On March 4, 2025, Olivia Maurel appeared on CNEWS to share her poignant story about the psychological struggles faced by children born through gestational surrogacy (GPA). She stated emphatically, "I know children born through GPA who are traumatized for life and suffer from post-traumatic syndromes." These troubling reflections shed light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding surrogacy, particularly the well-being of the children involved.
Maurel, born on December 10, 1991, in Louisville, Kentucky, is not just another voice advocating for change; she is living proof of the issues she fights against. At the age of 17, she learned of her origins—being born through a surrogate mother. This realization shaped her identity and propelled her to become a dedicated activist against GPA. "I know children born through GPA who are haunted by obsessive mental battles," Maurel recounted, describing the deep-seated emotional battles waged by those like her.
A gripping parallel emerges with the story of Krystena Murray, who, at 38, experienced turmoil when her IVF procedure resulted in the unintentional birth of a child not genetically related to her. "Nothing can express the shock and violation of learning your doctor implanted the embryo of another unknown person inside you," Murray revealed. This ordeal starkly highlights the unpredictable nature of surrogacy and the grave responsibilities borne by both medical professionals and society.
Olivia Maurel’s endeavors have taken her globally, including significant meetings with influential figures such as Pope Francis in April 2024. Through her book, Où es-tu, Maman?, released in February 2025, she seeks to confront the normalization of GPA, which she firmly believes cannot be ethical. Her narrative aims to provoke thought on the dignity of human life, arguing against the commodification inherent within surrogacy arrangements.
Maurel’s activism challenges common societal attitudes. She argues, "The notion of consent cannot apply to events like surrogacy. The pregnancy is unpredictable; you can't consent to the outcome." This perspective raises awareness of the discomforting truth: children born through GPA are often silent victims, caught amid complicated relationships and contractual obligations.
From her studies and experiences, Maurel emphasizes: the needs of these children are often overlooked. They are emotionally unprepared to advocate for their rights, with many saying little about their internal struggles due to fear of losing their parents. This sentiment stands in stark opposition to the focus placed primarily on the rights of the surrogate and intended parents.
The broader discourse on surrogacy must encompass the difficulties faced by not just the women involved but the children who experience life under such arrangements. Maurel elaborates, "Our society leads us to celebrate this practice without interrogatively examining the potential traumas inflicted on children who may feel fundamental disconnections from their birth circumstances.”
While ethical debates swirl around surrogacy, medical professionals and ethicists have not been silent. A psychologist who specializes in the impacts of surrogacy remarked, "The larger societal and ethical issues surrounding GPA are rife with complications, including the potential for increased pregnancies faced with higher health risks." This warning corresponds with the increasing complications observed for many who undergo the procedure, which could reach up to 40% occasionally, against contemporary medical standards of care.
Both women’s accounts raise significant concerns about the future of reproductive technologies and the practices associated with them. With the steady movement toward the acceptance of GPA practices globally, the voices of those like Maurel and Murray testify to the inherent risks and ethical dilemmas involved.
Through heartfelt advocacy, Maurel and Murray continue to shine light on the urgent need for responsible dialogue surrounding surrogacy. They broaden the conversation beyond adult desires, capturing comprehension and deep empathy for the invisible children who live through this process.
Questions remain. How do we uphold the dignity of all parties involved within this complex web of procedures? Can surrogacy ever align ethically with the respect for human life? The voices of those most affected remind us of the stakes involved, urging society to engage deeply with these challenging topics.
Olivia Maurel’s battle against GPA is more than just personal; it’s emblematic of the silent struggles endured by many. Her relentless pursuit for change and awareness uncovers layers of the challenging narrative surrounding surrogacy, illustrating its multifaceted impacts on children. It’s time for society to engage with these truths, compelling us to reconsider our stances on surrogacy and its ethical ramifications.