International Journal of
Reproductive Biomedicine
Tue, Mar 31, 2026
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Volume 24, Issue 2 (February 2026)
IJRM 2026, 24(2): 0-0 |
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Modabber M, Parsapour A, Jafari M, Malbakhsh M, Shamsi Gooshki E. Ghost mothers: Ethical challenges in Iran as an emerging destination for cross-border surrogacy: A case report. IJRM 2026; 24 (2)
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3645-en.html
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3645-en.html
Maryam Modabber1 
, Alireza Parsapour1 , Mohammadreza Jafari2 , Mahshid Malbakhsh2 , Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki *3
, Alireza Parsapour1 , Mohammadreza Jafari2 , Mahshid Malbakhsh2 , Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki *3
1- Research Center for Medical Ethics and History, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran.
2- Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Research Center for Medical Ethics and History, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran. & Monash Bioethics Center, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. ,Ehsan.shamsigooshki@monash.edu
2- Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Research Center for Medical Ethics and History, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran. & Monash Bioethics Center, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. ,
Abstract: (38 Views)
Background: Commercial surrogacy, as a method of assisted reproductive technology, raises profound ethical and legal challenges, exacerbated in developing countries due to economic disparities and the absence of comprehensive regulations. The purpose of this study is to examine the ethical, legal, and social challenges arising from a real case of international commercial surrogacy in Iran.
Case Presentation: This article analyzes a real-life case in Iran involving a surrogate mother who, at 32 wk pregnant with twins, underwent an emergency cesarean section due to severe vaginal bleeding. The case raised significant concerns due to the absence of the American genetic parents at the time of birth, delays in issuing birth certificates, the temporary transfer of the newborns to welfare services, and the erasure of the surrogate mother’s identity from legal documents. These issues spotlight questions regarding autonomy, exploitation, discrimination, and children’s rights.
Conclusion: Focusing on the ethical dimensions specific to this case in Iran, the study examines the broader challenges of surrogacy. The analysis reveals the impact of economic pressures on the surrogate’s autonomy, discriminatory practices in recording the surrogate’s identity in international cases, the lack of mechanisms to verify the eligibility of commissioning couples, and the urgent need for comprehensive legal and ethical frameworks to mitigate harm and ensure justice. The case positions Iran as an emerging destination for commercial surrogacy, highlighting the potential for exploitation due to the commercialization and erasure of surrogate mothers’ identities. It is recommended that until precise regulations are enacted through public discourse and stakeholder participation, all commercial surrogacy, particularly international cases, be suspended.
Case Presentation: This article analyzes a real-life case in Iran involving a surrogate mother who, at 32 wk pregnant with twins, underwent an emergency cesarean section due to severe vaginal bleeding. The case raised significant concerns due to the absence of the American genetic parents at the time of birth, delays in issuing birth certificates, the temporary transfer of the newborns to welfare services, and the erasure of the surrogate mother’s identity from legal documents. These issues spotlight questions regarding autonomy, exploitation, discrimination, and children’s rights.
Conclusion: Focusing on the ethical dimensions specific to this case in Iran, the study examines the broader challenges of surrogacy. The analysis reveals the impact of economic pressures on the surrogate’s autonomy, discriminatory practices in recording the surrogate’s identity in international cases, the lack of mechanisms to verify the eligibility of commissioning couples, and the urgent need for comprehensive legal and ethical frameworks to mitigate harm and ensure justice. The case positions Iran as an emerging destination for commercial surrogacy, highlighting the potential for exploitation due to the commercialization and erasure of surrogate mothers’ identities. It is recommended that until precise regulations are enacted through public discourse and stakeholder participation, all commercial surrogacy, particularly international cases, be suspended.
Type of Study: Case Report |
Subject:
Medical Ethics in Reproductive Sciences
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