"Surrogacy, at its core, is the use of a woman’s body to produce a child for someone else. The child’s right to their biological parents—or even to know their mother at birth—is cast aside so those with money and power can get what they want."
I can only partly agree with this. First, it is true that it is the use of a woman's body but I believe that she volunteers to accept the role fully aware of the ramifications and end results. Next, it is the child's biological parents, who are the child's mother and, usually, father that the baby is given to so I'm quite confused by that statement. Finally, on a personal note, this is the process that my Grand Nephew came into being. My nephew and his wife (quite devout Catholics (don't know how they dealt with the Church's position on the subject of IVF or surrogacy)) tried 5 times to have a baby using IVF with their own "material". She miscarried each time to her devastation, as you can imagine. With one embryo left, they decided to hire a surrogate. I admit I don't know the process or the cost or the extent of the contract but they finally have the baby they've wanted for over a decade. And yes they are rather well off and I will assume they took very good care of the young lady both financially and emotionally. Perhaps they are the exception perhaps not but I would suspect they are the norm in this engagement.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I just read your essay and wow, you are a great writer!
You’re right, the worldview thing is tough to overcome…I won’t argue though yes, I disagree with many of your points and how examples are framed.
Though there are a few places we could probably come to a consensus on.
I believe in dialogue for sure and appreciate anyone who is willing to reach out respectfully. So thanks for reading and engaging and sharing your perspective.
"Surrogacy, at its core, is the use of a woman’s body to produce a child for someone else. The child’s right to their biological parents—or even to know their mother at birth—is cast aside so those with money and power can get what they want."
I can only partly agree with this. First, it is true that it is the use of a woman's body but I believe that she volunteers to accept the role fully aware of the ramifications and end results. Next, it is the child's biological parents, who are the child's mother and, usually, father that the baby is given to so I'm quite confused by that statement. Finally, on a personal note, this is the process that my Grand Nephew came into being. My nephew and his wife (quite devout Catholics (don't know how they dealt with the Church's position on the subject of IVF or surrogacy)) tried 5 times to have a baby using IVF with their own "material". She miscarried each time to her devastation, as you can imagine. With one embryo left, they decided to hire a surrogate. I admit I don't know the process or the cost or the extent of the contract but they finally have the baby they've wanted for over a decade. And yes they are rather well off and I will assume they took very good care of the young lady both financially and emotionally. Perhaps they are the exception perhaps not but I would suspect they are the norm in this engagement.
Ericka,
Such a good article. Thank you for taking the time to put your thoughts into words that so many of us share but don’t know how to express.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I just read your essay and wow, you are a great writer!
You’re right, the worldview thing is tough to overcome…I won’t argue though yes, I disagree with many of your points and how examples are framed.
Though there are a few places we could probably come to a consensus on.
I believe in dialogue for sure and appreciate anyone who is willing to reach out respectfully. So thanks for reading and engaging and sharing your perspective.