Abstract

In this chapter, I compare qualitative research, primarily from ethnographic studies of surrogacy in two countries where it is regulated and practiced differently: Israel and India. My aim is to contribute to surrogacy-related policy discussions by comparatively analysing empirical work by sociologists and anthropologists on transnational Indian surrogacy with my own work on surrogacy in Israel. I ask: What are the main themes that arise from the ethnographic comparison of surrogacy research in Israel and India and how might these themes translate into more informed policy considerations? Can ethnographic conclusions help us formulate empirically-based criteria towards regulating surrogacy, and could restrictive regulation of surrogacy create the grounds for a more ethical practice?