New York Times Examines Challenges Presented By Growing Number Of Surrogate Births

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 15 Jul 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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The New York Times on Sunday examined how the increasing number of surrogate births has created a "modern twist" on explaining pregnancy to children for many parents who used surrogacy. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that there were 400 to 600 surrogate births annually from 2003 to 2007. However, there is no widely agreed upon number, and many advocates believe the actual figure is much higher. Melissa Brisman, a lawyer who runs an agency that connects surrogates with prospective parents, said that ASRM figures are much too low and that her clients alone gave birth to 300 infants through surrogacy in 2008. She said that 20% of the cases involved gay men becoming parents via surrogacy. Experts believe the number of surrogate births will continue to rise as more people, including gay men, choose the option.

Judith Kottick, a licensed social worker in Montclair, N.J., who counsels parents in addressing children's questions about their surrogacy births, said, "What kids want to know is that they're in the family they were meant to be in -- that they belong to their mom and dad." The Times included the experiences of several couples who had children via surrogacy (Rimer, New York Times, 7/12).

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