Chen said that signing a contract for pregnancy is probably the most self-aware and autonomous decision a surrogate mother and a custodial mother can make.
"Speaking from personal experience," Chen said, "I can tell you that the decision is well thought out. After all, it is a matter of life, not a war between ideologies."
Many people have suggested adoption as a less contested solution for couples wanting children, but Chen said there was no reason why one option should be legalized and another removed by the government and condemned by the public.
"We just want to keep options open. Whether to adopt or to use a surrogate mother is a question of personal preference, an issue of mutual consent. How can the public deny women their rights?" Chen said.
The panel, composed of 12 women and eight men randomly chosen from 92 applications, attended classes on the debate during the weekend-long meeting. Lin said that professors of sociology, law and medicine offered a range of perspectives. The panel's position is expected to serve as a litmus test for public reaction to surrogate motherhood.
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