Surrogacy & The Media - Why is it always so negative?
Surrogacy gets a bad rap from the media in general, as they only seem to want to post stories that are negative or involving a celebrity. In fact, the blogsphere was in full swing yesterday after NY Times posted an article that was not so nice. It was called Building a Baby, With Few Ground Rules, and it was absolutely depressing. The piece would almost make anyone run from surrogacy - myself included; however, the most important point to take from that article is that couples, surrogates and egg donors need to make certain that they do the right things with the right team and professionals.
In fact, Kathy Benardo of Northeast Assisted Fertility Group stated it very nicely when she clarifies that it speaks of only bad surrogacies, while the piece only slightly makes the point that most surrogacies go well. What she also addressed is that "The Michigan and Indiana cases discussed did not follow the proper legal or medical protocols at all; in fact, the egregiousness is stunning. These surrogacy cases should have never happened in the first place." Yes,I agree, Kathy, wholeheratedly.
Surrogacy, despite what the naysayers may say, is not an unregulated Wild West mentality, although the article does make one think that. When done correctly, Surrogacy is an exciting option for infertile couples and individuals, as well as LGBT couples who could otherwise not have a child, to have the family that they always dreamt of.
Just look to the posts by a set of hopeful Intended Parents who have been through so much to have their baby - My Journey to Myles and Beyond. Just look at the timeline on the side. They certainly are upset with the article that over sensationalizes what surrogacy is all about. The Intended Mother puts her heart on the line, and it is worth a read.
Let me know your thoughts. We will take up Reproductive Tourism this week again involving Canada and the rules that are being violated when working in that country, so keep watching.
