Surrogacy
Why do some women choose to carry a baby for 9 months, give birth to it, then hand it to a stranger to bring up as their own? How does it feel to give up the child?
Why would any woman choose to carry a baby for a total stranger? Modern medicine has enabled the childless to have a baby that’s blood-related, by using another woman to carry the pregnancy to term. But what does it feel like to hand over a child that’s been growing in your womb? And should money be involved? Some people condemn surrogacy as a dangerous industry that exploits the vulnerable. Others see it as a welcome solution to the heartache of infertility.
Mary-Ann Ochota explores the emotional and ethical complexities of surrogacy and meets women from around the world who’ve chosen to give birth to babies for others.
(Photo: Nadine, Credit: Nadine Burger)
Last on
Clip
![]()
The surrogate mum left holding the baby
Duration: 01:48
Broadcasts
- Mon 25 Sep 201712:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 25 Sep 201721:06GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Tue 26 Sep 201701:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Mon 2 Oct 201705:32GMTBBC World Service South Asia
Podcast
![]()
The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions




