International private law is currently being considered to regulate commercial global surrogacy. This brief note discusses the state of social work literature in addition to the International Federation of Social Workers' position statement, identifying a lack of empirical grounding in social work research. Global surrogacy is framed against previous social work research and policy development related to intercountry adoption and international private law. A triad approach to regulation is discussed as a three-legged stool for social protection development. Conclusions include recommendations for a research agenda that includes the voices of surrogates and the children.