Surrogacy Battles Expose Uneven Legal Landscape

The debate over surrogacy touches on what can be deeply held views about the rights of mothers, children and couples who might be unable or unwilling to use more traditional methods of procreation, say attorneys and reproductive-rights experts. Critics say surrogacy often exploits impoverished and relatively unsophisticated women, who are enticed by hefty fees into relinquishing their parental rights. Proponents counter that surrogacy agreements usually are struck by consenting, informed adults, who are in a better position than courts or legislators to determine the best interests of a child. WSJ