Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare and research, ensuring that individuals are fully aware of and understand the potential risks and benefits before agreeing to participate or receive treatment. It emphasizes the autonomy of the individual, requiring that consent is given voluntarily, without coercion, and with the capacity to make the decision.
Commercial surrogacy involves a surrogate mother being compensated beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses for carrying and delivering a child for another individual or couple. It raises complex ethical, legal, and social issues, including concerns about exploitation, the rights of the surrogate and intended parents, and the commodification of reproduction.
Surrogacy law governs the legal agreements and rights between intended parents and surrogate mothers, often varying significantly between jurisdictions. It addresses issues such as parental rights, financial arrangements, and the enforceability of surrogacy contracts, reflecting societal, ethical, and cultural considerations in reproductive technology.