Elusive Mommyhood - by Ginanne Brownell (Paperback)

About the Book

A profound exploration of assisted reproduction and surrogacy that combines intimate memoir with rigorous journalism.

Book Synopsis

In Elusive Mommyhood: An Investigative Reporter's Personal Journey into IVF and Surrogacy, international journalist Ginanne Brownell, whose work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times, embarks on a profound exploration of assisted reproduction and surrogacy that combines intimate memoir with rigorous journalism.

This groundbreaking book delves into the complex world of fertility treatments and surrogacy from a global perspective, shedding light on the evolving debates, historical contexts, and personal stories that shape this contentious field.

• Journey through the feminist arguments that both challenge and champion surrogacy and uncover the global history of IVF and surrogacy.
• Learn about the motivations behind women's decisions to become carriers and hear from the adult children born through these technologies.
• Engage with the current discussions and debates on donor conception and understand why many countries are reevaluating their IVF and surrogacy laws.

The book culminates with a pivotal narrative of the author's heavy involvement in the passage of the Michigan Family Protection Act-a landmark piece of legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2024. This historic reform marks a significant shift by decriminalizing surrogacy in Michigan-the last US state to do so. It is also broadly the first piece of legislation nationally around fertility treatments and surrogacy since the Alabama Supreme Court ruling earlier in the year.

Elusive Mommyhood is a compelling blend of personal reflection and investigative insight, offering readers a comprehensive look at the intersections of law, ethics, and human experience in the world of assisted reproduction.

Review Quotes

"A very important book for everyone, relevant to our times."

-Tig Notaro, comedian, podcaster, and actor

"Bravo to Ginanne Brownell for this important, moving book that blends her personal IVF and surrogacy story with a meticulously reported look at the national and international debates on this critical issue. A timely must-read on a life-changing topic."

-Mary Jordan, Pulitzer Prize winner, Washington Post associate editor, and bestselling author

"In a powerful blend of intimate memoir and compelling journalism, Ginanne Brownell tackles the many clichés and misunderstandings surrounding IVF and surrogacy, and also offers the reader a nuanced and empathetic view of the painful struggles infertility can bring. She manages to clarify, with honesty, humor, and compassion, a topic that is increasingly commonplace, and yet still deeply misunderstood. A must-read for anyone searching to deepen their understanding of a topic too often treated superficially."

-Claire Shipman, Peabody Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author

"A forensic look at one of the toughest, and most nuanced, ethical quandaries of modern times. Ginanne threads her own experiences of surrogacy into the history and science behind a process that is helping thousands of people to become parents, giving the book a deeply personal feel. If you think you have a view on surrogacy, infertility, or women's rights, read this book-then think again."

-Emma Haslett, journalist, author, and co-host of the Big Fat Negative podcast

"The journey to becoming a mother has never been more varied than it is at this moment in time-and Ginanne Brownell impressively sheds light on an increasingly important part of this conversation: surrogacy. Through the lens of her own moving story, and weaving in eye-opening research and insight from those on the inside through her journalistic rigor, she pulls back the curtain on a mysterious world still in its infancy but growing at pace. [This world is] still filled with as many misconceptions and complexities as [it is with] connection and joy; [it] stretches from the celebrities of California to the clinics of India and the law courts of her home state of Michigan. Whether surrogacy-or any aspect of fertility or parenthood, for that matter-has touched you or not, this is a breathtaking read in which page after page will leave you looking at life and love and legacy with a fresh perspective."

-Lauren Clark, health journalist