11 Comments

Once we exchange money for something it becomes a commodity, once a commodity is made it can become exploited. We need to do some serious backtracking because babies and eggs should not ever be able to be bought.

Thanks for once again a well written heartfelt essay about this important issue.

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Thank you Deborah. I agree about the backtracking, to think that anyone ever thought this would be a good idea at all sort of baffles me. As I mentioned in the essay, I understand the desperation of those who are the purchasers but there are some things that are just too much to ask of another human being, no matter what amount of money is involved-and with that, as you stated, that money brings it's own set of problems.

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This is very needed, thank you. I just gave birth to twins and joined a Facebook “twin pregnancy” group. I was shocked by how many of the women in the group were “surrogates” and the way they said things like, “the intended parents were disappointed that I was induced early for high blood pressure, since they were in Europe for the next four weeks. The babies spent those weeks in the NICU, though they didn’t need it…” A baby is not an Amazon purchase.

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Oh my...first of all, congratulations on your twins! I hope you are healing and resting well and that they are thriving. Second of all- I cannot fathom this idea of having babies born for me and just being away on holiday in Europe while they sit in limbo, not having a clue what's what and just wanting to be held and comforted. It truly feels like a human rights violation to me and so many people seem to either not care or not see an issue. It is a symptom of a culture that sees babies as not fully human.

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Beautiful piece. The sort of thing Subtack exists for. Bless you, and your child, and your life❤️.

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Thank you Nicholas, this made my day💗

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New to your Substack and absolutely blown away by this piece. Thank you for your honesty and for speaking uncomfortable truths.

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Thank you for being here and for the kindness and interest ♥️

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I just discovered your substack today, Emily, and I am in love! As I read your pieces, I feel a subtle sense of my own primal female energy beginning to reawaken or come into my awareness. I feel so human and real! Thank you for your work!

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I should mention, also, that I went through the same experience of filling out questionnaires, sending photos, etc., to a family that was offering $250K for a very niche combination traits that I happen to have. It was a legitimate offer, but I am forever grateful that I didn’t give into it. I can’t imagine my child out there in the world right now. Even worse to imagine not only losing a child to strangers but then running the risk of then not being able to have children of my own.

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Oh my goodness how wild to know someone who did the same as I! The temptation that is being offered is truly insidious I think. The industry leverages economic desperation and empathy of women against us and it’s truly evil.Also, so glad you are here!

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