In the book of Genesis, we read of a couple who couldn't have children of their own yet,

but they were impatient, so instead of believing God to fulfill his promise,

they took matters into their own hands and brought a child into existence through means of their choosing.

We all know the story of Abraham, Hagar, and their son Ishmael,

as we all know that both mother and child suffered as a result

of that decision. And the more things change, the more they stay the same. It turns out that mothers

and children today are falling victim to a very similar practice. I'm Shane Morris, and joining me

today on the Breakpoint podcast is one of my fellow breakpoint writers

who also reports for world. Maria Baer has taken a special interest lately in the practice of surrogacy,

of taking matters into our own hands in a scientific sense and bringing babies into existence

through the hiring of a third party. Maria, welcome to the Breakpoint podcast. Hey, Shane. Thanks for having me.

For those who may not know, explain for us the practice of surrogacy. How does it work and why do

people engage in it? Sure. So there are really two ways that surrogacy happens. There's the commercial

way and then they're sort of like through a personal relationship.

It can happen.

Both ways are fairly common.

I think the personal relationship way is more common in the United States.

But essentially the way it works is typically when in a couple is infertile so they're

unable to have children of their own.

They will hire a woman to carry a baby for them.

And usually what happens at that point is the father in the couple will give a sample of his sperm,

and then the mother, if she's able, will give her egg.

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