Lady Gaga, Lena Dunham and surrogacy: Why isn't it causing a scandal in the US?
4 hours ago
- Celebrity surrogacy cases involving Lady Gaga, Lena Dunham, and Millie Bobby Brown sparked little public debate in the U.S., unlike in Europe where commercial surrogacy is often banned or restricted.
- The U.S. acceptance of surrogacy is attributed to American comfort with capitalism and free markets, as well as a cultural emphasis on genetic determinism over the surrogate's contribution.
- In Europe, commercial surrogacy is largely illegal and considered exploitative, with altruistic surrogacy permitted only in a few countries like Greece and Cyprus.
- The surrogacy industry in the U.S. is growing rapidly, with costs exceeding $100,000, and only one state (Louisiana) fully bans it, while many others lack comprehensive regulation.
- Critics like Gloria Steinem argue that commercial surrogacy commodifies women's bodies, especially those in economic need, but celebrities rarely face public backlash for using surrogacy.
- Experts call for better regulation of surrogacy in the U.S. to protect all parties involved, rather than outright bans, as the practice continues to expand.