by Bhadra Menon ’26 and Jennifer Gu ’23
Published Nov. 10th, 2022
Ukraine’s surrogacy industry is one of the largest in the world, with thousands of babies born through surrogacy in the country every year. Recently, however, surrogate mothers and newborns have been trapped by the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Due to the war, surrogate mothers in Ukraine are facing greater dangers, and babies are being forced into bunkers to keep safe. The mothers must now choose between two options: to stay in a war zone, or to flee to another country, which could potentially lead to legal issues.
Nonetheless, most agree that efforts should be made to help protect the surrogate mothers. Lois Oppong ’26 says, “surrogates should be given protection, as they are carrying another person’s child, and if they were to die it would not only affect their own family, but [their] baby’s family.”
Akshara Gedula ‘26, agrees. “They should be protected because they are in more danger,” she says.
Furthermore, the issue arises of whether other countries should get involved. “I think that it’s difficult for other countries to get involved because of their international relations protocols,” Oppong says, “but if other countries are able to provide aid, it would still be useful.” He adds, “people around the globe could also keep their interest in the war to help give moral support, while making the [surrogacy crisis] known to the people around”.
The war in Ukraine has evidently created numerous complications that extend way beyond the immediate fighting. During times like these, therefore, it is imperative that one preserves hope.
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