Why is surrogacy controversial?

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On 21 January, Grammy-award winning singer Meghan Trainor announced on Instagram that she had welcomed a baby girl into the world. And, just last year, Emily in Paris star Lily Collins shared her own “surrogacy journey” on the social media site.

But, despite their celebratory posts, their announcements were met with immense backlash.

Why does surrogacy provoke such a strong reaction?

In the UK, surrogacy is legal, but only on an altruistic basis.

Surrogates can’t be paid a fee for what they’re doing – only expenses. The intended parents cover things like travel, income if time off from work is needed, maternity clothes, food and nutrition.

In practice, that can amount to between £12,000-35,000, but there’s no lump sum payment at the end.

Surrogacy is often used by heterosexual couples facing fertility issues, as well as same sex couples and single people.

Before 2008, 50 children a year were born through surrogacy to British parents. That number is now closer to 500.

But more often than not, the surrogates carrying the babies don’t live in the UK.

Many say this can lead to exploitation.

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