MANILA – Thirteen Filipino women have been sentenced to two years in detention by a Cambodian court for violating the country’s strict surrogacy ban, marking a complex international legal case that highlights the risks of cross-border reproductive arrangements.
The Kandal Provincial Court found the women guilty on December 2nd of attempting to engage in commercial surrogacy, a felony under Cambodian law that typically carries a potential 15 to 20-year prison term. However, mitigating circumstances argued by legal counsel appointed by the Philippine Embassy resulted in a reduced sentence of two years, down from the initial four-year judgment.
The women, who were initially part of a group of 20 recruited online by an unidentified individual, have been detained since September 23rd at a designated medical facility in Cambodia. Seven of the original group were previously repatriated, while the 13 remaining women were at various stages of pregnancy at the time of their arrest.
Philippine diplomatic officials confirmed that both Philippine and Cambodian authorities have been providing medical care and welfare assistance to the detained women throughout the judicial process. The Philippine Embassy emphasized its commitment to supporting the individuals, offering ongoing legal and consular assistance.
The case underscores Cambodia’s zero-tolerance stance on commercial surrogacy. Authorities have warned Filipino citizens that entering the country for surrogacy arrangements could result in imprisonment, reflecting the nation’s stringent approach to preventing what it considers human trafficking.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) initially confirmed the rescue operation in October, revealing that the recruitment had occurred through online channels by a recruiter using what appeared to be an assumed identity. The women were reportedly brought to Cambodia after being initially told they would travel to another Southeast Asian country.
As part of its broader commitment, the Philippine government has pledged continued cooperation with international partners to combat human trafficking and transnational crimes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal and personal risks associated with cross-border reproductive arrangements, particularly in countries with strict prohibitions on commercial surrogacy.
