Ethics of Surrogacy: Examining Moral Acceptability

Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular option for people who are unable to conceive children on their own. While it provides a solution for those who have difficulty conceiving, surrogacy has also been the subject of intense ethical debate. This course aims to explore the moral acceptability of surrogacy by examining the various ethical issues surrounding the practice.

Course Objectives

• Understand the concept of surrogacy and the different types of surrogacy
• Explore the legal and ethical considerations of surrogacy
• Examine the perspectives of the surrogate mother, intended parents, and child born through surrogacy
• Analyze the moral implications of surrogacy for all parties involved
• Discuss the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence surrogacy
• Consider the future of surrogacy and its potential ethical implications

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Surrogacy

• Defining surrogacy
• Types of surrogacy
• History of surrogacy

Week 2: Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Legal issues related to surrogacy
• Ethical concerns and debates
• Comparing surrogacy to adoption

Week 3: Perspectives of the Surrogate Mother

• Examining the motivations of surrogate mothers
• The experience of carrying a child for another family
• Effects of surrogacy on surrogate mothers

Week 4: Perspectives of the Intended Parents

• Exploring the reasons for choosing surrogacy
• Challenges faced by intended parents
• Emotional and psychological aspects of surrogacy for intended parents

Week 5: Perspectives of the Child Born Through Surrogacy

• The rights of children born through surrogacy
• Identity and family relationships
• Developmental implications of surrogacy

Week 6: Social, Cultural, and Economic Factors

• Social and cultural attitudes towards surrogacy
• Economic factors driving surrogacy
• Global perspectives on surrogacy

Week 7: The Future of Surrogacy

• Advancements in technology and their impact on surrogacy
• Regulating surrogacy to protect all parties involved
• Future ethical considerations and implications of surrogacy

Conclusion

At the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations involved in surrogacy. By examining the perspectives of all parties involved, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex moral landscape surrounding surrogacy. This course will provide students with the tools