Surrogate Motherhood and the Politics of Reproduction [Paperback]

Susan Markens takes on one of the hottest issues on the fertility frontsurrogate motherhoodin a book that illuminates the culture wars that have erupted over new reproductive technologies in the United States. In an innovative analysis of legislative responses to surrogacy in the bellwether states of New York and California, Markens explores how discourses about gender, family, race, genetics, rights, and choice have shaped policies aimed at this issue. She examines the views of key players, including legislators, women's organizations, religious groups, the media, and others. In a study that finds surprising ideological agreement among those with opposing views of surrogate motherhood, Markens challenges common assumptions about our responses to reproductive technologies and at the same time offers a fascinating picture of how reproductive politics shape social policy.

Susan Markensis Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at City University of New York, Lehman College.

Susan Markens has written an original, insightful book about reproductive politics in the United States, sure to be of wide intellectual and public interest. Focusing on the history of statewide surrogacy regulation and the corresponding 'culture wars' spawned by fertility issues, she offers a fresh look at a vexing and timely social issue.Surrogate Motherhood and the Politics of Reproductionis feminist political sociology at its finest. Monica J. Casper, author ofThe Making of the Unborn Patient

Policy and law on surrogacy and related issues remain in flux, as do society's views as to the directions in which we should move. Markens' analysis is rich, original, and sound, and she writes with clarity and conviction. Her comparative approach offers a more penetrating analysis than would a study of a single setting.Surrogate Motherhoodis certain to make an impact: the work is timely, convincing, and intellectually sound.ló€