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Surrogacy has been a controversial topic for decades, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. The use of surrogacy has increased significantly since 2017, with more and more people turning to surrogacy as a way to start a family. There are several reasons why surrogacy has become more prevalent in recent years, including changes in laws and technology, as well as a growing acceptance of non-traditional family structures.
One major trend in surrogacy fpor the last 6 years is the increasing use of gestational surrogacy. In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child she is carrying. Instead, an embryo is created using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm or with the help of a donor. This approach has become more popular because it allows intended parents to have a biological connection to their child while still using a surrogate to carry the pregnancy.
According to a report by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), gestational surrogacy accounted for 93% of all surrogacy arrangements in the United States in 2017. This represents a significant increase from previous years, when traditional surrogacy (in which the surrogate mother is also the biological mother of the child) was more common.
Another trend in surrogacy is the growing use of international surrogacy arrangements. As surrogacy becomes more mainstream, more people are exploring the option of traveling to other countries to find a surrogate. Countries like India, Thailand, Georgia, and Mexico have been popular destinations for international surrogacy due to lower costs and less restrictive laws. However, there have been concerns about the safety and ethics of international surrogacy, and some countries have banned the practice altogether.
In the United States, there has been a trend toward greater acceptance of surrogacy among the general public. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2019, 74% of adults in the U.S. said that surrogacy was “morally acceptable.” This represents a significant increase from previous years, when surrogacy was often viewed as controversial or even taboo.
This growing acceptance of surrogacy is reflected in changes to laws and regulations in many states. In 2018, for example, New York State passed a law legalizing gestational surrogacy after years of opposition. The law provides legal protections for both intended parents and surrogates, and allows for the creation of a legal parent-child relationship before birth.
Technology has also played a major role in the growth of surrogacy since 2017. Advances in fertility treatments have made it possible for more people to have children using surrogacy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become more common and more successful in recent years, increasing the number of embryos available for use in surrogacy arrangements.
There have also been advances in genetic testing and screening, which allow intended parents to screen embryos for certain genetic conditions before implantation. This has made it possible for couples to reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children.
Despite the growing acceptance and popularity of surrogacy, there are still challenges and controversies surrounding the practice. One ongoing concern is the potential for exploitation of surrogate mothers, particularly in countries where surrogacy is less regulated. There have been reports of surrogates being paid low wages, experiencing poor living conditions, and being subjected to coercive or exploitative practices.
Another issue is the legal status of surrogacy in some states and countries. Surrogacy is not legal in all states in the U.S., and there are significant variations in laws and regulations across different countries. This can make it difficult for intended parents to navigate the legal system and ensure that their rights are protected.
In conclusion, surrogacy has undergone significant changes and trends since 2017, with a growing use of gestational surrogacy, a rising acceptance of surrogacy, and advances in technology. However, there are still challenges and controversies surrounding surrogacy, particularly in terms of exploitation and legal status. As surrogacy continues to evolve, it will be important to ensure that the rights and well-being of all parties involved are protected.
