The global commercial surrogacy market generated an estimated $14 billion in 2022, and the Global Market Insights research consultancy forecasts this number to rise to $129 billion by 2032. The rising demand for babies fuels this rapid expansion, and couples in countries like the US, UK, India and Ukraine increasingly turn to professional surrogacy services.
Reasons for the boom in commercial surrogacy
Cases of adult infertility and the rising number of same-sex couples seeking to become parents are some of the primary reasons for the boom in commercial surrogacy. Age, diseases, environmental factors like air and water pollution and habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition have contributed to infertility over the years.
Moreover, laws governing assisted reproduction have also enabled more people to take advantage of fertility treatments like surrogacy. These laws vary widely from country to country; however, they generally provide legal frameworks protecting surrogate mothers and intended parents.
The increased availability and affordability of surrogacy services have also contributed to its growth. Thanks to medical tourism, people can access affordable fertility treatments in places like India and Thailand, which have become hubs for commercial surrogacy.
Types of surrogacy services available
Surrogacy services come in different varieties, including gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate carries the egg of one partner with sperm from another partner) and traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate carries her own genetic material) . Regardless of type, commercial surrogacies involve paid agreements between intending parents and a surrogate. These surrogacy agreements stipulate the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
If either party violates the agreement, legal action may ensue. The court could impose damages on the negligent party or take other measures, such as terminating parental rights.
The commercial surrogacy industry has grown exponentially in recent years due to increased demand for babies and improved fertility treatments. This growth shows no signs of slowing down, so it’s important for intending parents and surrogate mothers to understand the different types of surrogacy services available, the legal implications involved and how to ensure that everyone’s rights are fully protected.