Interview, Press Conference, Statement
Why the baby business is booming
The EconomistJessica, David Smotrich, Nima, Hamish, Alan White, Nick, Emma, Catherine Wade, Mian Ridge
- The global surrogate industry is projected to reach a value of up to $130 billion over the coming decade.
- Commercial surrogacy regulations in many nations are anticipated to increasingly restrict citizen participation, potentially leading to prohibitions on the practice.
- Ukraine's status as a major global surrogate hub is expected to suffer a permanent decline following the Russian invasion.
- The transnational character of the surrogacy business is forecast to remain a highly fluid trend.
- Under altruistic models, surrogates are expected to remain the only participants not receiving direct payment for childbearing labor while other professionals are compensated.
- Research indicates that 7% of mothers who disclosed surrogacy origins before age seven may encounter family relationship issues, suggesting future improvements if disclosure occurs earlier.
- Legal reforms in Britain are anticipated to introduce a mandatory register enabling individuals aged 16 and older to trace genetic origins, including surrogates and overseas donors.
- Australia is expected to continue developing regulatory frameworks that set a "gold standard" for children's access to their genetic origin stories.
- The practice is projected to expand as a "world-class system" provided regulations are implemented to protect the rights of all parties involved.
- The legal definition of family is expected to evolve beyond the traditional "mum, dad and 2.5 children" unit over time.
- Intended parents may continue facing guardianship delays of "half a year or more" under current laws.
- Industry veteran David Smotrich reports having completed over 8,000 surrogate cycles and assisted couples in more than 100 countries.