Activist Liz Jackson has called for the legalization and proper regulation of surrogacy in Kenya, emphasizing that reproductive choices belong to women and should be grounded in autonomy, respect, and compassion.
Jackson shared her stance in her Instagram stories, highlighting that surrogacy is not about avoiding the challenges of pregnancy, but about creating opportunities for women struggling with fertility.
“If I were given a choice between carrying a pregnancy myself and choosing surrogacy, I would choose surrogacy without hesitation,” Jackson said.
For Jackson, surrogacy represents more than a medical procedure; it embodies compassion, choice, and solidarity among women.
She pointed out that allowing women the option to pursue surrogacy creates avenues for supporting others who face infertility challenges.
“For me, surrogacy represents compassion, choice and a chance to help another woman experience motherhood,” she said.
Jackson emphasised that societal and legal barriers should not restrict women’s ability to make informed reproductive decisions.
She stressed that decisions about women’s bodies should be made by women themselves, not by people without wombs.
“People without wombs should not be the ones making decisions about women’s bodies,” Jackson added.
Currently, Kenya does not have specific laws regulating surrogacy, leaving both intended parents and surrogate mothers vulnerable.
Jackson urged lawmakers and policymakers to create comprehensive legal structures that protect the rights of all parties involved, ensuring that surrogacy arrangements are safe, ethical, and transparent.
“It’s time for surrogacy to be legalised and properly regulated in Kenya,” Jackson said.
She noted that regulation would help prevent exploitation, provide clear guidelines for compensation and parental responsibilities, and safeguard the health and well‑being of surrogate mothers.
At the heart of Jackson’s argument is the principle of reproductive autonomy.
She insisted that women deserve the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and futures, including whether to carry a pregnancy themselves or pursue alternatives such as surrogacy.
“Reproductive choices belong to women. They deserve autonomy, respect, and the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves. It’s not about avoiding the pain of pregnancy. It’s about creating an opportunity to support women who struggle with fertility,” she said.
“Surrogacy is a chance to help another woman experience motherhood, and women should have the right to make that choice freely,” Jackson added.