© British Association of Social Workers
Children's Welfare, Surrogacy and Social Work
University of Huddersfield
Correspondence to Eric Blyth, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Hudders-field, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH
Summary
Although surrogacy appears to have been practised throughout history across a diverse range of cultural groups it has only recently emerged as a significant social problem, posing legal, ethical, social and psychological dilemmas. Developments in medical technology, legislative change and shifts in professional practices have combined to make surrogacy potentially a more acceptable form of family creation for more infertile and involuntary childless people.
Hitherto social work involvement in surrogacy has been marginal. However a more explicit focus on the welfare of the child, together with the likely increase in prevalence in surrogacy, imply a more central role in future for social work. The commitment of the Government and the newly-created Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority to keeping surrogacy under review is expected to result in further policy developments. In the meantime this paper begins the process of identifying those areas of surrogacy practice in which social work intervention could be effectively and appropriately focused and considers the implications of these for both social work agencies and practitioners.
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  E. Blyth Inequalities in Reproductive Health: What is the Challenge for Social Work and How Can It Respond? Journal of Social Work, July 1, 2008; 8(3): 213 - 232. [Abstract] [PDF]
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