There are some very helpful books recommended by The Organization of Parents Through Surrogacy (OPTS) that touch on all aspects of Surrogate Parenting. Please note that not all of them are still in print; but, they may be available through your local library.
While most are geared towards adults, some children’s books are listed as well.
The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby by Ann Douglas and John R. Sussman, M.D., packed with helpful, detailed information about planning and managing a pregnancy and delivery, baby care and alternative parenting options including surrogacy and adoption. The book contains helpful parenting and fertility websites as well as a sample gestational surrogacy contract. Macmillian USA, N.Y., N.Y. 1999.
Getting Pregnant-What Couples Need To Know Right Now by Niels H. Lauersen, M.D.,Ph.D and Colette Bouchez. Updated, must-read fertility and pregnancy guide, including the latest treatments and techniques for a successful pregnancy. A Fireside book, Simon & Schuster, NY, NY 1991, 2000.
Resolving Infertility by the Staff of Resolve, The National Infertility Association with Diane Aronson, Executive Director. “Must-have” primer for infertility patients and anyone interested in infertility issues. The causes of infertility are discussed in-depth as well as the latest in medical treatments and parenting options. Emotional and financial aspects are covered. Tips for dealing with insurance, helpful questions to ask providers and a glossary of terms and a resource guide to other organizations are also included. Copies may be ordered on-line at Resolve’s website, http://www.resolve.org. In hard cover, Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY 1999
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Complete Guide to Fertility by Sandra Ann Carson, M.D. and Peter R. Casson, M.D. Examines the causes of infertility and the latest in reproductive treatments (including surrogacy). In softcover. Contemporary Books, Lincolnwood, IL 1999.
Expecting Miracles by Christo Zouves,M.D. California fertility specialist writes about hiscases. Henry Holt & Company, NY, NY 1999 (Call 1-888-330-8477)
Between Strangers by Lori B. Andrews, Professor of Law. Interviews surrogate mothers, discusses issues, gives history of surrogacy in US since 1976, examines how politics has shaped public policy against surrogacy in New York, Michigan and other states. Harper & Row, NY 1989. At the library.
New Conceptions by Lori B. Andrews. One of the earlier books on the new infertility treatments, Chapter 8 is still a good source of information about surrogate parenting. Topics include emotional, legal, medical and social aspects. Ballantine Books, NY 1984. At the library.
Beyond Infertility. The New Paths to Parenthood by Susan L. Cooper and Ellen S. Glazer In-depth discussion covering emotional and medical aspects of infertility treatment, IVF, pregnancy loss, egg and sperm donation, living child-free, surrogacy and embryo adoption. Must reading for prospective parents and surrogate mothers alike. Lexington Books, NY,1994
Gay Parenting – Complete Guide for Same-Sex Families by Shana Priwer and Cynthia Phillips. Family-building guide for same sex couples and gay singles includes chapters on adoption and surrogacy. Medical, legal and practical issues are discussed. New Horizons Press, Far Hills, NJ 2006
Surrogacy Was The Way…Twenty Intended Mothers Tell Their Stories by Zara Griswold. Written from the mothers’ perspective, this book shares their personal feelings, worries and expectations going through the surrogacy process. Emphasis is on internet arrangements, although problems with some agencies are also mentioned. Nightengale Press, Gurnee, IL. 2006
1998 – Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates, a report on clinic success rates by state, published Dec. 2000 b the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control in cooperation with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Resolve. Updates available on-line at the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/drh/art.htm .
Choosing Assisted Reproduction by Susan L. Cooper and Ellen S. Glazer. This helpful new book is a updated sequel to Beyond Infertility. Examines the social, emotional and ethical issues in building a family through ART. Topics covered include IVF, sperm and egg donation, surrogacy and embryo adoption. Perspectives Press, Indianapolis, IN 1998
Surrogate Motherhood – Conception in the Heart by Helena Ragone’ .First ethnographic study of surrogate mother programs, program directors, surrogates and commissioning couples. Dated, but interesting, study of the “surrogacy industry” from an anthropological point of view. Sample forms and contracts used for surrogacy and egg donation are included. Westview Press, Boulder, CO 1994
A Matter of Trust – The Guide to Gestational Surrogacy by Gail Dutton Softcover guide covering medical, psychological and legal aspects of Gestational Surrogacy. Information about ART statistics and surrogacy laws are also included, as well as a list of support groups. Clouds Publishing, Irvine CA 1997
The Infertility Survival Handbook by Elizabeth Swire Falker
Private Choices, Public Consequences by Lynda Beck Fenwick Examines the legal, ethical and moral dilemmas of new reproductive alternatives. Penguin Putnam, Inc. NY, NY 1998
Miracle Child by Cheryl Saban Writer Cheryl Saban is the wife of producer Haim Saban and mother of four children, two through gestational surrogacy. In her book, Cheryl tells how she overcame great obstacles to complete her family. New Horizons Press, Far Hills, NJ,1993
Getting Pregnant When You Thought You Couldn’t by Helane S. Rosenberg, PH.D. and Yakov M. Epstein, PH.D. Warner Books, Inc. NY 1993
Surrogate Parenting by Amy Zuckerman Overvold, Pharos Books, NY 1988. At the library.
Surviving Infertility by Linda P. Salzer, Harper Perennial NY 1992 At the library.
New Options for Fertility by Professor Arthur Wiscot, MD amd David Meldrum, MD Pharos Books, distributed by St. Martin’s Press 1990 At the library.
The Long-Awaited Stork by Ellen Glazer, Lexington Books, Lexington MA 1990 (A Guide to Parenting After Infertility).
Wanting Another Child by Harriet Fishman Simons (coping with secondary infertility) Lexington Books, New York, NY 1995
The Flight of the Stork by Anne C. Bernstein – What Children Think (and When) about Sex and Family Building, Perspectives Press Indianapolis, IN 1994
The Baby-Makers by Diana Frank and Marta Vogel, Carrol & Graf NY 1988 At the library.
In Vitro Fertilization by Geoffrey Sher, MD. New book providing in-depth information on the medical aspects of IVF and related procedures. Egg donation and gestational (IVF) surrogacy are covered. Facts On File, Inc., New York, NY. 1995
Having Your Baby Through Egg Donation by Ellen Sarasohn Glazer & Evelina Weidman Sterling. New book giving an overview of the egg donation process. The book discusses issues to consider when choosing donor eggs, working with mental health counselors and lawyers, handling medical aspects, privacy and openness and ethical issues, among others. Perspectives Press, Indianapolis, IN 2005.
Family Building through Egg and Sperm Donation by Machelle M. Seibel, MD and Susan L. Crockin, J.D. New book covering the medical, legal and ethical issues involved in using donor sperm and eggs. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA 1996
Dr. Richard Marr’s Fertility Book by Richard Marrs, MD. Empowers infertile couples to understand and take charge of their infertility. The newest medical treatments and reproductive alternatives for family-building (including surrogacy) are discussed. Delacorte Press, New York, NY 1997
A Gay Couples Journey Through Surrogacy – Intended Fathers by Michael Menichiello. A father writes about his surrogacy experience. In paperback. Haworth Press, Binghamton, NY 2006
For Children:
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. This book is not about Surrogacy, adoption or about the difficulties of getting/having a baby. It is about how much a baby is loved and how special each individual is.
The Kangaroo Pouch by Sarah Phillips Pellet
From Out of My Body Your Soul Did Grow by Rozanne Nathalie
Recipes of How Babies are Made by Carmen Martinez Jover. Explains how babies are made in all kinds of ways: Egg/Sperm donation/Surrogacy/Adoption/IVF
Phoebe’s Family by Linda Stamm, Psy.D. Shows how egg donation can be explained to young children. Colorful, upbeat book promotes open communication and honesty. 2003, Roswell, GA. Available from Tapestry Books at http://www.tapestrybooks.com or call 800 765-2367.
Hope and Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Adoption by Irene Celcer, MSW.
A collection of children’s books to explain surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation and embryo adoption. Also coming: books to explain conception and adoption. Published 2007 by Graphite Press, NY.
Hope & Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Egg Donation, ISBN 9780975581018 (0975581015)
Hope & Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Embryo Donation, ISBN 9780975581025 (0975581023)
Hope & Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Sperm Donation, ISBN 9780975581032 (0975581031)
Hope & Will Have a Baby: The Gift of Surrogacy, ISBN 9780975581049 (097558104X)
Interesting Articles: My Surrogate Mom Blog
For more information: http://www.hopeandwill.net or http://www.icelcer.com
