CAN HARD TIMES CAN MAKE ONE PROSTITUTE THE VERY ESSENCE OF LIFE?
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INI WONDER ABOUT WOMEN SELLING THEIR HAIR IN INDIA AND BOTH MEN AND MOMBMEN SELLING BODY PARTS IN INDIA AS WELL. NOW WOMBMEN IN AMERICA ARE SELLING THEIR OWN LIFE ESSENCE? WHAT DO THE I'S FEEL ABOUT THIS?
Hailemah~Timeless
Stephanie Smith
CNN
NEW YORK (CNN) -- With a full load of classes, two young children and her bills piling up, Michelle decided to face her economic straits in a pretty unorthodox way.
As the nation's economy is slumping, some fertility clinics say interest in donating has surged.
She is donating her eggs to an infertile couple.
"The cost of living is crazy right now, with two kids, gas prices and rent. ... I'm living paycheck to paycheck," said the 24-year-old, who did not give her last name to protect her identity. "I just really need the money to finish school."
Michelle is not alone. As the nation's economy is slumping, some fertility clinics say interest in donating has surged.
"We are seeing an increase in inquiries, but we're not sure if it's due to the economy or increased awareness," said Dr. Susan Willman, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Reproductive Science Center of the Bay Area. In July 2007, the Reproductive Science Center received 120 calls inquiring about egg donation. This year, that number jumped to 158 calls. Watch more from Dr. Sanjay Gupta on selling eggs »
"We are so inundated right now," said Robin von Halle, president of Alternative Reproductive Resources.
Von Halle said that 30 to 50 inquiries a day from potential donors come in to her Chicago, Illinois, agency, which connects would-be parents with donors and surrogates. A year ago, it would have been 10 to 30, she said.
Talking to other people in the field has convinced von Halle that applications from potential donors are up "across the board."
The increase in inquiries correlates with tough economic times, von Halle said. "I know that's why they call us, for that financial remuneration," she said. "They don't like to openly admit that, but some people are saying that."
"I think there is a spike more for financial reasons," said Mahshid Albrecht, manager of Donor Services at the Reproductive Science Center. "But is that the only reason? Probably not."
An egg donor is typically compensated between $5,000 and $10,000. Experts say that although most women donate out of desire to help infertile couples, the financial allure is real.
"It's important to understand that if a young woman walks into a clinic and says she wants to be an egg donor, the clinic doesn't just sit down and say, 'Sure' and hand them money," said Dr. Mark Hornstein, president of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology. "There are national guidelines. It's a tightly orchestrated, stringent process."
And it's not an easy process.
Before a single egg is cultivated, a donor must undergo a battery of psychological and physical exams. That vetting process can last from 30 to 40 days, and 90 percent of women are eliminated before a single egg is culled.
Once a donor is selected, she is injected with powerful hormones for up to three weeks to promote egg production. There are also blood tests and up to 10 visits to the fertility center for ultrasound monitoring.
"It is such a long, agonizing process," Michelle said. "It's six to eight weeks of poking and probing and blood work."
Then there are the risks. The most dangerous is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, when ovaries become enlarged. Although most short-term risks are mild -- bloating, weight gain and abdominal pain -- less is known about long-term risks.
Women who smoke, have a body mass index above 30 or have a history of gynecologic problems are ineligible to donate.
Despite the intensive screening, ethical questions still linger about fertility for financial gain.
"In an ideal world, it would be nice to not have to give financial compensation," Weller said. "But I work for a living trying to help people, and I get paid for it. Is that OK? Yeah, I think that's OK.
"These women have something no one else can give," she adds.
Michelle says that although her finances drove her to donate, she's also motivated by wanting to help others.
"The best thing I've ever been in my life is a mom, and to help someone else is a cool opportunity," said Michelle. "Knowing that it works is much better than the money."
A 28-year-old in Chicago, Illinois, Melissa, who has donated her eggs four times, told the Chicago Sun Times much the same thing.
"I have two children of my own, and I definitely wanted other families to be able to have that opportunity," she told the Sun Times. "For my family, [the money] wasn't a necessity, but it was a nice nest egg if things should get worse. My husband is in construction, and ... that's not doing so well right now."
INI WONDER ABOUT WOMEN SELLING THEIR HAIR IN INDIA AND BOTH MEN AND MOMBMEN SELLING BODY PARTS IN INDIA AS WELL. NOW WOMBMEN IN AMERICA ARE SELLING THEIR OWN LIFE ESSENCE? WHAT DO THE I'S FEEL ABOUT THIS?
Hailemah~Timeless
Stephanie Smith
CNN
NEW YORK (CNN) -- With a full load of classes, two young children and her bills piling up, Michelle decided to face her economic straits in a pretty unorthodox way.
As the nation's economy is slumping, some fertility clinics say interest in donating has surged.
She is donating her eggs to an infertile couple.
"The cost of living is crazy right now, with two kids, gas prices and rent. ... I'm living paycheck to paycheck," said the 24-year-old, who did not give her last name to protect her identity. "I just really need the money to finish school."
Michelle is not alone. As the nation's economy is slumping, some fertility clinics say interest in donating has surged.
"We are seeing an increase in inquiries, but we're not sure if it's due to the economy or increased awareness," said Dr. Susan Willman, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Reproductive Science Center of the Bay Area. In July 2007, the Reproductive Science Center received 120 calls inquiring about egg donation. This year, that number jumped to 158 calls. Watch more from Dr. Sanjay Gupta on selling eggs »
"We are so inundated right now," said Robin von Halle, president of Alternative Reproductive Resources.
Von Halle said that 30 to 50 inquiries a day from potential donors come in to her Chicago, Illinois, agency, which connects would-be parents with donors and surrogates. A year ago, it would have been 10 to 30, she said.
Talking to other people in the field has convinced von Halle that applications from potential donors are up "across the board."
The increase in inquiries correlates with tough economic times, von Halle said. "I know that's why they call us, for that financial remuneration," she said. "They don't like to openly admit that, but some people are saying that."
"I think there is a spike more for financial reasons," said Mahshid Albrecht, manager of Donor Services at the Reproductive Science Center. "But is that the only reason? Probably not."
An egg donor is typically compensated between $5,000 and $10,000. Experts say that although most women donate out of desire to help infertile couples, the financial allure is real.
"It's important to understand that if a young woman walks into a clinic and says she wants to be an egg donor, the clinic doesn't just sit down and say, 'Sure' and hand them money," said Dr. Mark Hornstein, president of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology. "There are national guidelines. It's a tightly orchestrated, stringent process."
And it's not an easy process.
Before a single egg is cultivated, a donor must undergo a battery of psychological and physical exams. That vetting process can last from 30 to 40 days, and 90 percent of women are eliminated before a single egg is culled.
Once a donor is selected, she is injected with powerful hormones for up to three weeks to promote egg production. There are also blood tests and up to 10 visits to the fertility center for ultrasound monitoring.
"It is such a long, agonizing process," Michelle said. "It's six to eight weeks of poking and probing and blood work."
Then there are the risks. The most dangerous is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, when ovaries become enlarged. Although most short-term risks are mild -- bloating, weight gain and abdominal pain -- less is known about long-term risks.
Women who smoke, have a body mass index above 30 or have a history of gynecologic problems are ineligible to donate.
Despite the intensive screening, ethical questions still linger about fertility for financial gain.
"In an ideal world, it would be nice to not have to give financial compensation," Weller said. "But I work for a living trying to help people, and I get paid for it. Is that OK? Yeah, I think that's OK.
"These women have something no one else can give," she adds.
Michelle says that although her finances drove her to donate, she's also motivated by wanting to help others.
"The best thing I've ever been in my life is a mom, and to help someone else is a cool opportunity," said Michelle. "Knowing that it works is much better than the money."
A 28-year-old in Chicago, Illinois, Melissa, who has donated her eggs four times, told the Chicago Sun Times much the same thing.
"I have two children of my own, and I definitely wanted other families to be able to have that opportunity," she told the Sun Times. "For my family, [the money] wasn't a necessity, but it was a nice nest egg if things should get worse. My husband is in construction, and ... that's not doing so well right now."
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Menace II Babylon on -
This is not prostituion. In my personal opinion it is not prostitution and selling the essence of life. For some women that do it for financial gain such is the order of the day and that is a personal choice. Man does donate sperm in sperm banks for future use once they have tested it to see and if not healthy it is chucked out. Is that not selling the essence of life too? Hey without us the egss would be nothing.
We get paid for our seeds as well. Some people need help and if they do so be it and it shall be given. Some fari would say it was not meant to be and that is the 1940’s mentality and attitude. 2008 and a rash of technology is available to assist and should not be scorned.
Prostitution is the oldest profession in the world and is here for life. This is a different from of so called prostitution which I see as needed in this day and age. They are so many people in this world who can’t have children naturally and they need a push. That is why we have to appreciate the technology available. If it was you I could guarantee you would try everything possible to make sure you can make it happen. To those that don’t have kids it will happen eventually and if there is a designated problem do not scorn technology when it could be the only way of making it happen.
I have an idren proper upright fari, and his wife has been trying for a child for three years. Things are not right internally as she had an ecoptic (spelling) pregnancy
and that finished damaged whatever was left as she was hospitalized for some time. It was that serious. If not for the process of egg donations and IVF I would not have one of my many god child, who is now 2 and living and enjoying life.
Automatically we can say why not adopt why not foster. These are some of the most worthy causes out there in our societies today regardless to different opinions. They are some people who can’t conceive naturally due to the man or the female and sometimes they do need a push. I was reasoning with him and I was encouraging him to just allow it and what will be will be. He made it known that she feels not like a woman because of the ability to bring a youth and it is causing her to dislike herself and affect her self esteem and was seeing herself as failure as she took it to the extreme. Some people try all they want and it cant get pregnant or bring forth the youths naturally.
I think these services are needed in society. If some people see theirs It is there choice. Mankind even sells his organs such as livers and kidneys on the black market and India is notorious for that so. In comarison to see some one poor sell a kidney for a bit of food or a liver to some wealth tourist looking to skip the donation lists. Kind of makes an egg seem small in comparison. We both suffer, men with low sperm counts and women where the egg wont latch on and progress. I don’t see it as prostitution Trini I more see it as offering a service. Sometimes the womb is tilted, reverted or simple things like fibroids and stuff prevent these things from happening naturally. Why not use donated eggs? Is it against Rastafari?
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Permalink Reply by Ras Dasein on -
IanI seed/eggs in the womb of 'them' is but another path through which Ivolution will go the way of the fittest .
There are good reasons why the 'rich' are having problems with fertility - ipso facto, 'they' are dying out! Better a seller than a buyer be, in this case - as long as IanI procreate successfully and prolifically iANi is winning the 'race' of life'. If such a sister or brother use her bio-resources to finance and improve living for her pickneys in these very 'hard times' and create more life from her genetic blueprint in the womb of another this seems doubly-good from an Ivolutionary (survival) standpoint. I am sure no one would choose such a course of action if not necessarry, likewise which of us would choose to work as a wage-slave in factory, office, warehouse, court room, police station, battle field etc, for BAbylon ATM cash-machine, if not because of 'hard times'? Prostitutes? iAni are all PROSTITUTES in BAbylon disorder, all complicit, and there is no time, nor love, in taking moral high ground against those who may have less choices in how they are able to interact with the market, vis a vis sruvival.
dasein
xxx
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Permalink Reply by Negus Amlak on -
I DONT SEE MUCH DIFFERENCE IN THE CONCEPT, STILL ON THE AUCTION BLOCK. till it become glamorous....
Peace and Love Rastafari
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Permalink Reply by elvis on -
The Hearts of men is desperately wicked above all things,and if it was possible, the very elect would be deceived. Praises be unto his name Jahrastafari.stop fighting against these things brothers for these things must come to past, just be of good cheer and stand firm( for the love of money is the root of all evil). and know that jah live's
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Permalink Reply by Menace II Babylon on
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Unfortunately I dont hold the same view. Know i have been told i am colonized. Anything that can assist people who cant get kids the opportunity to have kids cannot be compared to slavery or prostitution. If in comparison to people selling their organs and parts is not prostitution or greed. Poverty more like it.
Nothing to do idren ras Dasien with the rich nor the poor as these things affect everyone and it doesnot know or recognise the class barrier and my idren for sure he aint rich..... Sometimes people cant produce and they need help and if they can I say get it. So if a young lady gives up an egg to assist in reproduction she is evil and wicked elvis? I dont think so. When people in third world countries sometimes off their organs for sale is it prostitution? I think not...
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Permalink Reply by Ras Dasein on
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My most prolific breedren Menace,
Rich and poor is - in a market-centered world, always the issue, brother. The Majority World population is poor, far too poor to be 'buying' even the most basic health care services, much less obtaining the latest in IVF treatments!.
iani in the West are all RICH, which is why iAni suffer these and many other problems. Of course people in the Majority World also suffer infertility but as they cannot even dream to enter the market place for the latest technological answers to this problem, ethical issues regarding the treatment (which is what iani is discussing here, naa true?) are not brought to bare, ie, are not a problem.
I certainly do not think that anyone suffering from infertility is 'evil' nor do place any moral judgement any of this matter. Yet everyone who cannot accept 'what is' (transexuals spring to mind but also people who have any purely cosmetic surgery) has, by definition, a 'problem' that must be resolved one way or another. To 'want' children when you 'can't' have them is a problem for the RICH (by my defintion) alone!!!
I wrestle with and seek to extend the term 'prostitution' not to make 'sinners of us all' but to show that what many disparigingly term 'prositution' is 'Hola Livity' to I, if it tends towards survival. That is i one and only value.
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Permalink Reply by Negus Amlak on
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Giving thanks,
Maybe some of the ones who are deemed infertile, would like to investigate adoption as an alternative solution, there are millions of homeless and abandoned children in the world, who have no mothers or fathers to raise and care for them.
Just as a one may see the cry of infertile couples, as a noble issue to be aware of and to scientifically cater to, so is the cry of the orphans worldwide, this is just as noble, and less scientifically risky and financially strenuous.
Adoption is an option.
Peace and Love Rastafari
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Permalink Reply by Ras Irie Child on -
yes i. polygamy would also be an option for this infertility issue. however, i would imagine there would need to be discussion on whether the other sistren was there just as the answer to 'making a baby'. evidently this thought alone would probably not be the best reason to add another sistren to the household. there should be more involved than, "can she make a baby"... but i'm sure you vibes me on dat. could go on and on abt that, but trying to stick to topic. short and sweet.
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Permalink Reply by Hailemah Amhara SolomonTimelessI on -
GREETINGS I'S, INI AM SO SHORT ON GETTING BACK TO THIS REASONING... DIDN'T KNOW IT WENT THIS FAR....
BUT LIKE I BAJAN BREDREN SAID ABOUT ANOTHER POST BY RAS RAVIN, (SOMETIMES THE ORIGINAL ESSENCE OF A REASONING EVOLVES AND MEANDERS ON INTO A DIFFERENT FLAVOUR LIKE HERE FOR INSTANCE)
SOME ONE USED THESLAVE BLOCK ANAOLGY?....WHICH IS REALLY SOMEWHAT RELATED, SLAVE BLOCK, SELLING SEEDS(OUR CHILDREN) AS WELL AS OUR INTEGRITY IN SOME CASES.
HEY, I'M TEHFIRST ONE TO BE CONSIDERING I SELF"OPEN MINDED', BUT CARRY ON IMILY, INI WILL FOLLOW UP WITH THIS ONE IN A FEW DAYS SEE WHERE ELSE IT GO!
LOVE, HAILEMAH
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Permalink Reply by Aziza Walidah "Newly Born" on -
Unfortunately, most honorable and wise brehdrehnh Negus Amlak
some cannot afford adoption.
Ihi have recently checked into the adoption process and it cost over $10,000 to do this.
If the Ihizh know of a much more financially able way, please let Ihi know.
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Permalink Reply by Aziza Walidah "Newly Born" on
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What would the Ihi suggest to an Empress who could not bear seeds of her own, but desparately wanted a family, and to concieve of it naturally, but biologically could not?
Not meant to be accusatory, but asking from a strictly personal perspective
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Permalink Reply by Bootsie D'Acosta on -
Bless Empress
One has to decide the level of humility one wants to live. The humble road entails a harder walk than the easy road. Internal complications come about when face with such decisions with most disheartening outcomes.
One must constantly ask Jah for light guidance to make right decisions.
Thank you for the reasoning sis. We must learn to think on every level.
Bless Sistren
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