A Mother's Story: The Truth About the Baby m Case

by Mary Beth Whitehead, Loretta Schwartz-Nobel

Surrogate mother Mary Beth Whitehead tells her side of the sensational Baby M case--how she decided to become a surrogate mother and why she later refused to give up the child

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

220 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tambra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but sad.

[Dara S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was about one of the early surrogacy cases that took place in 1980's. Mary Beth Whitehead agreed to have a child for a couple using her own egg and the husband's sperm. After the baby, Baby M (Melissa) was born, Mary Beth realized she could not give her up. The Whitehead's went into hiding, but eventually were found and custody was awarded the the father and his wife. Mary Beth sued for custody or at the very least visitation. Mary Beth was vilified in the courts and the case when all the way to the Supreme Court. When Melissa was about 2 years old Mary Beth was awarded visitation.

[Jennifer Ficklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good read. Although I had seen the movie and sympathized with the Sterns I wanted to know more about Mary Beth Whitehead Gould. As a mom I can empathize with both sides. Yes, Mary Beth knew what she was doing when she agreed to carry a child for the Sterns she did not plan or think about the bond that grows with mother and child as it develops. One was not better than the other in my opinion. I am glad that Melissa got to grow up and know both of her families. Very well written from a mothers point of view.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is Mary Beth Whitehead's account of what happened when she became a surrogate mother in 1986 and decided not to give up the baby. They went through a lot of court rulings and terrible times for both sides. I remember seeing this on TV. Of course, this is Mary Beth's account. I'm sure the Stern's account is completely opposite. It would be interesting if Melissa (Baby M) would write her own story.

[Whimsical · Rating 3 out of 5]

The excitement and trauma of surrogacy!!!