Cash Cow: How the Maternal Body Became a Global Commodity – and the Hidden Costs for Women

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Alev Scott

Cash Cow

Name: Cash Cow
Price: 59.99 AUD
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ISBN: 9780008724948

How the Maternal Body Became a Global Commodity – and the Hidden Costs for Women

Alev Scott

$59.99

Hardback

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English

HarperCollins
26 February 2026

Feminism & feminist theory; Ethical issues: scientific & technological developments; Economic systems & structures; Medical ethics & professional conduct; Reproductive medicine

'Captivating, mind-boggling and deeply disturbing' – Maureen Freely

'Humane, thoughtful and urgent — this book will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry, but also make you burn with rage' – Dr Mary Wellesley

A thought-provoking deep dive into the global fertility industry and the commodification of the maternal body

Should surrogacy be a paid service, an altruistic act – or even legal at all?

Is it right that you can pay more for ‘VIP’ egg donors – and to view their photos?

How much, if anything, should breastmilk cost – and who should be allowed to buy it?

The global fertility industry is rapidly growing, hugely profitable and morally complex. This an industry where one person’s biological bad luck can be another person’s financial gain. From egg freezing to black-market breastmilk, the maternal body has never been more commodified, yet the ethical, emotional and economic implications are rarely considered.

Through a combination of undercover reporting and detailed first-hand accounts Alev Scott exposes how the IVF, surrogacy and milk industries operate around the world and who is profiting. In doing so, she considers the blurred line between exploitation and empowerment. Who should make money from the maternal body: only the women themselves, anyone or no one?

Timely, thought-provoking and compelling, Cash Cow is an unmissable investigation into how desire, desperation and commerce intersect, and the impact the fertility industry has on individuals.

‘A powerful, intimate and disturbing exploration of the hidden markets built on women’s bodies' Professor Peter Frankopan

'An absolute must read for anyone considering surrogacy; a compelling and thought-provoking book for everyone else' Jack Farchy, co-author of The World for Sale

By: Alev Scott
Imprint: HarperCollins
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 240mm, Width: 159mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 520g
ISBN: 9780008724948
ISBN 10: 0008724946
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 26 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Alev Scott is an author and journalist for publications including the Times, Sunday Times, Guardian, New Statesman and Huffington Post. Her previous books focus on Turkish, Greek and Ottoman history, while her radio and TV work includes the BBC’s World Service, Today Programme and Woman’s Hour.

Reviews for Cash Cow: How the Maternal Body Became a Global Commodity – and the Hidden Costs for Women

‘A powerful, intimate and disturbing exploration of the hidden markets built on women’s bodies. Alev Scott has written a book that will change the way you think about family, fertility and the future.’ Professor Peter Frankopan 'Humane, thoughtful and urgent — this book will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry, but also make you burn with rage.' Dr Mary Wellesley 'Cash Cow is an eye-opening exploration of how surrogacy has grown to become a multibillion-dollar global industry with almost no public scrutiny. An absolute must read for anyone considering surrogacy; a compelling and thought-provoking book for everyone else.' Jack Farchy, co-author of The World for Sale 'A brilliant and compelling book, and one which should be read by anyone associated with mothering and fertility – that is, everyone.' Rebecca Seal, author of SOLO