Paper Short Abstract:

Based on ethnographic research conducted in France and China, this paper offers a comparative analysis of the status of the surrogate from the perspective of intended parents in these two national contexts.

Paper Abstract:

Many people experiencing infertility ultimately opt for the pursuit of surrogacy, thereby externalizing part of the reproductive process, beyond borders and beyond norms. The role and position of the woman carrying the child for others in surrogacy practices can vary significantly depending on the context. She may be perceived as a complete stranger, a benevolent individual offering assistance, or even as a maternal figure.

The significance attached to pregnancy and childbirth in the formation of motherhood differs across various societies. The semantic uncertainties faced by intended parents when defining this woman reflect both the importance of her act for them and its local meaning. Furthermore, the surrogate enables the intended parents to repair a rift in their lives caused by the impossibility of becoming parents. This practice requires a significant investment of time, spanning several months, and places considerable demands on her physical and mental well-being.

Based on ethnographic research conducted in France and China, this paper offers a comparative analysis of the status of the surrogate from the perspective of intended parents in these two national contexts.