SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY

DIVINITY SCHOOL
RELIGION AND PEACE STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Case Analysis:

Surrogacy Ethics Unveiled: Exploring The Complexities of

CHS 3 - E: GROUP 6

Submitted by:
Adrian Lee Alacrito
Nyzzah Chloe Louise Calingacion
Rio del Mar
Kristine Anne Distrito
Rhea Alyssa Regalado

Submitted to:
Prof. Leah Joy Capilitan
Course Instructor

October 18, 2024

"Bringing life into the world is a profound act of love, but when that journey

involves another’s womb, the boundaries of ethics, faith, and humanity blur."

Surrogacy is a process where intended parents seek the help of a surrogate woman

to conceive a child. The surrogate agrees to carry the pregnancy to full term, give up her

parental rights after the child is born, and hand the child over to the intended parents (Raj,

Gupta, Tiwari, Kaniya, & Sharma, 2023). It is driven by a desire to create a family,

especially for those facing infertility or other barriers to natural conception. However,

while surrogacy fulfills a dream for many, it simultaneously stirs complex uncertainties

about the ethics of life and parenthood.

In a Christian community, there are several perceptions regarding this practice,

this can be a compassionate act, or a disruption of traditional beliefs about relationships,

marriage, and the sacredness of natural conception. The involvement of third parties in

reproduction and the commercialization of pregnancy can challenge the deeply rooted

Christian values surrounding the sanctity of life and the family unit.

The clash of the opposing views makes surrogacy an ethical dilemma as it forces

a reckoning of queries of morality and ethics. These concerns extend to all the parties

involved—intended parents, surrogates, and the children born through surrogacy—each

of whom must navigate the emotional, relational, and spiritual complexities of this

life-changing process.

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II.​ Definitions

According to the United Nations Human Rights, surrogacy as a reproductive

method is becoming increasingly common. It involves a third-party arrangement in which

prospective parents hire a surrogate mother to carry and deliver their child. While modern

surrogacy offers new opportunities for parenthood, it also raises significant legal and

ethical challenges.

Surrogacy’s Past, Present, and Future written Peter R. Brinsden, surrogacy has

been practiced for centuries as a solution for those unable to conceive. One of the earliest

recorded cases appears in the Old Testament, where Sarah, unable to bear children, had

her handmaid Hagar conceive on her behalf. Similarly, ancient laws, such as those of

King Hammurabi around 1800 BC, permitted a wife to offer her maid to her husband to

bear children if she was childless.

In modern times, surrogacy evolved with technological advancements like

artificial insemination, which paved the way for the first legal traditional surrogacy

agreements in the U.S. during the 1980s. By 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) enabled the

transfer of embryos from a genetic couple to a surrogate host, leading to the acceptance

of gestational surrogacy. The first successful gestational surrogacy in the U.S. took place

in 1985, offering infertile women new reproductive options. Today, surrogacy is practiced

worldwide, though laws governing the rights and roles of surrogates vary across

countries.

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III.​ Facts surrounding the Issue

In the Philippines, surrogacy is neither explicitly legal or illegal, as there are no

specific laws that regulate or directly address the practice of surrogacy. Surrogacy was

brought to legal light in the 13th Congress when Senator Manuel Villar filed Senate Bill

No. 2344 or the Act Prohibiting Surrogate Motherhood including Infant Selling and

Providing Penalties therefore, but it did not prosper and was eventually archived

(Reyes,2019). Based on the recent updates of the trusted news outlets in the Philippines,

ABS-CBN and GMA News, Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a Resolution (P.S.R. No.

1211) Directing the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender

Equality to conduct investigation, in aid of legislation, into the reported cases of women

being trafficked abroad to become surrogates as part of infant-trafficking scheme. With

the following investigation, this can be a start to formulate legal frameworks that

supervise and protect the individuals that will be involved in the practice in the country.

Zamboanga City (1st District) Rep. Khymer Adan T. Olaso filed a measure

seeking to provide a framework for the conduct and regulation of Assisted Reproductive

Technology (ART) and Surrogacy procedures in the Philippines. Olasco filed House Bill

8301 after the World Health Organization (WHO) said one in 10 couples worldwide

experience difficulty in conceiving. Data from the Philippine Society of Reproductive

Medicine (PSRM) showed that there were approximately 9,000 ART procedures

conducted in the country in 2019 and approximately 50 surrogacy arrangements in the

same year. Olaso said infertility affects a significant portion of the Filipino population,

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and ART and surrogacy can provide hope for couples who are struggling to conceive

(Layola, 2023).

Surrogacy lies with certain ethical dilemmas as the absence of regulation

combined with the country’s strong Catholic values, which often view surrogacy

negatively, creates an environment where the practice is discouraged and could be

considered legally risky. The Catholic Church's Catechism recognizes that infertile

couples "suffer greatly" and welcomes reproductive research, but it opposes in vitro

fertilization and surrogacy. Surrogacy is morally sinful, according to a 1987 declaration

from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, since it is "contrary to the unity of

marriage and to the dignity of the procreation of the human person" and destroys family

integrity. Procreation is a sacred act within the natural union of a husband and wife.

According to the study of Santos, Tamayo and Macapagal (2021), other

participants accept that while faith can influence the desire to have a child, it does not

determine how the child arrives in the world, opening up the possibility of having a child

in a variety of ways. Although people seek God's guidance, it is ultimately determined by

their own decisions.

Surrogacy can be construed as a commercially driven business due to their

intentions and actions taken to achieve it, as "pay" was frequently mentioned when asked

about their impressions of surrogacy, indicating its transactional nature. Because of the

monetary exchange required to obtain it, it may play a part in exploiting the women who

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 use it. Some participants criticize the primary stakeholders, notably the surrogacy

companies and surrogate moms, for commercializing couples' needs. This is consistent

with the conclusion that surrogate mothers are viewed negatively by the Philippine

public, who believe their objectives are purely commercial due to their perceived low

socioeconomic status (Pangalangan et al., 2017). The potential for exploitation is

heightened in the Philippines due to the lack of clear legal parameters.

Surrogacy involves difficult challenges that go beyond the legal and medical

considerations, especially social acceptance and emotional well-being. Surrogacy has

been seized upon in many countries, including the Philippines, because of traditional

family values and religious beliefs, particularly those held by the church, which sees it as

upsetting the natural family order. Questions about a sense of identity as well as the

emotional complexity of recognizing their biological and surrogate origins, might have an

impact on the child's mental health. The couple, surrogate mother, and child must manage

these emotional, relational, and cultural hurdles, each with unique demands that

necessitate sensitivity and ethical thought.

IV.​ Formulate Actions and Consider Alternatives

Surrogacy has been practiced in several communities in a couple period of years,

as ethical issues arise within, there are actions and alternatives that have been formulated

and considered based on different criteria and approaches to view a new lens of outlook.

Under the criterion of right (or wrong), it is essential to ensure that surrogacy is not

prohibited under political and legal laws in the community, guarantees informed consent

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and rights of each parties involved are protected. Since these actions align with moral or

legal standards, setting clear legal contracts that safeguard the well-being of the parties is

also necessary and ensures that no exploitation takes place. Infertile couples are

benefitted as well as the surrogate mother so the criterion of good (or bad) is applicable

however exploitation for surrogate mothers must be avoided. It also involves offering

continuous healthcare and psychological support. In criterion of fit (or unfit), awareness

and advocacies must be upheld especially in communities and culture where surrogacy is

stigmatized so that individuals must seek understanding and openness. Under criterion of

meaningfulness, emphasize the importance of long-term relationships and emotional

significance of the people involved in the practice and importance to have the freedom to

choose and live the way the parties make sense of their lives.

The practice of surrogacy also focuses on the main objective to have the greatest

good for the greatest number of people which includes maximizing the happiness of the

intended parents as being able to nurture love and needs of the child while ensuring the

surrogate’s well-being. Under feminist ethics approach, actions could include advocating

for laws that prevent the commercialization of surrogacy in ways that exploit women’s

bodies, ensuring that surrogates are fairly compensated and that they voluntarily

participate without coercion.

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V.​ Make a Stand and provide Biblico-Theological Basis of Ethical Stand

Surrogacy should be allowed since it provides a way for infertile people, as well

as same-sex couples and single individuals, to become parents. Surrogacy is not

forbidden in the bible because no records or statements were going against it. In this

modern world, two types of popular surrogacy have now been practiced, traditional and

gestational.

However, in the Bible, there were no records of gestational surrogacy but rather

traditional surrogacy. The idea of surrogacy has been recorded in the bible during

Abraham and in Sarah’s time in Genesis 16. In the story of Genesis 16, Sarah is

incapable of giving birth to children, so she gives her servant, Hagar, to Abraham to have

children. During these eras, they followed a cultural standard in which it is a

discrimination and shame for married couples not to have children. So, they were left

with a choice of letting Hagar take the bearings of their child. agar was dictated by

emotions, thus, this created conflict between them.

Surrogacy raises the question if it is ethical or not. Surrogacy creates pain and

confusion between the child and his or her biological mother. Morality plays a crucial

role in standing with and against surrogacy. Is taking a child away from his biological

mother ethical? Or is breaking a deal a bigger conflict? This centers around Genesis 16,

taking both sides as having ethical logic. This creates a field of uneasiness for the child

being in the situation of a third party in his life.

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 Although surrogacy has its consequences, blessings weigh more than it is.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the

hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. (Psalm 127:3-4). This verse speaks

out the beauty of bearing a child, the beauty of life. A child in the context of surrogacy is

still considered a child. They are still considered a heritage, a blessing, and a reward.

Having a child means responsibility and it means to be ready for that kind of challenge.

Having a child means loving the child and nurturing it to become a morally intelligent

and God-fearing person. In the context of surrogacy, the decision to have a surrogate

child is carefully well made by both married couples and the surrogate mother. Why do

they want a child? To love, have someone together and accept a child as a heritage from

the lord. Having parents is a blessing for the surrogate child, and a surrogate child is a

blessing for the married couple.

Surrogacy is a challenging decision to make. Both parents must prepare

themselves on how to raise the child. They must know that the child they are having must

be nurtured with love and most importantly, to be raised as a God-fearing person.

According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7; These commandments that I give you today are to be

on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Parents are

allowed to nurture their surrogated children a good life, that is with the guidance of the

Lord. A God-fearing parent knows the consequences of failing their responsibility as a

parent; Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the

widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen! (Deuteronomy 27:19). Although children

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are under the custody of a superior, it does not mean they are not given justice when

wrongdoings are committed.

God wants his children to multiply. Having to populate the earth is one of God’s

likings. As humans, we are given the free will to populate. “Be fruitful and

multiply”(Genesis 1:28) This verse talks about God giving us the freedom to multiply

without any mentions of surrogacy or any modifiable methods that restrict a person from

performing conception without any rules. Multiplying is one of God’s orders for us

humans. God is satisfied seeing the blessing of a child being born from a mother. We are

satisfied with the comings of life, therefore practicing this is a practice of an order from

God.

To sum up, everything that has been stated. Surrogacy is seen as a blessing for a

human life to strive for. Although it covers the consequences of having pain in the

process, looking at the bigger picture of what surrogacy is, it is a beautiful practice of

having a person have the opportunity to live. The bible gave us rules but not one of them

stated surrogacy as a sin but rather a celebration of life. Although in these modern times,

surrogacy is seen as a hindrance or discrimination towards the people who are involved in

it, we must advocate for change. A change of vision can convince that this conservative

culture can evolve into something more accepting. Let our voices be heard that a life is a

blessing and surrogacy is an opportunity for infertile couples to have someone they can

share love with.

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VI.​ Recommendations

As society continues to progress and reproductive technologies evolve, it becomes

essential for religious communities to thoughtfully consider and respond to the ethical

challenges posed by practices such as surrogacy. The following recommendations aim to

guide in embracing surrogacy as a compassionate, ethical, and loving option for

individuals and families which encourage informed dialogue, compassionate support, and

a reexamination of traditional teachings in light of new possibilities for family creation.

1.​ The Necessity for Change in Religious Traditions

The practice of surrogacy challenges the conventional view of reproduction while

providing a caring option for couples facing infertility issues. Through adaptation, faith

communities can create an inclusive atmosphere that upholds individuals' ethical

decisions while remaining committed to fundamental principles of love and family. These

can be done through:

●​ Facilitating Dialogue Forums: Organize open discussions or workshops that allow

people to talk about current topics such as surrogacy, promoting conversation between

religious figures and the community.

●​ Incorporating Surrogacy in Counseling Services: Update counseling programs to

address contemporary family-building options like surrogacy, ensuring people have a

religiously informed perspective.

2.​ Embracing Surrogacy as a Compassionate Practice

Surrogacy should be understood not as a departure from traditional family

structures but as a compassionate response to the needs of childless couples. These

compassionate approach could include:

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●​ Establishing Surrogacy Support Groups: Create support groups for families

considering surrogacy, where they can find encouragement and guidance grounded in

compassion and faith.

●​ Honoring Surrogate Mothers: Acknowledge surrogate mothers in relevant and

appropriate events for their selfless contribution to creating families, highlighting the

sacrificial nature of their decision.

3.​ Surrogacy as an Expression of Selfless Love

At its core, surrogacy is an act of selflessness. By embracing surrogacy as an act

of love, we can shift the focus away from judgment and instead underscore the

significance of shared care and respect. The following are the ways to show appreciation

of the practice:

●​ Form Surrogacy Testimonies: Invite surrogate mothers and intended parents to share

their stories, showcasing how love, not just biology, drives the surrogacy process.

●​ Building Community Connections: Foster relationships between surrogate mothers and

intended families to establish a caring, supportive network.

●​ Charity and Compassion Campaigns: Launch initiatives that involve both the surrogate

mothers and the intended parents in service to the community, reinforcing the loving

intent behind surrogacy.

4.​ Modernizing Religious Perspectives to Uphold Personal Freedom

Religious communities have the responsibility to provide spiritual guidance that

respects individuals' autonomy, especially when making deeply personal decisions such

as surrogacy. In today's world, it is vital to recognize and support the freedom to make

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 reproductive choices, understanding that such decisions can be shaped by medical,

financial, or emotional factors.

●​ Allowing Personal Choice in Family Building: Support people in making educated

reproductive decisions, such as surrogacy, while providing advice that highlights personal

freedom and ethical responsibility.

●​ Facilitating Dialogue About Autonomy: Organize discussions on the importance of

individual freedom in making life choices, including fertility and family-building options.

5. Educate and Spread Awareness Regarding Surrogacy

Knowledge and awareness are essential for altering perceptions and fostering a

more supportive and understanding environment for surrogacy. By disseminating

knowledge and raising awareness, it can ensure that individuals are informed,

compassionate, and open-minded about this intricate issue.

●​ Organizing Educational Seminars: Conduct educational seminars featuring experts on

surrogacy, ethics, and Christian perspectives provide information on the process, legal

aspects, and ethical considerations.

●​ Online Educational Platforms: Launch information that can be accessed digitally

discussing surrogacy and its ethical implications from a Christian perspective, allowing

access to information at their convenience. It should also provide clear, informed

explanations about surrogacy, addressing common misconceptions and aligning the

practice with Christian teachings.

●​ Promoting Open Forums: Create a safe space for open forums or Q&A sessions where

anyone can ask questions about surrogacy and get knowledgeable, empathic answers

grounded in faith.

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VII.​ Conclusion

The practice of surrogacy embodies a complex interplay of ethical, emotional, and

societal dimensions that necessitates careful consideration. As a means to fulfill the

deep-seated desire for parenthood, particularly among individuals facing infertility,

surrogacy offers a pathway to family creation that is both profound and transformative.

However, this practice is not without its ethical implications, particularly concerning the

commodification of human life. McLatchie and Lea (2016) states that surrogacy is often

misinterpreted as a compromise of principles that should protect female bodies from

exploitation as ‘gestational ovens’. Furthermore, the commodification of female bodies

poses significant risks to their life, personhood, and dignity, as it can lead to conditions of

coercion and undermine the social institution of motherhood, disintegrating family roles

that are foundational to society (Raj, Gupta, Tiwari, Kaniya, & Sharma, 2023).

The Christian perspective on surrogacy further complicates its acceptance. The

Theological framework positions children not merely as products of human desire but as

sacred beings entrusted to parents for nurturing and stewardship. Mostly within religious

communities, surrogacy is often perceived as a commercial arrangement driven by

financial intentions incentives — which undermines the sanctity of parenthood and the

inherent value of human life, leading to a potential devaluation of the surrogate’s role and

the child’s identity (Ghaeus & Straehl, 2024).

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 In addition to ethical and religious considerations, the emotional and

psychological implications of surrogacy cannot be overlooked. The emotional dynamics

among the couple, surrogate mother, and child necessitate sensitivity and ethical thought,

as these relationships can significantly influence family dynamics and individual mental

health. Advocacy for compassion practices that reflect understanding and respect for the

surrogate’s autonomy is crucial leading to a balanced approach that respects sanctity of

life while acknowledging the rights of individuals seeking parenthood.

In conclusion, our group advocates for surrogacy as a viable means for

individuals and couples to fulfill their aspirations of parenthood. Surrogacy is a

celebration of life (Ruiz-Robledillo & Moya-Albiol 2016). As articulated in Psalm

127:3-4, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him,” this

underscores the belief that every child, irrespective of their origins - is a blessing. This

allows children to be nurtured by loving, God-fearing parents, as emphasized in

Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which encourages the instillation of values in children.

Furthermore, Surrogacy aligns with the biblical command to “be fruitful and

multiply”(Genesis 1:28), affirming that the desire for parenthood is a natural aspiration.

By supporting this, we advocate for the rights of infertile couples, same-sex couples, and

single individuals, thereby expanding the definition of family in an inclusive manner.

Surrogacy fosters transformative relationships built on trust and mutual respect among

parties involved. By promoting ethical standards that ensure informed consent and protect

the rights of surrogates, we can mitigate the risks of exploitation and enhance the overall

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 experience. Ultimately, our support is rooted in a commitment to compassion and the

belief that every child deserves a loving home, regardless of their origin.

VIII.​ References

American Surrogacy Partner. (2024). [Link]. Retrieved from [Link]:

[Link]

B. (n.d.). BibleGateway. Retrieved from [Link]:

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Emri Seli, A. A. (2018, March 14). Yale Medicine. Retrieved from [Link]:

[Link]

%AA%20process%20in%20which,%E2%80%A2Involves%20fertility%20center

Gurtin, Z. (2020). Surrogacy's past, present, and future. In Handbook of gestational

surrogacy. Cambridge University Press.[Link]

Layola, Z. (2023). Solon files surrogacy regulation bill. Philippines News Agency.

[Link]

Liamzon, G. M. A., Santos, A. M. P., Tamayo, M. a. M. G., & Macapagal, M. E. J.

(2021). Surrogacy among Filipinos who have struggled with infertility: A

discourse analysis. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 15, 183449092199793.

[Link]

McDonald, M. (2024, January 23). Pope’s Condemnation of Skyrocketing Surrogacy

Market Touches a Nerve With Some, Encourages Others. NCR.

[Link] com/news/surrogacy-under-the-microscope

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Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (n.d.). Special

rapporteur on the sale of children: Surrogacy. Retrieved October 16, 2024, from

[Link]

Pangalangan, B.M.S.C., Dawana, G.J.B., Kibanoff, K.A.D., &Ramos, S.M. (2017, May).

Different perspectives on surrogacy in the Philippines. Association for

Psychological Science Convention, San Francisco, CA

Pikee Saxena, A. M. (2024, October 15). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from

[Link]: [Link]

Raj, P., Gupta, N., Tiwari, P., Kaniya, V., & Sharma, Y. (2023). Legality and

enforceability of surrogacy contracts: Challenges to face. Journal of Survey in

Fisheries Sciences, 10(2S), 1486-1502.

Reyes, R. (2019). Wanted: Surrogate mothers. ABS-CBN News. [Link]

com/specials/wanted-surrogate-mothers

Ruiz-Robledillo, N., & Moya-Albiol, L. (2016). Gestational surrogacy: Psychosocial

aspects. Psychosocial Intervention, 25(3), 187–193. doi:10.1016/[Link].2016.05.001

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