The controversy following Lily Collins' announcement about her new surrogacy motherhood.

The recent announcement by actress Lily Collins about the arrival of her daughter through a surrogacy process has sparked a storm of reactions on social media. While many celebrate the happiness of the new mother, others have criticized the practice of surrogacy, raising serious concerns about its ethics and the impact on the women who act as gestational carriers. Such criticisms are not new; however, in the era of the commodification of motherhood, the debate is becoming increasingly urgent. Claudia Connell, who shares her personal experience with infertility and the pain of not being able to have children, has expressed her strong opposition to surrogacy in a recent article. She points out that while celebrities like Collins may present an idealized image of surrogacy, what happens behind the scenes is much more complex and problematic. The surrogacy industry has grown rapidly, becoming a multi-billion dollar business that, according to Connell, fuels the exploitation of vulnerable women. Commercial surrogacy creates a disturbing power imbalance. The costs associated with this process are exorbitant, making it inaccessible to most people. Only those with substantial financial resources can afford to "rent" a womb, leaving low-income women in a precarious and vulnerable position. Connell notes that many of these women, in their desperation to improve their financial situation, are pushed into accepting this form of exploitation. The fight against surrogacy is not just a class issue, but also a gender issue. Critiques of the process often focus on the commodification of the female body and how surrogacy can dehumanize the woman carrying the pregnancy. Connell argues that it cannot be ignored that many of the women who act as surrogates do so out of economic necessity and not from a genuine desire to help others form a family. It is curious to observe how surrogacy, often presented in popular culture as an altruistic act, is actually a transaction in which a woman's body is exchanged for money. This has led to the creation of a market where women are forced to make difficult decisions, often with few real options. Connell shares her fear that, in the near future, surrogacy will become so normalized that it will be expected for those wishing to become parents, without considering the ethical implications of this practice. On the other hand, Lily Collins' case also highlights the disconnect between the experience of celebrities and the reality of many women facing infertility. While Collins may celebrate her new role as a mother, millions of women struggle to conceive, often facing a system that discriminates against them and leaves them unsupported. Connell's personal story, which includes multiple failed fertility attempts and the decision to give up, serves as a reminder that the paths to motherhood are diverse and do not always end in a happy outcome. Surrogacy also raises the issue of the rights of the women participating in the process. The need for deeper reform in how surrogacy is regulated is urgent. In some countries, commercial surrogacy has been banned due to cases of abuse and exploitation, as happened in India. However, the industry continues to thrive in other nations, such as Ukraine, where disturbing situations involving women in precarious conditions have been reported. The conversation about surrogacy cannot be limited to the happiness of parents obtaining their "miracle" through this means. It must include a discussion about the well-being of the women carrying those pregnancies and the conditions they find themselves in. Altruistic surrogacy, which is what is permitted in the UK, is not without controversy either. Although direct payment to surrogate mothers is not allowed, the associated costs can be equally high, turning the process into a luxury for a select few. Ultimately, the issue of surrogacy invites broader reflection on motherhood and the social expectations surrounding it. While the desire to be a mother is understandable and deeply human, that desire cannot justify the exploitation of other women. The only way to ensure that women are not vulnerable to exploitation is to implement a global ban on commercial surrogacy, thus protecting the rights of all women, regardless of their economic situation. Lily Collins' case and her baby is just one part of a much broader and more complex debate. As society continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential that the voices of those most affected by these decisions are heard and respected.