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Gestational Surrogacy

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Gestational Surrogacy: A Discussion

My feelings regarding gestational surrogacy are limited only by my lack of knowledge on this subject. Moreover, I have no doubt this topic has passionate and appropriate arguments on both sides. Personally, family to me has included my nuclear family (husband and children) and extended family (parents, siblings, nieces, etc…). Once individuals choose to include third party participants in the formation or growth of their nuclear family; a whole host of challenges will be presented. In 2012, New Jersey utilized the Bioethics Commission to analyze this issue. A passage by Chief Justice Wilentz captured a sentiment shared by many. He stated, “There are, in a civilized society, some things that money cannot buy. In America, we decided long ago that merely because conduct purchased by money was “voluntary” did not mean that it was good or beyond regulation and prohibition. . . There are, in short, values that society deems more important than granting to wealth whatever it can buy, be it labor, love, or life” (Cassidy.H. 2012, para. 14). Utilizing gestational surrogacy as a viable option to parenthood is a very private and emotionally charged action and can lead to an equally charged reaction (good, bad or indifferent). My analysis of this topic raises deeper issues for me and in no way do I judge either side of this debate. Parenthood is challenging enough without including legalities as a birthday present for this little life. It has been noted that brand new babies are more desirable to parents than adopting someone else’s creation. As per VanDenAkker (2003) in an article entitled Genetic and gestational surrogate mothers’ experience of surrogacy; the belief system including these two forms of adoption include intrauterine and traditional adoption. He feels that obtaining a child using these methods are quite different. Jones states, “parental instincts may be increased by intrauterine adoption rather than later adoption” (p. 145-146). There are so many orphaned babies and children in this world. As we all desire and need a family, so do the orphaned. Adoption can be a complicated, costly and lengthy process. At least at the end of the process a child has a chance for love and the recipient (single parent) or recipients (two parent) have a chance at parenthood and all the challenges that accompany this monumental responsibility. Patients involved in gestational surrogacy are not to be judged by healthcare professionals and I would not anticipate a conflict within myself as it pertains to this debate.
I have not had the pleasure to be involved with a patient needing support or healthcare as it pertains to gestational surrogacy. My nursing practice has always been based off of the needs of my patient both medically and culturally. I welcome new learning experiences and challenges that test my self-awareness. References
Cassidy, Harold. (2012). The Surrogate Uterus: Baby M and the Bioethics Commission Report,
Copyright © The Witherspoon Institute, para. 14
VanDenAkker, Olga. (2003). Genetic and gestational surrogate mothers’ experience of surrogacy, Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology, p.145-146.

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