Reproductive autonomy is a key concept in liberal political theory. However, given its individualistic focus, reproductive autonomy is silent about the moral obligations and responsibilities resulting from collective reproductive arrangements and is thus inadequate to the challenges that modern reproductive technologies pose to our understanding of the family. The lack of an adequate moral framework for meeting these challenges has wide ramifications. In my paper, I introduce trust as offering an illuminating approach to understanding the seemingly ambiguous moral rights and responsibilities in the context of modern reproductive technology. Drawing on the example of surrogate motherhood, I argue that surrogacy establishes an extended reproductive unit whose constituents are bound together by mutual trustful commitments. I suggest reframing certain issues in surrogacy in this light. More specifically, I argue that because of the special moral rules that govern intimate relationships, surrogacy can be tenable within familial or other significant relationships.
