Situation Ethics
Situation ethics is based on the ideal that whatever is the most loving thing to do, is ethical. Applying this to surrogacy, it is difficult to judge the topic as a whole, and instead individual cases must be determined.
For example, in the case of Baby M, it was not loving on Mary Beth's part to agree to a surrogacy contract, only to later refuse. However, it may also be noted that both the Sterns should have considered Mary Beth's psychological condition and reliability before entering into the contract. Neither acts were in the best interest of the unborn child and thus the decisions made were not very loving, nor ethical.
However, in the altruistic case of Liam, the decision of his parents to fight for an altruistic surrogacy, proves their love and dedication to the birth of their child. The act of Liam's aunt to carry the embryo is also considered as extremely compassionate and loving; thus making the altruistic case ethical.
For example, in the case of Baby M, it was not loving on Mary Beth's part to agree to a surrogacy contract, only to later refuse. However, it may also be noted that both the Sterns should have considered Mary Beth's psychological condition and reliability before entering into the contract. Neither acts were in the best interest of the unborn child and thus the decisions made were not very loving, nor ethical.
However, in the altruistic case of Liam, the decision of his parents to fight for an altruistic surrogacy, proves their love and dedication to the birth of their child. The act of Liam's aunt to carry the embryo is also considered as extremely compassionate and loving; thus making the altruistic case ethical.