🔥 Trending Global Push to Abolish Surrogacy Gains Momentum

A global initiative is underway to abolish surrogacy, driven by concerns over human dignity and the potential exploitation of women and children. This movement advocates for a worldwide ban on the practice, viewing fragmented national approaches as contributing to a global cross-border market that can harm vulnerable individuals ¹.

Key Aspects of the Initiative

The initiative is characterized by several key actions and declarations:

United Nations Declaration and Moratorium Calls

A significant development occurred with states launching a UN declaration calling for a global moratorium on surrogacy ³. This moratorium is intended as an interim step towards a legally binding international instrument that would ultimately abolish surrogacy worldwide ³. Italy and Chile have been at the forefront of this initiative, spearheading the efforts ¹³.

In June 2026, the Government of Italy, in collaboration with the Holy See, Chile, and Cameroon, convened a high-level side event on surrogacy at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Representatives from these participating states presented a joint declaration advocating for an international moratorium on surrogacy ⁵. This declaration aligns with broader efforts to promote the abolition of the practice in accordance with international human rights law ⁸.

The Casablanca Declaration

The Declaration of Casablanca for the universal abolition of surrogacy is another cornerstone of this movement ⁶. Signed by experts, this declaration highlights that while few countries have legalized surrogacy, all are affected either by women being asked to be surrogate mothers or by their nationals traveling abroad for surrogacy ⁶. This declaration aims to address the global challenge posed by surrogacy.

Support from NGOs and UN Reports

The initiative has garnered substantial support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In October 2025, 228 NGOs from 40 countries issued a joint statement in support of a UN report recommending the abolition of surrogacy ⁴. These organizations, representing diverse geographical and ideological backgrounds, urged all UN Member and Observer States to consider this recommendation ⁴.

A UN report by a senior official has also denounced surrogacy, stating that it fuels a multimillion-dollar market often at the expense of women in vulnerable situations ⁷. The report estimates that the global surrogacy market, valued at nearly $15 billion in 2023, could potentially reach $100 billion by 2033 ⁷.

Feminist and Human Dignity Perspectives

The International Coalition for the Abolition of Surrogate Motherhood (ICAMS) is a key structure supporting this movement, operating from feminist positions. Their principles include equality between women and men, women's emancipation and autonomy, legal access to abortion and contraception, and equality between heterosexual and homosexual individuals ². The initiative fundamentally recognizes that surrogacy raises significant concerns related to human dignity ¹.

Global Context and Challenges

Surrogacy laws vary widely across different jurisdictions ¹⁰. Many countries that permit surrogacy have residency or citizenship requirements for intended parents or surrogates. Countries without such restrictions often become destinations for "fertility tourism," attracting individuals from abroad ¹⁰. This international aspect contributes to the complexity of regulating or abolishing the practice globally ⁹. The initiative seeks to counter this fragmented approach by advocating for a unified international stance ¹.