The UN calls for a global ban on surrogacy in the name of women's and children's rights
In a report presented on July 14, 2025, to the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Special reporter on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences, Reem Alsalem, strongly condemned the practice of surrogacy, which she advocates for international abolition. The report argues that surrogacy “is characterized by exploitation and violence against women and children, including girls. It reinforces patriarchal norms by commodifying and objectifying women’s bodies and exposing surrogate mothers and children to serious human rights violations.”
Several other sections, no less important, are devoted to children born through surrogacy. For these children, who came into the world through surrogacy and were treated “as commodities,” “the intention to separate is particularly problematic given the importance of bonding between a mother and her child during pregnancy for the child’s mental and emotional development.”
120 external contributions were analysed, in addition to online consultations with 78 experts (intended parents, agencies specializing in surrogacy, medical specialists, and women who have experienced surrogacy). A review of the scientific literature supports the presentation.
The report concludes with recommendations, the first of which calls on states and other stakeholders to “ take steps towards eradicating surrogacy in all its forms.” It urges them to “work towards adopting an international legally binding instrument prohibiting all forms of surrogacy.”
In other words, according to the UN, there is no such thing as “ethical surrogacy,” thus contradicting the claims of certain attempts to legalize the practice across Europe. This is particularly the case in Belgium, where several bills to this effect have been introduced and where the current federal government agreement plans to allow the practice of surrogacy.
The public statement made by Aurore Bergé, French Minister for Gender Equality, on August 25 in the media echoes the position defended in this report: “I do not want the question of women's bodies and human dignity to be weighed against the sincere desire for a child that may exist.”
For further information:
EIB Report : Should surrogacy be legalized?
Sources other than the report: La Vie, Europe1-CNews
Photo by Czapp Árpád
