Whether the topic is contraception, abortion or different aspects of assisted reproduction, women have been fighting for the right to make the decisions about their own bodies for years. It seems to me that how, when and why we choose to build our families falls into that same category – a decision women fight to make about their own bodies.

A story recently reposted to the Huffington Post (originally posted on Grindstone.com) asks whether surrogacy is “becoming a trend for the high-powered career woman,” and shares various opinions on how, when and why women choose to build their families. How is this any different?

The reasons hopeful parents work with surrogates are many and varied, but the choice to do so is just that – a choice. And with so many recent threats to women’s reproductive health options, it is a choice that must be protected.

Why do others – experts or not – have the right to weigh in on this very personal decision? Have we really come such a long way? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

“Infertility stinks. It is the worst thing in the world.”

Giuliana Rancic, television personality and guest co-host of last Friday’s special episode of The View, expressed the opinion of so many when she shared her own struggle to have a child. In an hour that focused primarily on surrogacy, the show took a look at alternative approaches to family building and included experts, celebrities, and every day couples sharing their advice and stories. Co-host Sherri Shepherd even disclosed that she is considering using a surrogate in the future after a difficult first pregnancy, when she delivered her son nearly four months prematurely.

After a five year attempt to become pregnant with IVF, Alexis Stewart discussed the difficult decision to turn to surrogacy. Her sage advice? “Someone else should do the screening,” she said. Sanford Bernardo, an east coast surrogacy legal expert, agreed and encouraged intended parents to work with a responsible program in order to find a suitable candidate. In spite of frustrating, inevitable “ups and downs” along the way, Stewart’s journey led to the birth of her daughter earlier this year.

Later in the show, Melanie and Michael Thernstrom introduced us to their “twiblings.” With the help of an egg donor and not one but two different gestational surrogates, the brother and sister were born just days apart. Another unique aspect of their story is the fact that they remain close with both surrogates a couple of years later. “Our kids wouldn’t exist without the generosity of these women,” Melanie said. “They exist because of the generosity of strangers, and they too can do something to really help other people.”

Michael admitted that it is a “strange thing to bring strangers into this very intimate part of your life. By far the scariest part was the part before we met them. Once we met them – this is true with the egg donor too – they’re wonderful people. The kind of people you’d want to entrust this incredible trust to.”

Both of the Thernstrom’s surrogates shared a bit about their experiences as well. “It’s been a blessing,” Fie said. “It’s added something special to our lives.”

The hosts did pose an important question to the Thernstroms, something that all intended parents using third party assistance will likely face – jealousy. “Maybe I would feel this way,” Rancic admitted. “I’m missing from this equation.”

Melanie’s response? “I had come to terms with my infertility. I had a long period of failure to do that,” she explained. “I think once you do that, feeling jealous is like – you’re drowning and someone’s rescuing you. Are you jealous that they’re a better swimmer? They’re saving your life.” What an amazing analogy for the selfless gift of life surrogates and egg donors provide!

We thought it was a job well done, sharing different perspectives and attitudes on a very complex, highly emotional and controversial topic. What do you think? Was it an accurate depiction of what recipients and surrogates go through during this process? Could it change the average viewer’s idea of what surrogacy is all about? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

The recent additions to Elton John’s and Nicole Kidman’s families via gestational surrogate has sparked a renewed interest in the process around the globe. We’re thrilled more people are being educated about family building options – but you may be surprised to learn that “compensated” surrogacy is actually illegal in some countries like Australia, where a law was passed in November to further deter prospective parents from considering this approach.

The NSW (New South Wales) Surrogacy Act threatens those who pay for a surrogate, either at home or abroad, with up to 2 years in jail and $110,000 in fines. It’s incredibly discouraging to see more roadblocks for people already struggling to have children – now, they risk facing prosecution for using alternative approaches. Many legal experts suspect the new law will ultimately cause people to lie about their children’s births in order to protect their families and are encouraging State Parliament to reconsider.

On a more promising note, a Family Court out of Melbourne, Australia recently granted a gay couple who have twins through surrogacy a major victory – full parental rights for the father not genetically linked to the children. Our hope is that this decision will pave the way for other same-sex parents in Australia and around the world to build their families using alternative options without fear and added stress. As Justice Paul Cronin pointed out, “As a matter of law, the word ‘parent’ tends to suggest some biological connection, but…biology does not really matter; it is all about parental responsibility.” He added, “In this case, the children do not have the benefit of a mother, but they have the good fortune of having two fathers.”

We couldn’t agree more.