A Personal Choice, Not A Public Debate

Childbirth has been a part of human existence since the beginning of time. It has kept the human race going from generation to generation. Centuries ago, childbirth was risky and many mothers and babies did not survive due to complications. This was because technology had not yet become as advanced as it is now, and humans had to rely on traditional methods. Although most of the deliveries were successful, some of them led to complications, causing damage to the mother and baby, and in worst cases, death. However, as years continue to go back, human beings gained more knowledge of their bodies and environment. Scientists began to develop drugs and new ways to make childbirth safer and easier. For example, Aspirin was developed during the First World War. Thanks to advancements in technology, the Cesarean Section, another method of childbirth was developed. Mothers who couldn’t deliver babies through the traditional method opted for this method. Over the years, different methods of childbirth have been developed and one that has gained popularity is surrogacy. Today, the Hive Learners community asks us to discuss surrogacy. Is it something you feel you can do? Should it replace the traditional methods?

Basically, Surrogacy is a term that refers to when a woman carries a child for someone who is unable to do so (or whatever reason in place.) The first time I heard of the term Surrogacy was when I found out that my role model, Cristiano Ronaldo, had his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, via surrogacy in 2010. It was on a Twitter thread and I found out that Ronaldo chose not to disclose the mother’s identity, probably due to security reasons or whatever reasons best known to him. In the comment section, there were some negative reactions against Ronaldo and why he chose to opt for surrogacy instead of the traditional method, considering that he didn’t have a wife at the time. Many people saw his decision as unconventional. “Why would a young man, a public footballer at that, choose surrogacy?”

Surrogacy is a sensitive and controversial topic, with many people supporting the idea and others opposing it due to personal, religious, or ethical reasons. What people fail to do is approach the issue carefully and respectfully. They judge before they get to know the whys. People criticized Ronaldo for choosing surrogacy, but not many of them tried to think about why he chose that method. Most people opt for surrogacy because they are unable to give birth through traditional methods, struggling with infertility, or medical conditions like heart disease that could make pregnancy risky. Consider this question; would you prefer someone you know, whether a close friend or a family member who suffers from heart disease, to risk their life during childbirth, or to choose surrogacy? Well, as long as it is what they want, the latter option is better and more logical.

Is surrogacy something I would ever get involved in if I had to? Truthfully, I had never thought about this question until I saw the hive learners prompt this morning. If I were in a position where surrogacy was my only (emphasis on ONLY) option to have a child, the first step I’d take is to carefully discuss the matter with my partner. Would my partner prefer to adopt a child instead? Is this something my partner would be comfortable with? If yes, then we proceed to discuss other factors. Most importantly, both parties; husband and wife, must agree on a plan.

I do not have anything against any other who chooses surrogacy. As long as it is what you and your partner want, then go for it. There’s joy in raising kids of your own, from when they are babies till when they become adults. Many times, I have envisioned building a family of my own. Now, imagine someone who has always loved the idea of building a family, only to find out that surrogacy was the only way to have a child. Surely, such a person would opt for it. Society should respect people’s decisions on matters like this. People have different reasons for doing things, and as long as they are fine with it, you should be too.

Finally, should surrogacy be abandoned in favour of traditional methods? No. Both methods should exist side by side and it is up to couples to choose whichever method works for them.

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Thanks for reading.