Bioethical issues concerning assisted reproductive technologies: Gestational surrogacy and human rights

The present dissertation aims to analyse the interplay between reproductive technologies, reproductive rights, and reproductive justice, particularly in the context of international gestational surrogacy arrangements. This inquiry is grounded in the recognition that surrogacy exists at the crossroads of multiple evolving factors, including the shifting dynamics of familial relationships shaped by societal changes, the rapid advancements in reproductive technologies, and the emergence of a global market for biological reproductive materials. Together, these elements create a complex and diversified landscape that resists simplistic categorisation and demands a nuanced exploration. Through the lens of embodied feminism, this dissertation seeks to uncover how reproductive technologies and practices not only transform traditional notions of parenthood and bodily autonomy but also challenge established ethical, social, and legal frameworks. This perspective enables an analysis that prioritises the corporeality and relationality of the individuals involved, highlighting the interconnectedness of reproduction as a deeply personal yet globally significant phenomenon. By situating surrogacy within this multifaceted context, the dissertation aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the ethical and bioethical implications of surrogacy, offering a foundation for developing frameworks that remain responsive to the everchanging realities of ART, human rights, and societal evolution.