Surrogacy Industry Successful in India

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. thrive [thrahyv] (v.) – to succeed or to grow quickly

Example: The Chinese economy thrived even when other economies grew weaker.

2. medical tourism [MED-i-kuhl TOOR-iz-uhm] (n. phrase) – traveling abroad for a medical procedure to avoid higher costs in one’s home country

Example: Medical tourism in Asia is growing because of cheaper medical services in some Asian countries.

3. surrogate (n.) [SUR-uh-geyt] – a woman who is paid to carry another person’s or couple’s baby

Example: The childless couple hired a surrogate to carry their baby.

4. cost-effective [kost ih-FEK-tiv] (adj.) – producing good results without costing too much money

Example: Online schools provide a convenient and cost-effective way to learn English.

5. fertility clinic [fer-TIL-i-tee KLIN-ik] (n.) – a medical clinic that helps childless people have a baby

Example: She visited a fertility clinic to help her become pregnant.

Article
Read the text below.

More and more couples worldwide are turning to India’s thriving surrogacy industry to realize their dream of having their own children. Surrogacy is the process wherein a woman carries a child in her womb for another person or couple, in exchange for money. According to estimates, the surrogacy industry in India now generates more than two billion dollars per year, contributing much to the country’s medical tourism. Low-income women from the provinces see surrogacy as an opportunity to earn money. Surrogates earn as much as $6,000 per pregnancy. Foreign couples, on the other hand, see the surrogacy industry in India as a legal, cost-effective way to becoming parents. Critics, however, question if surrogacy in India is a good thing. They insist that India is becoming a “baby factory” for rich foreigners who take advantage of poor Indian women. Fertility clinic owners argue that surrogacy helps Indian surrogate mothers earn an income for their families while helping childless couples. They added that the clinics take excellent care of surrogates because the mother’s health is important for the baby’s health as well. Marcia, a Brazilian woman who came to India to find a surrogate, says she is very happy that there are women who are willing to help her make her dream of having a baby come true.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you approve of surrogacy? Why or why not?

·         How can we support couples who have difficulty in having children?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, are medical services in your country expensive? Please explain your answer.

·         Do you think foreigners would be interested in getting medical service in your country? What makes you say so?

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