The surrogacy industry in America is long overdue for a reckoning, according to a New York Times investigation. The sector operates with minimal federal oversight, leading to ethical concerns and legal ambiguities.

Critics argue that the lack of uniform regulation allows exploitation of surrogates, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Commercial surrogacy arrangements often involve significant financial disparities between intended parents and carriers.

Legal frameworks vary widely by state, creating a patchwork of protections. Some states ban compensated surrogacy entirely, while others have become destinations for international intended parents seeking favorable laws.

Advocates call for comprehensive federal legislation to standardize contracts, ensure informed consent, and protect the rights of all parties, including children born through surrogacy. The industry's rapid growth has outpaced policy development, necessitating urgent reform.