Feminist writer and activist Julie Bindel discusses controversies surrounding surrogacy, including alliances between right-wing figures and the porn industry, treatment of women in Ukraine's surrogacy market, and non-faith based concerns. They explore biblical references, contradictions between being pro-life and anti-surrogacy, and the concept of mother hunger.
The podcast explores the paradox of people who claim to be pro-life and pro-family but are critical of surrogacy, highlighting the toxic atmosphere that surrounds public shaming campaigns.
The conservative case against surrogacy raises concerns about the potential psychological impact on children and the belief that babies need their biological mothers.
Deep dives
Controversy around surrogacy and public shaming
This podcast episode discusses the recurring controversy surrounding surrogacy, particularly when it involves gay male couples. The episode highlights a recent incident where a conservative commentator faced backlash and homophobia after announcing the birth of his child via surrogate. It explores the paradox of people who claim to be pro-life and pro-family being critical of surrogacy, and the toxic atmosphere that surrounds public shaming campaigns. The episode also acknowledges the feminist perspective on surrogacy and the concerns about exploitation, with a specific focus on the conservative arguments against surrogacy.
Ethical considerations and personal perspective
The hosts share their own perspectives on surrogacy before delving into the data-driven analysis. They acknowledge the complexity of the topic and raise questions about the potential exploitation of women in certain circumstances. While one host believes as long as there is no coercion or exploitation, surrogacy is acceptable, the other highlights the parallels with market transactions and how it can be challenging to determine when intervention is necessary. The hosts disclose their ambivalent views on the practice, including their concerns about the trend of rich individuals using surrogacy for convenience.
Conservative arguments against surrogacy
The podcast explores the conservative case against surrogacy through the perspective of conservative writer Katie Faust. She argues that surrogacy can create a primal wound in the children involved, commonly referred to as 'mother hunger.' Faust's concerns center around the belief that babies need mothers and that separating a child from its biological mother is a cruel act. The episode highlights the contradiction between being pro-life and anti-surrogacy, questioning why individuals who advocate for more people having children would oppose surrogacy. Additionally, the podcast mentions the potential pseudo-scientific nature of these arguments and the need for further evidence.