Surrogacy in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

Introduction

Surrogacy has become such a convenient alternative, especially in the case that a person or a couple is not able to conceive or sustain the pregnancy until the very end of gestation. Even though traditionally this practice was more widespread in developed countries, surrogacy in developing countries is gaining popularity due to the diminished costs and enhancement of medical skills. This article considers the potential and the ethical considerations involving surrogacy options not only in Kenya but also in other developing nations. We will explore the available benefits of surrogacy in these areas and will closely analyse numerous key ethical concerns that emanate from them. 

Global surrogacy landscape

Improvements in reproductive technology and increasing liberalisation of the concept of alternate family building dynamically promote the global surge in surrogacy arrangements. The major countries of destination for surrogacy are the United States, Ukraine, and Georgia. Many intended parents undergo surrogacy in developing nations due to the limitations brought about by the law and the cost of surrogacy, in addition to the ethical considerations that abound.

In developing countries, surrogacy consists of opportunities and challenges. Medical infrastructure, combined with lower cost of living, means increased attractiveness of countries in this category. However, this comes with problems such as regulatory vacuums and some ethical questions.

Opportunities for Surrogacy in Developing Nations

1. Affordability: Cost is one of the major factors that makes intended parents consider surrogacy in developing nations. In developing countries where commercial surrogacy can be done, such as Kenya, the total cost of medical treatment, legal fees, and surrogate compensation is quite low, hence, making surrogacy affordable to more people and couples. The estimated cost of surrogacy in Kenya is between $30,000 and $50,000, which is much less compared to the United States, where it is upwards of $100,000. Costs include all legal and medical expenses in Kenya, and other expenses such as compensation to the surrogate mother, legal fees, and agency fees.

2. Cultural Acceptance: Culture in some developing countries has an acceptance of surrogate conception and assisted reproductive technologies, leaving the surrogacy arrangement procedure smooth. The procedure is socially accepted as being noble by communities.

3. Medical Expertise: Most developing countries have well-qualified medical personnel, and modern reproductive technologies where the hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies. Now the intended parents can be assured of quality medical services right from the inception to the end of the surrogacy process.

4. Economic Growth: Surrogacy opens doors for economic development in any place where it is being done through employment creation and medical tourism. This inflow of foreign capital not only empowers the local economy but also strengthens health infrastructure.

Ethical Issue on Surrogacy in Developing Countries

•  Issues of Exploitation: Most discussed ethical concerns relating to surrogacy involve the exploitation of a surrogate mother. Because of the financial circumstances that women find themselves in within developing countries, they can be coerced into becoming surrogates. In that respect, this amounts to many arguments relating to informed consent and autonomy.

• Legal and Regulatory Gaps: Most developing countries have not yet framed comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate surrogacy. A lack of regulation like this may create legal uncertainty and disputes relating to the rights of the child, parental rights, problems of citizenship, and the welfare of the surrogate and the child.

•  Health Risks: Surrogates face serious health complications, both physical and psychological problems relating to pregnancy and child delivery. These risks become worse with the poor facilities of health and support systems.

• Children’s Rights: Ethical issues also touch on the rights and welfare of the children born from surrogacy. Some of such challenges that commonly arise pertain to citizenship, legal parentage, and even the right of the child to know his or her biological origins.

•  Social Stigma: Surrogates are potential victims of social stigma and discrimination that might take place within developing countries. To the extent that surrogacy can be understood as a commodification of motherhood, such consequences may lead to social isolation and psychological problems for the surrogates.

• Cross-Border Legal Issues: International surrogacy arrangements are fraught with complications concerning citizenship and parental rights. Without international uniform regulations, such cases are further rendered complex, probably leaving children in a position of legal limbo.

The strong ethical base of the surrogacy process would save the ethical whirlpool that this has caused. At Anavara, we highly advocate and ensure with the highest repute in ethical consideration that the surrogacy process is done. Please feel free to write to us at info@anavara.com for any further information on how we at Anavara can counsel you through an ethical and safe surrogacy process in developing countries.

Kenya Surrogacy

With medical infrastructure on the rise and costs being lowered, Kenya has successfully achieved one of the status qualities necessary for being an upcoming destination for surrogacy. The country is also beset with unique challenges and opportunities in its surrogacy landscape.

Kenya is, therefore, a very good opportunity for an intended parent seeking affordable surrogacy without compromising on either quality or ethics. At Anavara, we associate with the best medical professionals in Kenya to make sure that the surrogacy operation runs smoothly and ethically. Email us at info@anavara.com to begin the procedure of surrogacy in Kenya exactly the way you want it.

Experienced medical staff

Kenya maintains fast growth in fertility clinics and hospitals with fertility technologies. The Kenyan medical fraternity is increasingly appreciated among the best practitioners of assisted reproductive technologies in East Africa.

Cost Advantages: Surrogacy being a very expensive process in most of the developed countries, also finds its place in Kenya at relatively reasonable cost than what is available in many parts of the world.

Cultural Sensitivity: The fact that there are communities in Kenya that understand surrogacy and accept it as a way of helping other people to build families, certainly paves the way for surrogates.

Conclusion

Surrogacy in developing countries like Kenya indeed offers great opportunities to both intended parents and surrogates, with much lower costs.
These opportunities are full of complex ethical and legal issues that must be understood to ensure that the best protection and welfare of all parties concerned are taken into account. On its part, it is paramount that developing countries establish an enabling environment through the establishment of elaborate plural legal frameworks, investing in health infrastructure, and encouraging international cooperation. This will make surrogacy an accessible, dignified option for intending parents. Let Anavara guide you through this process with professionalism and the utmost care. Please feel free to contact us at info@anavara.com to learn more about how you can build your family ethically and affordably.