The Briefing
Russia lashed for downing MH17 + Undercover in our secret baby trade
May 13, 2025
In this podcast, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco, known for her undercover work exposing the fertility industry, dives into the murky world of international surrogacy. She shares a gripping story of a Brisbane couple facing legal threats after paying for a surrogate abroad. Claudianna reveals the exploitation of impoverished women in developing countries and the ethical dilemmas surrounding surrogacy laws. Her insights into the challenges and emotional toll on families are both eye-opening and poignant.
23:51
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- International commercial surrogacy remains illegal in Australia due to human trafficking concerns, leading couples to seek unregulated overseas options.
- The contrasting motivations of surrogates in Colombia versus Australia raise ethical questions about exploitation and the commodification of motherhood rights.
Deep dives
The Ethics of Surrogacy
International commercial surrogacy is illegal in several Australian states due to concerns regarding human trafficking and the commodification of human tissue. Altruistic surrogacy is the only legal option in Australia, where surrogates can only recover expenses without profit. This restrictive legal environment leads many Australian couples to seek surrogacy overseas, where they may navigate unregulated and often exploitative markets. Families face potential criminal charges upon returning with their surrogate-born children as Australian law lacks a cohesive approach to the rights of these children in such situations.
