Surrogacy - The Harms with Janice Williams

Janice Williams from OBJECT, in conversation with Alison Jenner about the all-too-often overlooked harms of surrogacy

The media narrative on this issue tends to focus on the would-be adoptive parents, while the woman who gave birth to the child, even the child itself, is often written out of the story. In conversation with Alison Jenner, Janice Williams will be discussing the wider impact of surrogacy.

Few countries in the world permit surrogacy at all; currently the UK allows only limited surrogacy, without “for profit” payment but only the reimbursement of “reasonable expenses.” However, a report recently published by the Law Commission recommends legal changes which would allow commercial surrogacy to flourish in Britain. International agencies would be able to recruit impoverished women from the UK, to satisfy the demand from the wealthy and privileged. The Law Commission proposals have been described by Sonia Sodha as “catering to the desires of adults with a vested interest in surrogacy – however valid their reasons – over and above child welfare.” James Kirkup said, “once again, some women are raising concerns about the possibility that laws, policies and practices could change in ways that are harmful to the rights and interests of women.”  

Janice studied Classics and Psychology and worked in rail operations and training for BT and Cadbury Schweppes. She raised two children as a single parent (a radicalising experience) and is a qualified parenting trainer and coach. She started feminist campaigning in the 90s with the Campaign Against Pornography. She restarted OBJECT in 2015 and broadened its remit to include the 5 Pillars of Patriarchy: porn, prostitution, sex clubs, transgenderism and surrogacy. The patriarchal shack rests on these, held together by violence and emotional blackmail.