'Surrogacy is designed to break the natural bond at birth.' Miriam Cates on the ethics of surrogacy

The surrogacy industry becomes more popular, lucrative and fashionable by the day. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Elton John, and Paris Hilton have all publicly used surrogates, and discuss their decision openly. However, the practice has faced increased scrutiny and criticism recently, as some begin to ask whether the exploitation of women is baked into the process. Is surrogacy about freedom of choice, or does the industry present more questions than answers?

The Spectator’s deputy broadcast editor Natasha Feroze is joined by writer and campaigner Julie Bindel and former MP and broadcaster Miriam Cates.

[Uppernorwood]

Taking a child away from its mother before it’s even aware of her is monstrous

[rocknregalia]

I have a friend here in the states who was a surrogate more than once for a very wealthy person in media . She is still in contact with all the children and the family, but her situation is a rarity. It was fascinating to watch her go through the process and hear her stories.

[LizzyES]

We need much more research on the effect on the child - right into adulthood obviously. Especially once it can intellectually process the fact that it was created with the intention of taking it away from the birth mother.

[jayjaydubful]

A baby losing its mother is a tragedy. To purposefully manufacture that situation is evil

[KevTheImpaler]

I am the biological father of my child. His birth-mother is not his biological mother. The Law Commission wants to change it so that the surrogate would have to apply for an order to keep the child rather than the intended parents having to apply for one. This would have saved me tens of thousands of pounds in lawyers' fees.

[jenniedevereaux]

Absolute rubbish.m6 daighter beat me up 3 times and i asked for help from social services. They just took my kid away never helped me once.