Review by Choice Review
Walker and van Zyl (both, philosophy, Univ. of Waikato, NZ) have written a truly original and bold work. They argue that there is an option between the traditional dichotomy of surrogate pregnancy understood as either altruistic or commercial, an option they call the "professional model." The professional model sees surrogacy as akin to those professions that focus on care such as medicine, social work, and so on. The model is one in which the surrogate is paid for her service; the intended parents have the rights and obligations of parentage from the birth; there is a regulatory framework emphasizing support for all parties; the rights of the surrogate vis-à-vis intended parents (and vice versa) are recognized; and surrogates and clinics are licensed. Each feature of the professional model is thoroughly detailed, developed, and defended. Furthermore, key worries, such as exploitation of women, the commodification of the women and the children, transnational surrogacy, and surrogate/parent relationship, are addressed. Written in a clear, easy style, this volume is accessible to all readers, whatever their background knowledge of the issue. The book will be of particular interest to those in bioethics, law, policy, and medicine, and of course those involved in professions that deal with issues surrounding fertility. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --James McBain, Pittsburg State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
