Surrogacy: a complex social network for childbearing

Document Type : -

Authors

PhD in Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Department of Social Issues of Iran

10.30465/ws.2024.47813.4037

Abstract

Surrogacy is a process in which a woman undertakes to carry and give birth to a baby for another couple. In the process of formation of surrogacy relationships, we see a complex network of mothers who are eager to have children through surrogacy. In contrast to the women who are willing to provide their uterus, mediators, medical team, contract law firms and family members of other parties are actors in this process. The exchange relations that are formed along the path of the substitution process are a function of the exchange actors, which can represent a symmetric or asymmetric exchange. The purpose of the present study is to examine the concept of replacement by surrogate mothers. In this way, women who rent their wombs, how do they interpret the matter of replacement. The research method is grounded theory. The participants are: women in Kerman city who have rented their uterus at least once. The key categories obtained are commodification of the body in the replacement process, stigma in surrogacy, control of the ordering mother, defamiliarization of pregnancy and transfer of pregnancy, fragmented identity and the core category is: alienation from pregnancy.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 20 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2024

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