Commercial Surrogacy: Invisible Reproductive Workers in Ghana

Authors

  • Owusu Boampong University of Cape Coast
  • Sabina Appiah-Boateng Department of Peace Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
  • Nana Yaw Osei CEO, Association of Childless Couples of Ghana (ACCOG)
  • Richard Ametefe Department of Peace Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v14i2.5287

Abstract

The issues facing surrogates are labour issues. However, there is scanty literature on the working conditions of surrogates in sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores the labour conditions of these unprotected and invisible reproductive workers in Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with key informants between 2018 and 2019. The study revealed the following: 1) Baby agents were increasingly playing a dominant role in the surrogacy industry, and through the surrogacy homes are able to create docile and disciplined surrogates. 2) Surrogacy agreements were oppressive and designed to reinforce the control over the bodies of surrogates. 3) Pregnancy-related scars leave emotional scars on the minds of surrogates. We recommend state regulation of the industry to ensure strict supervision of baby agents to minimise exploitation of surrogates.

 KEYWORDS: surrogacy home; baby agents; surrogates; commercial surrogacy; Ghana

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Published

2023-05-31

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2023): May 2023

Section

ARTICLES

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