Intimate Strangers: Commercial Surrogacy in Russia and Ukraine and the Making of Truth

Intimate Strangers explores the commercial surrogacy market in Russia and Ukraine, focusing on the experiences of intended mothers, surrogates, and agents. It examines the secrecy, distrust, and anonymous business relationships in the market, as well as the economic realities and the role of agents and doctors. The film also discusses the backdrop of ultra-conservatism and moral governance in Russia, the rising international popularity of the Ukrainian surrogacy market, and the pervasiveness of neo-liberal ideologies and individualized notions of reproductive freedom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Intimate Strangers: Zooming in on Commercial Surrogacy in Russia and Ukraine

Intimate Strangers delves into the intricate realm of commercial surrogacy in Russia and Ukraine, shedding light on the expansion of the market into the intimate spheres of life that revolve around women's bodies as mothers and workers. Veronika Siegl takes us on a journey into the inner workings of a surrogacy market characterized by secrecy, distrust, and anonymous business relationships. Through her insightful exploration, Siegl uncovers the anxious struggles of intended mothers in the face of stigmatized infertility and the aggressive biopolitics of motherhood. She delves into the uncertain yet pragmatic pathways surrogates navigate, as they navigate harsh economic realities and resist being objectified or morally judged. Moreover, Siegl highlights the powerful role of agents and doctors who have carved out a profitable niche in nurturing and facilitating other people's existential hopes.

Intimate Strangers examines these critical issues against the backdrop of ultra-conservatism and moral governance in Russia, the rising international popularity of the Ukrainian surrogacy market, and the pervasive influence of neo-liberal ideologies and individualized notions of reproductive freedom. By exploring these complex dynamics, the film offers a thought-provoking examination of the ethical, social, and economic implications of commercial surrogacy in these regions.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501771316