The Problem with Labor Party Leader Merav Michaeli's Use of Surrogacy
Key Highlights :
The recent announcement by Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli that she had a baby via surrogacy has sparked a debate about the surrogacy industry and its implications for surrogates. While commercial surrogacy is becoming increasingly popular, especially among affluent women, the practice raises many questions about the well-being of surrogates and the potential for exploitation.
In recent years, commercial surrogacy has become a booming industry, with more and more women and men choosing to use surrogacy for a variety of reasons. While some see it as a way for women to break their personal glass ceiling and pursue their careers without sacrificing motherhood, others point to the potential for exploitation and the widening gaps between women of different socioeconomic backgrounds.
The debate around surrogacy often centers around the definition of the practice as a type of work. Can surrogacy be considered the same as any other type of work, or should it be exempt from labor laws due to its unique nature? And if it is considered work, should surrogates be allowed to unionize and obtain as high a price as they can?
The situation in Israel is especially troubling. While the use of surrogacy is legal, there is no legal framework in place to protect surrogates from exploitation, and the Health Ministry has failed to adequately oversee the surrogacy process. This has resulted in cases of surrogates being pressured into unnecessary medical procedures, and agencies holding the contracts in their offices and not allowing surrogates to take them with them.
The use of surrogacy raises many important questions about the rights and well-being of surrogates, and it is essential that these questions be addressed. The situation in Israel is a prime example of how a lack of regulation can lead to exploitation, and it is clear that more must be done to ensure that surrogates are protected and compensated fairly. Ultimately, it is essential that the practice of surrogacy be regulated in a way that respects the rights of surrogates and ensures their safety.
