Paper short abstract:

This paper examines how different actors (both medical and non-medical) involved in the process of commercial surrogacy in India, use 'evidence' vis-à-vis other actors and in rationalizing particular therapeutic practices and its implications on consent, preferences and decision making.

Paper long abstract:

The process of commercial surrogacy in India involves a complex association between the medical practitioners, surrogate mothers, intended parents and surrogate agents. Drawing on propositions for evidence-based medical anthropology, this paper examines how different actors (both medical and non-medical) involved in the process, use 'evidence' vis-à-vis other actors and to justify particular therapeutic practices. The differential capacity between actors leads to designation of powers through rules in the surrogacy process. Evidence of socio-economic capacity and existing social stigma is used by actors in different contexts and settings. Information is presented selectively in different settings and used strategically in different contexts meant for a particular audience. Versions of this use are drawn from; participant observation and in-depth interviews with actors, a book published by the clinic meant only for intended parents and media interviews. The paper also examines the implications of this on consent, preferences and decision making.