Olivia Maurel, who was born via surrogacy, has emerged as a prominent activist advocating for the prohibition of surrogacy worldwide. In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, she discusses her experiences and the core issues surrounding the identity of surrogate children, the rights of those involved, and the expansive billion-dollar global surrogacy market. While many people view surrogacy as a means to fulfill their desire for children, Maurel argues that it can dehumanize women and children, turning them into mere commodities in a commercial transaction.

Maurel is not just an activist but also a spokesperson for the Casablanca Declaration, a unique alliance that brings together feminists, lawyers, medical professionals, and both leftist and conservative groups, as well as religious organizations. The collective goal of this alliance is to seek a global ban on surrogacy, reflecting a broad coalition that crosses traditional ideological lines. Maurel identifies herself as an atheistic feminist, and her activism is deeply rooted in a belief that children and surrogate mothers should not be exploited for commercial purposes.

The concept of surrogacy is complex, with various forms that involve either the intended parents' eggs and sperm or those of donors. In Maurel's case, her surrogate mother was also her biological mother, which adds another layer to her narrative. Maurel’s testimony sheds light on the ethical dimensions of surrogacy, calling into question the societal frameworks that allow for the commercialization of childbirth and the psychological effects on women and children involved in such arrangements, urging a reconsideration of the moral implications tied to the practice of surrogacy.