The inability to reconcile the mind-blowing capabilities of science with our own emotional frailties generally provides suitable grist for the humor mill, but Joan Beck’s Jan. 22 column (“Careful before choosing Embryos ‘R’ Us as your womb provider,” Op-Ed) was unduly harsh.
As a former egg donor, I had the opportunity to meet with individuals suffering from infertility. Using sperm or egg donors is often a “last resort” option for couples who have endured months or years of hormone treatments that can take an extreme physical and emotional toll on both partners. The donor decision is not, in my experience, entered into lightly or with the hope of creating a baby designed, engineered and formulated to the couple’s specifications.
Furthermore, the private practice to which I donated eggs could hardly be described as a mass-production baby factory. It is run by a warm, caring physician and staffed with nurses, counselors and receptionists who sincerely care for the well-being of the patients and donors alike.
Imagine the emotional ramifications of being unable to fully participate in what society purports to be the most “natural” process on Earth. Infertile couples deserve our sympathy, not our sarcasm.
