Professor Ikemoto Comments on Surrogate Agencies for Star-Telegram
Professor Lisa Ikemoto commented on the lack of state and federal regulation of agencies that broker deals between infertile couples and surrogate mothers for a story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Neither the state nor federal government regulates surrogate agencies, and there are no rules governing how they handle money, screen surrogates, or use egg donors. Professor Ikemoto said she favors regulation of the industry but is concerned lawmakers could take it too far.
"We should focus on concerns about health and safety and preventing exploitation and protecting the needs and interest of the children and the parties involved," she said. "My concern is that it will switch and become about social morality."
Professor Ikemoto also commented for campus radio station KDVS last week for a news story on ethical issues associated with the H1N1 virus outbreak.
Lisa Ikemoto teaches bioethics and health law courses at the UC Davis School of Law. She has written extensively on genetic and reproductive technology, the regulation of fertility and pregnancy, and race and gender disparities in health care. Her current work examines emerging issues in regenerative medicine, including stem cell research, and the human tissues market.