Ethics of the fertility industry
The issues surrounding donor conception and surrogacy are complex and emotive. Thousands of people are helped every year by fertility specialists, creating families and bringing joy and fulfillment to many. But in an industry where technology and demand are outpacing supply, and the long-term physical, emotional and societal impacts are understudied, questions must be asked about the ethical practices within it.
When people want to become parents but have difficulty doing so - whether through fertility issues, being in a same-sex relationship, or choosing to become a solo parent – it can be very challenging and emotionally painful. If they have already tried to have a child though ‘natural’ means or have undergone IVF treatments that were not successful, sometimes for many years and which might have included pregnancy loss (miscarriage), they may also carry fertility trauma.
The deep desire for a child can lead to feelings of desperation and a willingness to ‘do anything’ to achieve this dream. And though many who undergo assisted conception are happy with the treatment they receive, especially if it results in the birth of a much-wanted child, it is important to acknowledge that being in a heightened emotional and potentially traumatised state leaves individuals more vulnerable to exploitation by the fertility industry.
The global fertility industry is estimated to generate more than US$40bn annually by 2026, with the under-regulated US market accounting for nearly a quarter of those sales. Even in countries where regulations are somewhat tighter, such as the UK and Australia, assisted fertility is still a hugely profitable and rapidly expanding enterprise. And when an industry becomes highly profitable, there is a higher incidence of unethical practice.
This is especially true in commercial models where donors and surrogates are incentivised financially to provide reproductive ‘goods and services’ to those able and willing to pay, sometimes earning life-changing sums of money for doing so. Like hopeful parents-to-be, they are also at risk of being exploited by the fertility industry, with potentially negative consequences to their health and well-being. Read more about the health implications for donors and surrogates here.