When a Child Has 3 ‘Parents,’ When Does the Contract End and Rearing Begin?
In the matter of the surrogacy case now in the process of being decided, it seems to me a very basic question has not been addressed: For what purpose did Mark and Crispina Calvert go to such extraordinary lengths to have a child? The answer seems obvious: They truly wanted it to love, nurture to adulthood and provide a loving environment.
That same basic question must be asked of Ms. Anna L. Johnson. She already has one child of her own. At any time she could have one or more children if she so chooses.
Then why would she go into a surrogacy agreement? She had already experienced carrying a child for nine months and giving birth. She knew what kinds of ties this experience brings. The only possible answer to her motivation then seems to be the money she would receive.
A child is entitled to a life with parents who sincerely want offspring, not for any monetary gain, but simply for experiencing the joys (and also the awesome responsibilities) of parenthood.
If Ms. Johnson receives the agreed amount of money to which the contract entitles her, then she has no further claim on the Calverts.
JOY M. BURRIS, Anaheim
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