The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Example For Students

The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Surrogate parenting refers to an arrangement between a married couple who is unable to have a child because of the wifes infertility and a fertile woman who agrees to conceive the husbands child through artificial insemination, carry it to term, then surrender all parental rights in the child. Often, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her services. The final step in the process is typically the fathers acknowledgment of paternity and adoption, with his wife, of the child. Through surrogate motherhood, a couple desiring a child need not wait an indefinite number of years for an adoptable baby, as generally happens at the present time. The married couple obtains a child who is the husbands biological offspring- a child for whose existence both husband and wife can feel responsible. We will write a custom essay on The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Surrogate parenting is highly controversial by its very nature. Nevertheless, surrogate parenting is attracting wide spread attention as a viable alternative for infertile couples intent on having a child. Contract surrogacy is officially little more than ten years old, although surrogate mothering is a practice that has been known since biblical times. In 1986 alone 500 babies had been born to mothers who gave them up to sperm donor fathers for a fee, and the practice is growing rapidly. For this reason there are many questions and doubts that arise from this subject. Often there are many legal difficulties that come about with surrogate parenting. In some states the contracts that insure the infertile couple the baby of the surrogate mother mean nothing. This, in turn, can cause huge problems if the surrogate mother were to change her mind about giving up her child. Who has the rights to the child in this awful situation? Surrogate parenting is a wonderful alternative for infertile couples as long as all partys involved are educated on the subject and are fully aware of the pros and cons of this risky business transaction. Unfortunately laws on surrogate parenting arent very helpful. Increasing numbers of surrogate custody cases are finding their way into the courtrooms. The most dramatic problem arises when the surrogate mother decides she wants to keep the baby. Whether she decides early or late in the pregnancy, at birth, or after the child is born, the ultimate issue is whether she or the infertile couple have parental rights. How is the law to respond to this kind of problem? Normally people would agree that a contract is a contract and therefore the infertile couple should be the ones to receive the baby. Unfortunately for some of us more sympathetic people this decision is not that simple. By changing her mind the surrogate mother is showing maternal feelings that are surely not reprehensible. Although she has promised to give up the baby her change of heart seems more understandable than dishonorable. After all how can a woman truly be expected to know how it will feel to give birth to a child and then have to give it up? These are very good questions that tend to leave one undecided as to which partys demand is justifiable and should be upheld. Instead of deciding surrogacy issues on the basis of the law and policy of the states, judges could look for guidance from the U.S. Constitution. Constitutional arguments can be made on both sides of the classic surrogacy dispute involving the mother who changes her mind about giving up her child. Resolution of the constitutional issues will depend ultimately upon assessing and weighing the various factors at stake. Like decisions based on contract and criminal law, constitutional decisions will take account of the partys interests, the childs interests, societys interests, and the effectiveness of legalization and regulation as opposed to prohibition. .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .postImageUrl , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:hover , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:visited , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:active { border:0!important; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:active , .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5 .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue53dfb08c9fd609e8221cd9499900ca5:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Same Sex Marriages Essay Many Americans remained unaware of these dramas, but virtually everyone in the United States became aquainted during 1987 with the plight of Mary Beth Whitehead and Baby M. Mrs. Whitehead was a twenty-nine year old house wife. She already had two children, and decided she would be the surrogate mother for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth Stern. The Sterns were 40 and 41 years old. They had been married for 12 years and were childless. Mrs. Stern had a mild case of multiple sclerosis and was unable to bare any children. Although Whitehead promised in the contract that she would form no bond with the baby, she knew in the delivery room she could not give up her child. Whitehead ended up kidnapping the new born. The case proceeded to . The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Example For Students The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Surrogate parenting refers to an arrangement between a married couple who is unable to have a child because of the wifes infertility and a fertile woman who agrees to conceive the husbands child through artificial insemination, carry it to term, then surrender all parental rights in the child. Often, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her services. The final step in the process is typically the fathers acknowledgment of paternity and adoption, with his wife, of the child. Through surrogate motherhood, a couple desiring a child need not wait an indefinite number of years for an adoptable baby, as generally happens at the present time. The married couple obtains a child who is the husbands biological offspring- a child for whose existence both husband and wife can feel responsible. We will write a custom essay on The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Surrogate parenting is highly controversial by its very nature. Nevertheless, surrogate parenting is attracting wide spread attention as a viable alternative for infertile couples intent on having a child. Contract surrogacy is officially little more than ten years old, although surrogate mothering is a practice that has been known since biblical times. In 1986 alone 500 babies had been born to mothers who gave them up to sperm donor fathers for a fee, and the practice is growing rapidly. For this reason there are many questions and doubts that arise from this subject. Often there are many legal difficulties that come about with surrogate parenting. In some states the contracts that insure the infertile couple the baby of the surrogate mother mean nothing. This, in turn, can cause huge problems if the surrogate mother were to change her mind about giving up her child. Who has the rights to the child in this awful situation? Surrogate parenting is a wonderful alternative for infertile couples as long as all partys involved are educated on the subject and are fully aware of the pros and cons of this risky business transaction. Unfortunately laws on surrogate parenting arent very helpful. Increasing numbers of surrogate custody cases are finding their way into the courtrooms. The most dramatic problem arises when the surrogate mother decides she wants to keep the baby. Whether she decides early or late in the pregnancy, at birth, or after the child is born, the ultimate issue is whether she or the infertile couple have parental rights. How is the law to respond to this kind of problem? Normally people would agree that a contract is a contract and therefore the infertile couple should be the ones to receive the baby. Unfortunately for some of us more sympathetic people this decision is not that simple. By changing her mind the surrogate mother is showing maternal feelings that are surely not reprehensible. Although she has promised to give up the baby her change of heart seems more understandable than dishonorable. After all how can a woman truly be expected to know how it will feel to give birth to a child and then have to give it up? These are very good questions that tend to leave one undecided as to which partys demand is justifiable and should be upheld. Instead of deciding surrogacy issues on the basis of the law and policy of the states, judges could look for guidance from the U.S. Constitution. Constitutional arguments can be made on both sides of the classic surrogacy dispute involving the mother who changes her mind about giving up her child. Resolution of the constitutional issues will depend ultimately upon assessing and weighing the various factors at stake. Like decisions based on contract and criminal law, constitutional decisions will take account of the partys interests, the childs interests, societys interests, and the effectiveness of legalization and regulation as opposed to prohibition. .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .postImageUrl , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:hover , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:visited , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:active { border:0!important; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:active , .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06 .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3d2681be0a620411a501cd2355604a06:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Netspeak: An Analysis Of Internet Jargon Essay Many Americans remained unaware of these dramas, but virtually everyone in the United States became aquainted during 1987 with the plight of Mary Beth Whitehead and Baby M. Mrs. Whitehead was a twenty-nine year old house wife. She already had two children, and decided she would be the surrogate mother for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth Stern. The Sterns were 40 and 41 years old. They had been married for 12 years and were childless. Mrs. Stern had a mild case of multiple sclerosis and was unable to bare any children. Although Whitehead promised in the contract that she would form no bond with the baby, she knew in the delivery room she could not give up her child. Whitehead ended up kidnapping the new born. The case proceeded to . The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Example For Students The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting Essay Surrogate parenting refers to an arrangement between a married couple who is unable to have a child because of the wifes infertility and a fertile woman who agrees to conceive the husbands child through artificial insemination, carry it to term, then surrender all parental rights in the child. Often, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her services. The final step in the process is typically the fathers acknowledgment of paternity and adoption, with his wife, of the child. Through surrogate motherhood, a couple desiring a child need not wait an indefinite number of years for an adoptable baby, as generally happens at the present time. The married couple obtains a child who is the husbands biological offspring- a child for whose existence both husband and wife can feel responsible. We will write a custom essay on The Prevalent Issues of Surrogate Parenting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Surrogate parenting is highly controversial by its very nature. Nevertheless, surrogate parenting is attracting wide spread attention as a viable alternative for infertile couples intent on having a child. Contract surrogacy is officially little more than ten years old, although surrogate mothering is a practice that has been known since biblical times. In 1986 alone 500 babies had been born to mothers who gave them up to sperm donor fathers for a fee, and the practice is growing rapidly. For this reason there are many questions and doubts that arise from this subject. Often there are many legal difficulties that come about with surrogate parenting. In some states the contracts that insure the infertile couple the baby of the surrogate mother mean nothing. This, in turn, can cause huge problems if the surrogate mother were to change her mind about giving up her child. Who has the rights to the child in this awful situation? Surrogate parenting is a wonderful alternative for infertile couples as long as all partys involved are educated on the subject and are fully aware of the pros and cons of this risky business transaction. Unfortunately laws on surrogate parenting arent very helpful. Increasing numbers of surrogate custody cases are finding their way into the courtrooms. The most dramatic problem arises when the surrogate mother decides she wants to keep the baby. Whether she decides early or late in the pregnancy, at birth, or after the child is born, the ultimate issue is whether she or the infertile couple have parental rights. How is the law to respond to this kind of problem? Normally people would agree that a contract is a contract and therefore the infertile couple should be the ones to receive the baby. Unfortunately for some of us more sympathetic people this decision is not that simple. By changing her mind the surrogate mother is showing maternal feelings that are surely not reprehensible. Although she has promised to give up the baby her change of heart seems more understandable than dishonorable. After all how can a woman truly be expected to know how it will feel to give birth to a child and then have to give it up? These are very good questions that tend to leave one undecided as to which partys demand is justifiable and should be upheld. Instead of deciding surrogacy issues on the basis of the law and policy of the states, judges could look for guidance from the U.S. Constitution. Constitutional arguments can be made on both sides of the classic surrogacy dispute involving the mother who changes her mind about giving up her child. Resolution of the constitutional issues will depend ultimately upon assessing and weighing the various factors at stake. Like decisions based on contract and criminal law, constitutional decisions will take account of the partys interests, the childs interests, societys interests, and the effectiveness of legalization and regulation as opposed to prohibition. .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .postImageUrl , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:hover , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:visited , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:active { border:0!important; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:active , .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0 .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u26efea0988eb3be0eed4141f7f2369c0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Installation Art Essay Many Americans remained unaware of these dramas, but virtually everyone in the United States became aquainted during 1987 with the plight of Mary Beth Whitehead and Baby M. Mrs. Whitehead was a twenty-nine year old house wife. She already had two children, and decided she would be the surrogate mother for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth Stern. The Sterns were 40 and 41 years old. They had been married for 12 years and were childless. Mrs. Stern had a mild case of multiple sclerosis and was unable to bare any children. Although Whitehead promised in the contract that she would form no bond with the baby, she knew in the delivery room she could not give up her child. Whitehead ended up kidnapping the new born. The case proceeded to a much- publicized trial entailing six . The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay Example For Students The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay Surrogate parenting refers to an arrangement between a married couple who is unable to have a child because of the wifes infertility and a fertile woman who agrees to conceive the husbands child through artificial insemination, carry it to term, then surrender all parental rights in the child. Often, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her services. The final step in the process is typically the fathers acknowledgment of paternity and adoption, with his wife, of the child. Through surrogate motherhood, a couple desiring a child need not wait an indefinite number of years for an adoptable baby, as generally happens at the present time. The married couple obtains a child who is the husbands biological offspring- a child for whose existence both husband and wife can feel responsible. We will write a custom essay on The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Surrogate parenting is highly controversial by its very nature. Nevertheless, surrogate parenting is attracting wide spread attention as a viable alternative for infertile couples intent on having a child. Contract surrogacy is officially little more than ten years old, although surrogate mothering is a practice that has been known since biblical times. In 1986 alone 500 babies had been born to mothers who gave them up to sperm donor fathers for a fee, and the practice is growing rapidly. For this reason there are many questions and doubts that arise from this subject. Often there are many legal difficulties that come about with surrogate parenting. In some states the contracts that insure the infertile couple the baby of the surrogate mother mean nothing. This, in turn, can cause huge problems if the surrogate mother were to change her mind about giving up her child. Who has the rights to the child in this awful situation? Surrogate parenting is a wonderful alternative for infertile couples as long as all partys involved are educated on the subject and are fully aware of the pros and cons of this risky business transaction. Unfortunately laws on surrogate parenting arent very helpful. Increasing numbers of surrogate custody cases are finding their way into the courtrooms. The most dramatic problem arises when the surrogate mother decides she wants to keep the baby. Whether she decides early or late in the pregnancy, at birth, or after the child is born, the ultimate issue is whether she or the infertile couple have parental rights. How is the law to respond to this kind of problem? Normally people would agree that a contract is a contract and therefore the infertile couple should be the ones to receive the baby. Unfortunately for some of us more sympathetic people this decision is not that simple. By changing her mind the surrogate mother is showing maternal feelings that are surely not reprehensible. Although she has promised to give up the baby her change of heart seems more understandable than dishonorable. After all how can a woman truly be expected to know how it will feel to give birth to a child and then have to give it up? These are very good questions that tend to leave one undecided as to which partys demand is justifiable and should be upheld. Instead of deciding surrogacy issues on the basis of the law and policy of the states, judges could look for guidance from the U.S. Constitution. Constitutional arguments can be made on both sides of the classic surrogacy dispute involving the mother who changes her mind about giving up her child. Resolution of the constitutional issues will depend ultimately upon assessing and weighing the various factors at stake. Like decisions based on contract and criminal law, constitutional decisions will take account of the partys interests, the childs interests, societys interests, and the effectiveness of legalization and regulation as opposed to prohibition. .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .postImageUrl , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:hover , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:visited , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:active { border:0!important; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:active , .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u18da07340acd598929cb2e31dbae7c2f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Asian History in Canada Essay Many Americans remained unaware of these dramas, but virtually everyone in the United States became aquainted during 1987 with the plight of Mary Beth Whitehead and Baby M. Mrs. Whitehead was a twenty-nine year old house wife. She already had two children, and decided she would be the surrogate mother for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth Stern. The Sterns were 40 and 41 years old. They had been married for 12 years . The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay Example For Students The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting Essay Surrogate parenting refers to an arrangement between a married couple who is unable to have a child because of the wifes infertility and a fertile woman who agrees to conceive the husbands child through artificial insemination, carry it to term, then surrender all parental rights in the child. Often, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her services. The final step in the process is typically the fathers acknowledgment of paternity and adoption, with his wife, of the child. Through surrogate motherhood, a couple desiring a child need not wait an indefinite number of years for an adoptable baby, as generally happens at the present time. The married couple obtains a child who is the husbands biological offspring- a child for whose existence both husband and wife can feel responsible. We will write a custom essay on The Prevalent Issues Of Surrogate Parenting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Surrogate parenting is highly controversial by its very nature. Nevertheless, surrogate parenting is attracting wide spread attention as a viable alternative for infertile couples intent on having a child. Contract surrogacy is officially little more than ten years old, although surrogate mothering is a practice that has been known since biblical times. In 1986 alone 500 babies had been born to mothers who gave them up to sperm donor fathers for a fee, and the practice is growing rapidly. For this reason there are many questions and doubts that arise from this subject. Often there are many legal difficulties that come about with surrogate parenting. In some states the contracts that insure the infertile couple the baby of the surrogate mother mean nothing. This, in turn, can cause huge problems if the surrogate mother were to change her mind about giving up her child. Who has the rights to the child in this awful situation? Surrogate parenting is a wonderful alternative for infertile couples as long as all partys involved are educated on the subject and are fully aware of the pros and cons of this risky business transaction. Unfortunately laws on surrogate parenting arent very helpful. Increasing numbers of surrogate custody cases are finding their way into the courtrooms. The most dramatic problem arises when the surrogate mother decides she wants to keep the baby. Whether she decides early or late in the pregnancy, at birth, or after the child is born, the ultimate issue is whether she or the infertile couple have parental rights. How is the law to respond to this kind of problem? Normally people would agree that a contract is a contract and therefore the infertile couple should be the ones to receive the baby. Unfortunately for some of us more sympathetic people this decision is not that simple. By changing her mind the surrogate mother is showing maternal feelings that are surely not reprehensible. Although she has promised to give up the baby her change of heart seems more understandable than dishonorable. After all how can a woman truly be expected to know how it will feel to give birth to a child and then have to give it up? These are very good questions that tend to leave one undecided as to which partys demand is justifiable and should be upheld. Instead of deciding surrogacy issues on the basis of the law and policy of the states, judges could look for guidance from the U.S. Constitution. Constitutional arguments can be made on both sides of the classic surrogacy dispute involving the mother who changes her mind about giving up her child. Resolution of the constitutional issues will depend ultimately upon assessing and weighing the various factors at stake. Like decisions based on contract and criminal law, constitutional decisions will take account of the partys interests, the childs interests, societys interests, and the effectiveness of legalization and regulation as opposed to prohibition. .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .postImageUrl , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:hover , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:visited , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:active { border:0!important; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:active , .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u558be4167932c63a8a2667285cdbed2a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Affermative Action Essay Many Americans remained unaware of these dramas, but virtually everyone in the United States became aquainted during 1987 with the plight of Mary Beth Whitehead and Baby M. Mrs. Whitehead was a twenty-nine year old house wife. She already had two children, and decided she would be the surrogate mother for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth Stern. The Sterns were 40 and 41 years old. They had been married for 12 years and were childless. Mrs. Stern had a mild case of multiple sclerosis and was unable to bare any children. Although Whitehead promised in the contract that she would form no bond with the baby, she knew in the delivery room she could not give up her child. Whitehead ended up kidnapping the new born. The case proceeded to .