The Case for Legalizing And Regulating Surrogacy in Singapore

Abstract

Singapore faces severe demographic challenges, including low fertility rates and an aging population, necessitating a reevaluation of current family formation policies, particularly the ban on gestational surrogacy. It is argued that the legalization and regulation of surrogacy in Singapore is needed to address demographic pressures and infertility. A domestic regulatory framework would provide a safe pathway to parenthood while mitigating the legal and ethical risks of unregulated cross-border arrangements. Furthermore, legalization could stimulate demand for specialized healthcare and legal services. To align with Singapore’s conservative sociocultural norms, the proposed framework should initially be based on altruism and permit access only to married heterosexual couples. Ultimately, legalizing surrogacy under stringent oversight, featuring clear eligibility criteria and a dedicated regulatory body, would balance reproductive autonomy with collective values. This approach fosters a more inclusive society while prioritizing child welfare and preventing exploitation, thereby offering a pragmatic solution to mitigate Singapore's demographic crisis.