1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«In this review, which is the main focus of the paper, empiricism will meet feminist theory as we revisit arguments against surrogacy, including the inability to give informed consent, the inherently exploitative nature of the arrangements and the dangers of commodification.» (p. 21)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«After briefly reviewing laws on surrogate motherhood in Canada, the United States, and Britain, the authors consider nearly 40 empirical research studies on the characteristics and experiences of women who have been surrogate mothers.» (p. 13)

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

:
This study examines the experiences of surrogate mothers in relation to feminist theories. «The empirical research demonstrates that concerns that commercial surrogacy will lead to commodification and exploitation and that women cannot give meaningful consent to such arrangements, have not been realized in those countries. Because participation in surrogacy in Canada is a criminal offense, the stories of Canadian participants are, like the stories of Atwood’s handmaids, only told in the whispers of mediated forums or confidential conversations. The empirical research supports the view that women in Canada [, including the province of Quebec,] should not be denied the right to exercise agency over their own bodies, in particular their reproductive autonomy, but rather they should be legally able to enter into surrogacy arrangements with commissioning parents.» (p. 92) «In light of our observations based on the empirical research, we argue that it may be time to review Canadian surrogacy laws.» (p. 13)