Abstract

Surrogate motherhood is one of the medical methods within the field of assisted reproduction, engaging the surrogate mother and the infertile couple in the reproductive process (in vitro fertilization). A child, delivered by a surrogate mother, may have different genetic kinships with all concerned persons based on the type of surrogacy – either genetic (partial) or gestative (full). In some European countries, surrogacy is regulated in altruistic form only, in others, it is completely prohibited. Most countries, including the Czech and Slovak Republics, do not have a special legislative frame for surrogacy, and there is room for the individual decisions of infertile couples, the surrogate mother and specialists from the field of assisted reproduction. Arrangements regarding surrogate motherhood have touched upon common ethical issues in assisted reproduction and bioethics in general. In the Czech Republic, there social – policy concern doesn´t exist, which could direct us to the legalization of surrogate motherhood or its prohibition. It seems, that every official arrangement could be more advisable than the current unclear status which could, in special cases, injure the infertile couple, surrogate mother and born child as well.