Navigating Emotional Bonds: A Comprehensive Study Of Surrogate Mothers Attachment And Psychological Experiences In Surrogacy Arrangements

The human body can be considered a sophisticated machine, with reproductive innovations such as in vitro birth, surrogate motherhood, and even cloning expected to improve reproductive experiences in the near future. Surrogacy, at its heart, is a form of assisted reproduction where a woman carries a pregnancy with the intention of entrusting the child to the intended parents after birth. In some areas, surrogate motherhood is legally recognized, giving the rights of the intended parents from the moment of birth. In India, commercial surrogacy has grown in importance, often referred to as "womb for hire or rent," and fueled the growth of reproductive tourism in a context of globalization. This practice, however, operates in a patriarchal context and India continues to have high maternal mortality. This article aims to explain maternity issues, the health status of women undergoing surrogacy and the implications outlined in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021. The primary focus is on the emotional bond that surrogate mothers can form with the child and the complexities that arise if they are unwilling to give up the child, including the ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding forced separation.