One of Us affirms that the practice of surrogacy deeply undermines the dignity of women and children. It reduces the human body to a commodity, exploits vulnerable women, and separates children from their mothers. This page gathers key international references and presents our campaign to protect women and children from this form of violence.
Resolution / Report 2024: Violence and Surrogacy
The different manifestations of violence against women and girls in the context of surrogacy. Report presented on 14 July 2025 by the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls.
“The practice of surrogacy entails the direct and exploitative use of a woman’s bodily and reproductive functions for the benefit of others, often resulting in long-lasting harm and in exploitative circumstances and in reinforcement of sexist stereotypes and commodification of female bodies. In this context, violence against women and girls may assume many forms, such as economic violence, psychological violence, physical and/or reproductive violence, slavery and trafficking. Pending its abolition, States must take steps towards eradicating surrogacy in all its forms.”
UN Special Rapporteur report, 2025
Full report: UN Special Rapporteur report — Violence and Surrogacy
Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women
The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls is Reem Alsalem. Her mandate is to investigate the causes and consequences of violence against women and girls globally, including emerging issues such as surrogacy and its human rights implications. In her 2025 thematic report, she identifies surrogacy as a practice that constitutes multiple forms of violence against women and girls.
Our Campaign
One of Us mobilizes European civil society against surrogacy, raising awareness in the public sphere, addressing European institutions, and supporting initiatives that defend vulnerable women and children. Our campaign highlights the exploitation inherent in surrogacy and calls for its prohibition in Europe and worldwide.