Book Review- Richard Westoby Our Journey One Couples guide to U.S. Surrogacy
I love surrogacy, and I especially love reading about other peoples’ surrogacy stories, so I picked up “Our Journey - One Couples Guide To U.S. Surrogacy,” by Richard Westoby. I thought I was going to read a book which would share their journey to parenthood, but unexpectedly, it was vastly more comprehensive, with extensive chapters focusing not only their personal journey, but additionally giving extraordinary sound advice for any potential recipient parent contemplating a surrogacy journey.
Sadly, for those interested in surrogacy, there are very few credible resources. The majority of message boards and websites which focus on surrogacy are cesspools of false and inaccurate content.Relying upon these online resources could ultimately result in very dire circumstances for both intended parent and surrogate mother alike the advice offered is completely wrong.
Most books written by recipient parents are typically
first-person accounts of how their surrogacy journey
led to them become parents.
In stark contrast is Westoby’s book. He shares not only the story of how he and his partner, Steven, both of whom reside in the United Kingdom, became parents using the help of an American gestational carrier and an egg donor, but also demystifies the entire surrogacy process in a chapter by chapter format by discussing key elements of a surrogacy journey. These elements are further accentuated by the author posing key questions relating to each chapter. At each chapter’s conclusion, Westoby asks probing questions to the reader regarding what to think about during critical decisions any recipient parent must confront when embarking upon a surrogacy journey. He not only includes questions that recipient parents should reflect upon, but also pertinent questions a recipient should ask all parties involved, including the gestational carrier, surrogacy agency, and other professionals involved with ensuring a seamless surrogacy journey.
Their surrogacy journey from their perspective was a positive and enjoyable experience to read. Though not without unexpected surprises, the book both highlights their journey as well as provides accurate and reliable information that would be of use for any current or future recipient parent. This book is a must read for anyone considering becoming parents through surrogacy, regardless of whether or not they are international or domiciled in America.
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