Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, said on March 12 that surrogacy violates the dignity and rights of women and children and undermines family bonds.
The remarks were made during a side event titled “Protecting Women and Children: Combating Violence and Exploitation in Surrogacy,” held as part of the U.N.’s 70th commission on the status of women. The event was organized by the Holy See and Italy, with support from Turkey, Paraguay, and the U.N. Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
Caccia referenced Catholic teaching from the 1987 instruction “Donum Vitae,” which states that surrogacy is contrary to both marital unity and human procreation dignity. He said it deprives children of their right to be born and raised by biological parents while objectifying women.
“Technology and practice have run laps around the law and ethics,” Caccia said, describing surrogacy as an urgent issue. He acknowledged that some see surrogacy as a compassionate solution for those wishing to become parents but cautioned that all aspects must be considered when assessing its compatibility with respect for women’s and children’s rights.
Caccia noted that financial need often drives women to become surrogates for wealthier clients, sometimes under coercion or pressure from family members. He questioned whether the industry would exist if poverty were eradicated, saying women with social protection, education, and economic opportunity would likely not choose surrogacy.
He also warned that legal regulation does not address all moral concerns related to surrogacy. Where legal, he said potential surrogates may compete for commissioning parents; where prohibited, compensation can be disguised as gifts or reimbursement for costs.
Caccia praised a recent decision by the Hague Conference on Private International Law to pause work on a convention regarding legal parentage in surrogacy arrangements. He also highlighted how surrogacy can isolate women from their families physically or emotionally.
Quoting Pope Leo’s January address to Vatican-accredited diplomats, Caccia said surrogacy “exploits” a woman’s body and reduces children to products. He concluded by expressing hope that discussions at the U.N. would lead toward ending all forms of surrogacy to protect women and children.
