Health

The ethics of surrogacy: Children are not a transaction

This raises an obvious question: If surrogacy means couples want kids and families, it can’t be bad, right? But the complicated world of surrogacy is far more problematic and harmful than its proponents suggest. Even worse, some of them believe there are no moral dilemmas associated with surrogacy. As long as there’s a baby in the end, it’s a positive conclusion.

Bear kills woman in Japan, 2 more deadly attacks suspected

Updated on: May 8, 2026 / 6:44 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

Volcano erupts in Indonesia, killing at least 3 hikers in an off-limits area, police say

Updated on: May 8, 2026 / 6:16 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

When women choose non-monogamy: ‘It’s an opportunity for more integration’

Though open marriage is often imagined as something men want, women also choose this relationship structure – with all its rewards and challenges

When are we going to put children first?

The number of single men seeking children through surrogacy is rising on both sides of the Atlantic. In my home country of England, 170 single men have applied for parental orders since 2019. In the United States, where commercial surrogacy is a multibillion-dollar industry, the trend is even more pronounced. I read these developments with a sinking heart.

When government ignores medical evidence, patients pay

In today’s information age, expertise and science are too often overlooked. Americans now turn to influencers for legal advice, therapy, and financial help. But what is more concerning is when politicians without medical training harmfully shape the public’s perception of health matters.

Inequality causing 100,000 extra deaths a year from heat and cold in Europe

Findings come after third-hottest April on record globally and amid fears of more brutal European summer weather

Third Briton has suspected hantavirus linked to cruise ship outbreak

Patient remains on south Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, say health officials, as vessel heads to Tenerife

Weather tracker: Colorado experiences rare spring snowstorm

State experiences largest May snowstorm in 23 years, and extreme rainfall hits Eastern Cape of South Africa

This Book May Cause Side Effects by Helen Pilcher review

Fearing the worst can lead to physical changes, according to this fascinating study of a strange medical phenomenon

How one man's mission to clear dumped boats inspired Guardian readers

In this week’s newsletter: Readers have flooded the crowdfunder of Steve Green after his inspirational story of DIY environmental activism was told

Benjamina Ebuehi’s recipe for Mexican-style vanilla bean flan

An unadulterated, wobbly, joyous flan made the way it should be