Let’s explore what surrogacy is and why people choose to do it.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a type of pregnancy where a woman agrees to carry and deliver the child for another couple or individual. It is used when a certain individual cannot get pregnant, for an LGBTQ+ person, or any other individual who does not want to go with IVF (in vitro fertilization). It is an alternative method for people who do not have children. In this way, people can have a child with their genetic traits.

Surrogacy

Who can be a Surrogate?

Surrogacy differs from specific laws from different countries. For example, it is legal in only some countries, such as the USA, India, Ukraine, Georgia, etc. Certain factors that influence the criteria for surrogate are 

  • Age (between 21 and 40 years old),
  • Health and Lifestyle,
  • Legal concerns,
  • Psychological health, 
  • BMI (body mass index)

Surrogacy requires a healthy woman to carry the child. And so, all these factors should be in the right condition for the woman to be a surrogate. Even if one is not right, it might affect the child growing in the womb.

Different kinds of surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy

This type of surrogacy involves the surrogate mother inseminating the donor’s sperm or the father’s sperm into her body. This involved the surrogate mother’s genes being linked to the child. Traditional surrogacy has been rare since modern technology has developed, and this also brings legal concerns related to the custody of the child and parental rights.

Gestational Surrogacy

This type of surrogacy has been used prominently since modern science has developed. It involves the insemination of the egg and sperm of the couple to the surrogate. The surrogate does not have any genetic link to the child. Gestational surrogacy would not bring any type of legal concern as it is completely based on the couple’s parental genetic links.

Societal Perceptions

The laws on surrogacy differ from one country to another. Surrogacy has caused many societal concerns regarding parenthood and raising children. With the growing awareness and laws getting lenient, people have started to accept surrogacy. Most surrogacy is opted for by celebrities and other social figures. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Nayanthara, and Karan Johar have opted for surrogacy and have publicly opened up about it. As these high-profile personalities are often opting towards surrogacy, it has made the public even more aware of it since all media reports on it. Since celebrities are at the forefront, people criticize them for opting towards it. It should not be a matter of criticism; rather, we must be supportive so people can still choose it. 

Priyanka Chopra announcing surrogacy

Many families do not get accustomed to the factor of surrogacy at first, but they gradually acknowledge it and try to be understanding towards the parent. Bringing a child into the world is a huge thing. Before opting for it, one must ensure that they are financially stable to give the child a good education and upbringing. People should be sensitive about the fact that if someone is willing to bring a child and is sure they will give the kid a healthy, comfortable life, it’s up to the surroundings to ensure they are not faced with any bullying or criticism. 

Benefits and Positive Outcomes

People who are from the LGBTQ+ community are given a chance to live in the world of parenthood. They see it as a boon to be able to have a child of their own with their genetic traits. The people who are not able to have a child of their own, can have a better life through surrogacy. Parenthood is the most beautiful divine thing to explore on the journey of life. It takes utmost patience and compassion to raise a child. By being a parent, you mold a person into the society.It brings joy to the people’s lives. Parenting is a huge factor in a person’s life, because it gives you a sense of responsibility. The right parenting sows the seed to the right journey of  a child.

Conclusion

Surrogacy can bring a sense of hope to families who want a child. It only requires affection and support from family members to go forward with it. Moreover, the family must be legally obliged and should be financially stable to raise a child. It does not pose a threat to the traditional norms, but rather it gives a chance to modern science. It has brought huge changes to many families around the world.

We also see people talk and criticize about it for a while and move on from it. Because in the end, they will see a wonderful child who is leading an amazing life. It is never about how you were born; it is always about what kind of person you turn out to be. Surrogacy is a nod to modern science and a blessing to people’s lives; it must be more applicable to people’s reach. And hopefully in the future, we might see many opting for surrogacy and normalizing this very own thing.  

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrogacy

 https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/using-surrogate-mother

Written by Bhavya S

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