Surrogacy presents complex ethical challenges that require a balanced approach—one that respects the rights and well-being of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child. FIGO discourages traditional surrogacy, and advocates for gestational surrogacy practices rooted in informed consent, autonomy, non-exploitation, and the best interests of all parties involved. Ongoing research, thoughtful policy development, and international collaboration are essential to address the evolving ethical landscape of surrogacy.
FIGO recommends that all countries adopt legislation designed to protect the interests of everyone involved. Such legislation should provide clear guidance for resolving potential disputes, with the welfare of the future child placed at the center of all decision-making.
This FIGO position statement underscores the importance of ethically sound gestational surrogacy practices that uphold the dignity, rights, and health of all participants. It aims to offer a framework for medical professionals and policymakers navigating the complex ethical dimensions of surrogacy.
4.1 FIGO recommendations on ethical surrogacy practices
- Gestational surrogacy arrangements should be supported when aligned with ethical principles, including respect for autonomy, informed consent, non-exploitation, and prioritization of the future child’s welfare.
- All surrogacy agreements must explicitly prevent exploitation and coercion by ensuring fair compensation and humane contract terms without capitalizing on socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Surrogates must have access to independent legal advice to fully understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Comprehensive health care, including physical, psychological, and emotional support, must be provided to the surrogate throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The surrogate should retain autonomy regarding decisions on medical procedures and mode of delivery. Efforts should be made to minimize risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
- The welfare and best interests of the future child must remain central to all surrogacy arrangements. Children have the right to know their genetic and birth origins, and protection from discrimination and stigmatization must be explicitly ensured.
- Cross-border surrogacy arrangements require international regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical standards, equitable health care, robust legal protections for surrogates, and protection against exploitation and coercion.
SOURCE: FIGO position statement on surrogacy: Ethical considerations. From the Conclusion, by Rafal Zadykowicz, Katie Watson, Aris Antsaklis, members of the FIGO Committee on Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women’s Health. International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.70507. 16 September 2025, pp.588-592. Open Access.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to acknowledge members of the FIGO Committee on Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology and Infertility, Edgar Mocanu, Louise Hull, Scott Nelson, Dov Feldberg, Jaideep Malhotra, Goknur Topcu, Akira Iwase, Togas Tulandi, Ajey Bharadwaj, Eytan Barnea, Hrishikesh Pai, Ivon Diaz Yamal and Nikhil Purandare, who provided valuable assistance and feedback in revising the manuscript.