Abstract
AbstractSurrogacy is becoming a new cause for transnational feminism and the public debate is strongly influenced by the commodification and autonomy/choice frames used in other battles of feminism (abortion and prostitution). This chapter will discuss the scarce appeal of the defence of women from commodification in an individualistic society that legitimizes self-determination at any cost and self-objectification; it will also highlight female agency in choosing to participate in surrogacy, inviting to understand these decisions in light of some characteristics of contemporary society, including the imperative to individual choice as well as the human domination over nature through technology; in light of the limitations of women’s freedom during pregnancy for others, the claim of surrogacy as a space for expression of a woman’s autonomy will be questioned; the claim of surrogacy as empowerment will also be questioned, highlighting the negative impact on the social condition of women. Finally, it will be proposed to shift the focus of the debate from adults to children, and, in particular, to their separation at birth from the one they identify as mother: this removal, even if done without wanting to harm, could be framed as a form of violence.
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
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