The dark side of the global surrogacy industry

December 14, 2025

The global fertility industry is often likened to the Wild West, writes Sarah A. Topol in her magazine feature this week. But, she says, it’s more complicated than that — less a totally unregulated space than one where privilege affords the opportunity to route around regulations. In her piece, Topol tells the harrowing story of Eve, a young Thai woman who answered a Facebook ad to become a surrogate 4,000 miles away, in Georgia, which has become a new industry hub since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Topol spoke with more than 100 people involved in four different countries over six months for this article, exposing a global trade that can prey on the vulnerable — not just surrogates and egg donors, but also intended parents, who often are being sold a lie.

An illustration of the exterior of an apartment building. Through the curtains of some of the windows are women, some of who look pregnant, mostly standing around and looking out the windows.

Illustration by Nicole Rifkin

‘They Don’t See Us as Human’: The Dark Side of the Global Fertility Industry

Eve was one of dozens of Thai women who traveled 4,000 miles to become surrogates, on the promise of generous fees. It turned into a nightmare.

By Sarah A. Topol

For this week’s Great Performers issue, our critic Wesley Morris invents his own awards with categories like: Best Acting in a Helmet, Best Nervous Breakdown and Craziest Charm. Also we asked some of the year’s best actors to show us how they conjure feelings on cue.

FEATURES

Teyana Taylor sits facing forward, arms at her sides and hands resting on the inside of her legs. She is dressed in loose, silky earth tones in front of a backdrop that resembles a stormy sky.

Paul Kooiker for The New York Times

We Asked 10 of the Year’s Best Actors How They Conjure Feelings on Cue

Teyana Taylor, Liam Neeson, Rose Byrne and more of our best actors on how they summon the emotions that move us.

Photographs and Video by Paul Kooiker and Interviews by Amy X. Wang·

This Year’s Film Performances Were So Good, We Had To Invent New Awards

Best Acting in a Helmet, Best Nervous Breakdown, Craziest Charm—the film performances so good Wesley Morris had to invent his own categories.

By Wesley Morris

Illustration by Nico Krijno

America Wants to Build Again. If You Squint, You’ll See Hopeful Signs.

Crumbling highways. A housing shortage. Broken infrastructure. America is stuck. But the pendulum may be ready to swing.

By Michael Kimmelman

The Interview

Kristen Stewart Wants to Blow Up the Myth of the Brilliant Male Actor

The actress and director says the world of filmmaking needs a “full system break.”

50 MIN LISTEN

COLUMNS

A colorful illustration depicting two hippos sitting on either side of a woman who is cradling a boy who is reading a children’s book.

Illustration by Ping Zhu

letter of recommendation

The Illustrated Children’s Book I’ll Never Stop Recommending to Adults

James Marshall’s “George and Martha” books are witty and complex in their depictions of transformative friendship.

By Hannah Kingsley-Ma

A collage-style illustration featuring the actress Sydney Sweeney and the fictional A.I. character Tilly Norwood

Photo illustration by Joan Wong

Screenland

A.I. Actors Might Change Your View of Human Ones

Even the stars people think of as immaculately crafted Hollywood products look wildly, irreducibly human in comparison.

By Jane Ackermann

Sliced brisket topped with bits of spices on a white ceramic platter with wooden-handled knife and fork. Two glasses and a bowl of potato wedges also sit on the orange tablecloth.

Linda Xiao for The New York Times. Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Prop stylist: Sophia Eleni Pappas.

This Simple Brisket Deserves a Place at the Holiday Table

A food writer’s family never really repeated special dishes. This recipe was the exception.

By Melissa Clark

Illustration by Tomi Um

the ethicist

Can I Insist That My Dysfunctional Son Get a Vasectomy?

I’ve told him that I won’t continue supporting him unless he agrees.

By Kwame Anthony Appiah

An illustration of John Hodgman in judge’s robes, holding a gavel.

Illustration by Louise Zergaeng Pomeroy

Judge John Hodgman

Should Parents Overrule a Strange Christmas Gift Request?

A ruling on an unusual letter to Santa.

By John Hodgman

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