Seminar: Conversations on Social Reproduction

WHEN: Friday 9 February 2024, 12pm - 1pm (GMT)/ 5.30pm - 6.30pm (IST)

WHERE: Online (MS Teams)

This reseach provides an analysis of the complex global reproduction networks driving the rapidlyexpanding cross-border surrogacy industry in Asia’s reproductive bioeconomy. It sheds light on theunique features of informal surrogacy networks, notable for their flexible business ties and non-standardized surrogate mother recruitment. These factors contribute to heightened vulnerability forsurrogate mothers operating within these networks. While previous literature has underscored the meritsof labor law in regulating the surrogacy industry, its application in informal cross-border surrogacyremains under-examined. To address this gap, this research delves into innovative labor law strategieswith potential to better regulate the surrogacy sector. Drawing inspiration from progressive laborregulations and supply chain strategies in Bulgaria and Australia, the proposed model aims to redefine thetraditional employment relationship. This shift is aimed at bolstering protection for surrogate mothers andenforcing accountability throughout the surrogacy business network. The model further advocates for acollective framework that fosters collaboration and mandates the documentation and registration ofsurrogacy contracts. Moreover, it underscores the critical significance of international collaboration inbridging regulatory gaps and distributing accountability across consumer and supply states.

Dr. Yingyi Luo, Melbourne Law School

Dr. Yingyi Luo is a Research Fellow at Melbourne LawSchool, specializing in surrogacy, human rights, andinternational law. Her work focuses on addressing legaland ethical challenges in global bioethical issues, with aparticular emphasis on cross-border surrogacyarrangements.

The Laws of Social Reproduction

The Laws of Social Reproduction project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon2020 research and innovation programme (under grant agreement No. 772946).

For more information about the project, please email Prabha.kotiswaran@kcl.ac.uk.