ABSTRACT
This chapter considers two sources of representation with regard to surrogacy: that seen in the mainstream media, and that seen in submissions to an Australian inquiry concerning surrogacy law reform. It focuses on representations of transnational surrogacy since it is this form of surrogacy arrangement that typically attracts the most attention in mainstream consciousness: an interesting point in itself. Researchers have suggested that increase in media coverage may relate to the ways in which surrogacy represents a departure from family arrangements which are considered normative, with surrogacy challenging understandings of kinship. The chapter presents data from three different public representations of surrogacy: media representations of heterosexual intending parents; media representations of the Baby Gammy case; and public submissions to a government inquiry. It argues that Ms Chanbua received specific media attention because her actions in keeping Baby Gammy and not having an abortion are consistent with these normative representations of women and motherhood.
