The Missing Link: An idea analysis of Sweden’s policy on surrogate arrangements in a globalized context

Abstract

This study has examined Sweden’s policy and approach to surrogacy within a local and broader global context. Focusing on the impact and realisation of rights linked to the surrogate “mother” as a prominent figure in the latest SOU (2021:56) conducted on the subject of surrogacy, and the subsequent legislation. While simultaneously exploring recurring themes such as lack of international frameworks and policies, other prominent figures like the child and intended parents along with the general dissensus regarding the existence of surrogacy. The study has used a human rights-based approach, focusing on the concept of relational autonomy to explore surrounding social contexts in relation to autonomous rights. The purpose was achieved by using an idea analysis through the inclusion of Mats Lindberg’s VDP-triad, examining the chosen material from several angles. The study has found that the surrogate “mother” is impacted by Sweden’s policy on surrogacy, since Sweden allows surrogacy to take place by extension despite not being supported by current legislation. The lack of international policies and framework covering surrogacy is a prominent issue, influencing the amount of research conducted on the entire topic along with the surrogate “mother”. The conclusion of this thesis is that there is an absence of the surrogate “mother” as a figure in a Swedish context. Showcasing a missing link in regards to autonomous rights within a broader global context.