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Misconception: One Couple's Journey from Embryo Mix-up to Miracle Baby
In February of 2009, Shannon Morell and Paul Morell were especially eager to bring a new life into the world. After years of infertility and miscarriages they had, in 2006, finally scrimped and saved enough to have in vitro fertilization. The result? Two dear daughters had been born, and six precious embryos had been frozen.
They counted the days until they could transfer the six remaining embryos. Until the fateful day of February 17, 2009, when the clinic called. “The doctor would like you to come in today,” Shannon writes. “Face to face with the doctor, I noticed that his face was gravely serious. 'There's been a terrible incident in our lab,' he said. 'Your embryos have been thawed.' A pause, as we both exchanged disbelieving looks, and he went on...'Your embryos have been transferred into another woman.'"
The Morells have a story to tell. A cautionary tale of medical errors, unexpected miracles, sincere mourning, and grateful bonding with their son. Amazingly, theirs is also a story of joy-filled thanksgiving...a story of life that is precious, sacred, and treasured.
They counted the days until they could transfer the six remaining embryos. Until the fateful day of February 17, 2009, when the clinic called. “The doctor would like you to come in today,” Shannon writes. “Face to face with the doctor, I noticed that his face was gravely serious. 'There's been a terrible incident in our lab,' he said. 'Your embryos have been thawed.' A pause, as we both exchanged disbelieving looks, and he went on...'Your embryos have been transferred into another woman.'"
The Morells have a story to tell. A cautionary tale of medical errors, unexpected miracles, sincere mourning, and grateful bonding with their son. Amazingly, theirs is also a story of joy-filled thanksgiving...a story of life that is precious, sacred, and treasured.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 12, 2011
I read the other side of this story first in Carolyn Savage's book "Inconceivaable," so my opinion may be slightly skewed here. Regardelss of what side of this horrible embryo transfer mistake you find yourself, this situation is heartbreaking and really just unfathomable. That said, I find myself sympathizing with Carolyn, who has to carry this baby and give it away, much more than I do with Shannon Morell, who misses out on being pregnant. Now, don't get me wrong, I would never want to find myself in Shannon's situation either, as being pregnant and giving birth to your own child is one of the best and biggest honors in life. But the thought of doing that knowing that you have to turn the baby over to someone else really just makes me applaud Carolyn Savage's strength. There is no doubt that the Morells will be forever grateful to the Savages, but I feel like there is no amount of gratitude adequate enough here. I feel badly saying that- like Shannon is the bad guy or something and needs to kiss Carolyn's feet forever. I don't mean it that way. Shannon found herself on the raw end of a fertility clinic's tragic error too and my heart goes out to her for the way her plans were altered. I just feel like Carolyn Savage found herself on the rawer end of that deal.
March 20, 2011
This book is the story of a couple, Sharon and Paul, who tragically had their embryos from an IVF cycle transferred into another woman who falls pregnant. After initial concerns that the pregnant woman may terminate their baby, it was confirmed that she would carry the baby to term and then hand the baby over to the biological parents.
The story seemed like it would be better, but I found Sharon's complaining about how hard it was for her that she wasn't able to carry her own child quite annoying. At the birth she bursts into tears because she won't be able to tell her son what she was thinking the moment he was born or hear his first cry. I found myself thinking that the accidental surrogate must have had it a lot harder. Carrying someone else's child when you wanted one of your own so desperately, and knowing that you would be handing it over at the end must have been such a massive situation to deal with.
It did happen in America, and I have to hope that the New Zealand clinics are a lot more stringent with their policies to make sure that nothing like this could ever happen here.
The story seemed like it would be better, but I found Sharon's complaining about how hard it was for her that she wasn't able to carry her own child quite annoying. At the birth she bursts into tears because she won't be able to tell her son what she was thinking the moment he was born or hear his first cry. I found myself thinking that the accidental surrogate must have had it a lot harder. Carrying someone else's child when you wanted one of your own so desperately, and knowing that you would be handing it over at the end must have been such a massive situation to deal with.
It did happen in America, and I have to hope that the New Zealand clinics are a lot more stringent with their policies to make sure that nothing like this could ever happen here.
July 14, 2011
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book better if I read it before the other couple's story, Inconceivable. Compared to that book this one was trite and sort of pathetic. While I did feel badly for her lack of connection with the baby during pregnancy she was able to take the baby home. The other book was full of such heartache (I cried on the airplane as I read the ending) but this book seemed full of complaints. A difficult comparison though since one couple lost a baby, and the other gained one; both couples being thrown into this situation unwillingly.
July 25, 2011
I read this book after reading the other side of the story first (not intended, I didn't even know about this book when I picked up the other one), and it's impossible to not take the other book into account as I read this. There must have been an easier way to state that but I'm not going back now.
This book is much shorter and could have probably been even shorter. My initial reaction when I read the other book was that I was not a big fan of Shannon, but this book actually changed my mind. I think Carolyn Savage was dealing with very raw emotions and the horror of being put into an impossible situation, and I don't think you can be placed in that situation and not have a skewed perception of things.
I think they were very different women and coped very differently, but I don't think one was better than another. I think at one point Carolyn took offense at what Shannon viewed as "God's will" that she carry her baby, but I don't think that is fair -- I think people's vision of God and the world is very private and that you need to try to respect that.
I was a little annoyed about Shannon continually harping on the pro life issue, because I believe just because someone is pro choice that doesn't mean that they would have aborted this baby. Life is more complicated than that, it's not just black and white.
I can't imagine being put in either of their situations and I think they both showed great strength and both wanted to do "the right thing" although it wasn't always clear what that was. It's hard to react appropriately when you don't know someone to begin with and are brought together by a very emotional situation.
I wish them all the best.
This book is much shorter and could have probably been even shorter. My initial reaction when I read the other book was that I was not a big fan of Shannon, but this book actually changed my mind. I think Carolyn Savage was dealing with very raw emotions and the horror of being put into an impossible situation, and I don't think you can be placed in that situation and not have a skewed perception of things.
I think they were very different women and coped very differently, but I don't think one was better than another. I think at one point Carolyn took offense at what Shannon viewed as "God's will" that she carry her baby, but I don't think that is fair -- I think people's vision of God and the world is very private and that you need to try to respect that.
I was a little annoyed about Shannon continually harping on the pro life issue, because I believe just because someone is pro choice that doesn't mean that they would have aborted this baby. Life is more complicated than that, it's not just black and white.
I can't imagine being put in either of their situations and I think they both showed great strength and both wanted to do "the right thing" although it wasn't always clear what that was. It's hard to react appropriately when you don't know someone to begin with and are brought together by a very emotional situation.
I wish them all the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2011
Although the story was interesting, it needed to be told as a magazine article and not a book. There just wasn't enough story to fill a whole book. It was extremely redundant and slow moving.
The main point of the story was what prompted me to read it - what happens when an infertility clinic mixes up frozen embryos and gives them to the wrong parents. How should everyone respond? What moral/ethical obligation does the receiving family have to preserve the life of the implanted embryo who is not their biological child? What rights do the biological parents have?
Fortunately for this family, their story ends well. And while I applaud them for trying to address the ethical issues their story highlights, I think they could have done even more in this regard.
They seem to advocate in vitro fertilization, even though they know it raises huge ethical issues, such as what to do with frozen embryos the parents don't want to use, how many eggs to fertilize, what makes a "viable" embryo, etc. I find it hard to believe that the authors can still advocate for IVF, even after all they've been through and what they learned. I also find it a bit shameful that they didn't better educate themselves about the process and their choices before they moved ahead. I think that's one of the clear dilemmas of IVF, that parents so eager to have children may make uninformed decisions, and infertility clinics aren't always diligent to help parents understand their choices and risk losing clients in the process.
The main point of the story was what prompted me to read it - what happens when an infertility clinic mixes up frozen embryos and gives them to the wrong parents. How should everyone respond? What moral/ethical obligation does the receiving family have to preserve the life of the implanted embryo who is not their biological child? What rights do the biological parents have?
Fortunately for this family, their story ends well. And while I applaud them for trying to address the ethical issues their story highlights, I think they could have done even more in this regard.
They seem to advocate in vitro fertilization, even though they know it raises huge ethical issues, such as what to do with frozen embryos the parents don't want to use, how many eggs to fertilize, what makes a "viable" embryo, etc. I find it hard to believe that the authors can still advocate for IVF, even after all they've been through and what they learned. I also find it a bit shameful that they didn't better educate themselves about the process and their choices before they moved ahead. I think that's one of the clear dilemmas of IVF, that parents so eager to have children may make uninformed decisions, and infertility clinics aren't always diligent to help parents understand their choices and risk losing clients in the process.
June 17, 2010
In the end, I did enjoy the book. Fast read and really explained their side of the story. I have more in common with her than first imagined. Her struggle was much like that of adoptive parents. The appendix at the end gave great advice to anyone contemplating IVF.
I'll be interested to read the Savages' story next February.
No surprise why I grabbed this book. I wanted to know more because my gut instinct is to be angry with these people and demand they give back the baby to the woman who was pregnant with and gave birth to him. IVF is a slippery slope and being on both sides of adoption, to me it didn't matter that biologically Logan was the Morells. Jury is still out on whether the book will change my mind.... (I do hope both couples sue the shit out of that fertility clinic.)
So far the book is very interesting. Brandon and I have not done IVF because we feel it is taking the creation of life out of God's hands. (Plus it is just way too expensive to even consider otherwise.) The Morells believe that IVF is taking advantage of God-given technology (and the fact that they live in an area where it doesn't cost near what we've been quoted).
I'm beginning to sympathize with and understand the Morell's. I'd like to read the Savages book, if they ever decide to write one.
I'll be interested to read the Savages' story next February.
No surprise why I grabbed this book. I wanted to know more because my gut instinct is to be angry with these people and demand they give back the baby to the woman who was pregnant with and gave birth to him. IVF is a slippery slope and being on both sides of adoption, to me it didn't matter that biologically Logan was the Morells. Jury is still out on whether the book will change my mind.... (I do hope both couples sue the shit out of that fertility clinic.)
So far the book is very interesting. Brandon and I have not done IVF because we feel it is taking the creation of life out of God's hands. (Plus it is just way too expensive to even consider otherwise.) The Morells believe that IVF is taking advantage of God-given technology (and the fact that they live in an area where it doesn't cost near what we've been quoted).
I'm beginning to sympathize with and understand the Morell's. I'd like to read the Savages book, if they ever decide to write one.
May 19, 2012
I read this in early April and I should have reviewed it then. I found the book written by the other couple, I forget their name now, a few months before reading this. The first one intrigued me because it's so upsetting this can happen.
I can't imagine this happening to me - in either woman's circumstance. It would turn my entire world inside out. Much as it would for most any woman.
It's hard to read both books because both women went through something devastating. Regardless of whether someone agrees with something/anything Shannon Morell thinks she still went through something most of us never will.
It's hard to read because the entire time I put myself in both women's positions and it wasn't easy. I can't imagine carrying someone else's baby and then handing him or her over. I also can't imagine my eggs being put into another woman and ever experiencing all of the things that come with pregnancy.
I'd recommend reading both books although it's been so long I can't say which I'd recommend reading first. If you read one you almost have to read the other just to get both families perspectives.
I can't imagine this happening to me - in either woman's circumstance. It would turn my entire world inside out. Much as it would for most any woman.
It's hard to read both books because both women went through something devastating. Regardless of whether someone agrees with something/anything Shannon Morell thinks she still went through something most of us never will.
It's hard to read because the entire time I put myself in both women's positions and it wasn't easy. I can't imagine carrying someone else's baby and then handing him or her over. I also can't imagine my eggs being put into another woman and ever experiencing all of the things that come with pregnancy.
I'd recommend reading both books although it's been so long I can't say which I'd recommend reading first. If you read one you almost have to read the other just to get both families perspectives.
June 26, 2010
Shannon and Paul's story is a straight-forward and honest commentary about their experience. I've seen mixed reviews about it and reviewers commenting that the book is poorly written and all Shannon does is complain. I simply thought that it was one family's honest account of their difficult experience. I also think this story is one that you truly cannot understand unless you live it. I can only imagine how I would feel.
The Morells share their IVF experience with conceiving their twin daughters and how they planned for future children by freezing their remaining embryos. A week before the planned appointment to being IVF the second time, they were told by their doctor that their embryos had been thawed and mistakenly implanted into another woman.
I remember seeing this story in the media and being shocked. I realize that no one is infallible, but I can't imagine a mistake on this level. My disappointment in this book is that there is no information about the consequences for the fertility clinic. There should be severe consequences for the clinic. The portrayal of their doctor is that he was rather cavalier, even while being apologetic, and that the clinic kept trying to get them to come back for more IVF.
This is a really fast read, and an interesting one. The Morells talk a lot about their Christian belief and view of IVF and include many references at the end. I did find Shannon to be somewhat self-centered. Everything was about her and she showed very little concern for the Savage's feelings.
I'd love to read Sean and Carolyn Savage's story, if they ever choose to write about it. I think they must be incredibly selfless people to put aside their own disappointment and carry this child for someone else.
The Morells share their IVF experience with conceiving their twin daughters and how they planned for future children by freezing their remaining embryos. A week before the planned appointment to being IVF the second time, they were told by their doctor that their embryos had been thawed and mistakenly implanted into another woman.
I remember seeing this story in the media and being shocked. I realize that no one is infallible, but I can't imagine a mistake on this level. My disappointment in this book is that there is no information about the consequences for the fertility clinic. There should be severe consequences for the clinic. The portrayal of their doctor is that he was rather cavalier, even while being apologetic, and that the clinic kept trying to get them to come back for more IVF.
This is a really fast read, and an interesting one. The Morells talk a lot about their Christian belief and view of IVF and include many references at the end. I did find Shannon to be somewhat self-centered. Everything was about her and she showed very little concern for the Savage's feelings.
I'd love to read Sean and Carolyn Savage's story, if they ever choose to write about it. I think they must be incredibly selfless people to put aside their own disappointment and carry this child for someone else.
April 25, 2019
I'm not really sure how this book crossed my radar, but the last time I stopped by the library it was with my holds. I actually left it sitting around the house for a week or so, then when I did pick it up I had a hard time stopping reading.
This was a horrible situation, one that put both families in a bad place, making big decisions that would affect them all. I think they all did the best they could with the cards they were dealt. You could tell how worried Paul and Shannon were, if their baby would really be theirs and not really wanting to push Dan and Carolyn, yet they wanted to know everything that happened.
Now that I'm done with the book I realize that all of this happened 10 years ago. I wish that we were able to check in with both couples to see how their lives are, my hope is that everyone is living happily.
On a side note, I see there is a book from Dan and Carolyn's point of view, I plan on checking that out to see their take on things.
This was a horrible situation, one that put both families in a bad place, making big decisions that would affect them all. I think they all did the best they could with the cards they were dealt. You could tell how worried Paul and Shannon were, if their baby would really be theirs and not really wanting to push Dan and Carolyn, yet they wanted to know everything that happened.
Now that I'm done with the book I realize that all of this happened 10 years ago. I wish that we were able to check in with both couples to see how their lives are, my hope is that everyone is living happily.
On a side note, I see there is a book from Dan and Carolyn's point of view, I plan on checking that out to see their take on things.
July 22, 2014
This book was really disappointing and really frustrating. However, I am not sure if it was me or the book. I picked this book up because I am a Christian woman who is struggling with infertility. I was looking for the author's opinions on the ethics of reproductive technology which were formed through her experiences. What I got was a recounting of her experiences and feelings presented in a relatively poor way, which made reading the book quite difficult.
The book could have been a third of the size if she hadn't repeated her own thought processes and feelings over and over again in rephrased sentences. I felt she was trying to trick us into thinking she was saying something new, but she wasn't really. There were no in-depth discussions about reproductive ethics in the main part of the book; just her sensationalised experience. I know saying that her experience was sensationalised may seem harsh, but it was... when she ends her paragraphs with rhetorical questions or when she forms one sentence paragraphs made up of dramatic statements, she is sensationalising her experience. And that makes me sad, because infertility, reproductive technology and medical ethics is a serious issue and we need to have a serious debate about it... not make it the subject of a Reader's Digest blurb. I feel that people who have not struggled with infertility would read the book and think. "Oh my goodness, that's crazy how something like that has happened." and move on without having been challenged by the topic or pushed to think on these issues. And for myself, as someone who is struggling with infertility, the book has not aided me in my struggle or encouraged me.
If anything, I felt alienated... but I accept that feeling of alienation probably comes from my own insecurities in my infertility. When she went on about how she would never be pregnant again, I thought that at least she got to be pregnant once as opposed to a lot of woman, like myself, who never will be. She talked about how her experience felt like that of adoption but was worse because they didn't choose it and adoptive parents do... but as a prospective adoptive parent I am extremely frustrated that I have to choose adoption and cannot have my own children. I acknowledge that my feelings in relating to her feelings are just as valid as her feelings and therefore cannot take away from her right to express how she felt in those moments. It just evoked frustration in me.
She talked about how she wanted to keep everything private and personal and she thought she couldn't share things with people... which made me so angry. I am a generation below her and I wish, wish, wish people like her had opened up about their experiences so that people like me could have been prepared for what I am now going through. I didn't understand the prevalence of infertility before I was diagnosed with it. No one had any discussion with me about dealing with childlessness... why can't we talk about these issues as Christians, in our churches, so that we feel we have community together? I want to be as open as I can about my experience so that newly married couples, teenagers, anyone feels comfortable coming up to me and asking me serious questions.
I was also disappointed that she didn't talk about the success rate of IVF. My husband and I have completed one cycle unsuccessfully and when we first went to the doctor he discussed a 40% success rate with us. That means, more likely than not, IVF is not going to be successful. It's wonderful that they were successful on their first attempt, but I felt that she mentioned friends and stories of people who have undergone IVF who all have children. I just wished she presented the real odds before getting into her own personal experience, because false hope is something that is not needed when dealing with reproductive issues. It is emotionally difficult enough.
The thing I really did enjoy about this book was the appendix... if the whole book had been like the appendix I would have loved it. Through the appendix I learnt a lot (like the section and advice on single embryo transfers) and her passion for the topic really came through and I respected her a lot more because of that. It was informative and challenged Christians to really consider the ethics, pros and cons of assisted reproductive technology. The appendix epitomises the type of discussion and information that needs to be available to young people to make sure the issue is not hidden away, but dealt with openly.
The book could have been a third of the size if she hadn't repeated her own thought processes and feelings over and over again in rephrased sentences. I felt she was trying to trick us into thinking she was saying something new, but she wasn't really. There were no in-depth discussions about reproductive ethics in the main part of the book; just her sensationalised experience. I know saying that her experience was sensationalised may seem harsh, but it was... when she ends her paragraphs with rhetorical questions or when she forms one sentence paragraphs made up of dramatic statements, she is sensationalising her experience. And that makes me sad, because infertility, reproductive technology and medical ethics is a serious issue and we need to have a serious debate about it... not make it the subject of a Reader's Digest blurb. I feel that people who have not struggled with infertility would read the book and think. "Oh my goodness, that's crazy how something like that has happened." and move on without having been challenged by the topic or pushed to think on these issues. And for myself, as someone who is struggling with infertility, the book has not aided me in my struggle or encouraged me.
If anything, I felt alienated... but I accept that feeling of alienation probably comes from my own insecurities in my infertility. When she went on about how she would never be pregnant again, I thought that at least she got to be pregnant once as opposed to a lot of woman, like myself, who never will be. She talked about how her experience felt like that of adoption but was worse because they didn't choose it and adoptive parents do... but as a prospective adoptive parent I am extremely frustrated that I have to choose adoption and cannot have my own children. I acknowledge that my feelings in relating to her feelings are just as valid as her feelings and therefore cannot take away from her right to express how she felt in those moments. It just evoked frustration in me.
She talked about how she wanted to keep everything private and personal and she thought she couldn't share things with people... which made me so angry. I am a generation below her and I wish, wish, wish people like her had opened up about their experiences so that people like me could have been prepared for what I am now going through. I didn't understand the prevalence of infertility before I was diagnosed with it. No one had any discussion with me about dealing with childlessness... why can't we talk about these issues as Christians, in our churches, so that we feel we have community together? I want to be as open as I can about my experience so that newly married couples, teenagers, anyone feels comfortable coming up to me and asking me serious questions.
I was also disappointed that she didn't talk about the success rate of IVF. My husband and I have completed one cycle unsuccessfully and when we first went to the doctor he discussed a 40% success rate with us. That means, more likely than not, IVF is not going to be successful. It's wonderful that they were successful on their first attempt, but I felt that she mentioned friends and stories of people who have undergone IVF who all have children. I just wished she presented the real odds before getting into her own personal experience, because false hope is something that is not needed when dealing with reproductive issues. It is emotionally difficult enough.
The thing I really did enjoy about this book was the appendix... if the whole book had been like the appendix I would have loved it. Through the appendix I learnt a lot (like the section and advice on single embryo transfers) and her passion for the topic really came through and I respected her a lot more because of that. It was informative and challenged Christians to really consider the ethics, pros and cons of assisted reproductive technology. The appendix epitomises the type of discussion and information that needs to be available to young people to make sure the issue is not hidden away, but dealt with openly.
May 8, 2010
Wow! What a story! I was interested in this book since I've had several miscarriages and I'm now looking at IVF as an option. I'm really glad I read this book. She brings up questions to consider that I never thought about. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have a stranger carrying your baby. That had to be terrible. As someone who has struggled to conceive and have a successful pregnancy, I could really relate.
When I first picked up this book, I thought I knew the story from interviews on T.V, but there's so much more detail in the book. I'm glad I purchased it.
I plan on recommending this book for my book club. There's really a lot to think about: medical, ethics, legal, and infertility issues. Lot's of great discussions!
At first I thought Shannon would be anti-IVF, but I found that she is still pro-IVF. Her story was frightening, but these kind of mistakes are rare. I was really glad to gain insight on questions about embryo grading and I now feel confident about embarking on IVF.
This was a quick read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I'm so glad that there was a happy ending. What a tough time both women had to experience. This story restores my faith that there are still good people in this world. I plan on recommending this book to all my friends, even those who aren't experiencing infertility.
When I first picked up this book, I thought I knew the story from interviews on T.V, but there's so much more detail in the book. I'm glad I purchased it.
I plan on recommending this book for my book club. There's really a lot to think about: medical, ethics, legal, and infertility issues. Lot's of great discussions!
At first I thought Shannon would be anti-IVF, but I found that she is still pro-IVF. Her story was frightening, but these kind of mistakes are rare. I was really glad to gain insight on questions about embryo grading and I now feel confident about embarking on IVF.
This was a quick read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I'm so glad that there was a happy ending. What a tough time both women had to experience. This story restores my faith that there are still good people in this world. I plan on recommending this book to all my friends, even those who aren't experiencing infertility.
April 5, 2011
Wow; what a story! I'm planning on reading "the other side" for book club (the book Inconceivable by Carolyn Savage) but I was glad to read this, too, to see both points of view. This sounds almost too crazy to be true, but indeed, it was: in a mix-up at the lab, a couple undergoing IVF is placed with the wrong embryos: Shannon Morell's embryos. As I came to see what prompted the Morells to use IVF as a tool toward conception (first for their twin girls and then for the son, whose in-utero life in a stranger's womb made him famous before birth), I felt for them. But what I liked most about this book were the issues regarding the sanctity of life that were threaded throughout the story; it gave me a lot to think about. As compelling as the story is, though, I thought it was rather poorly written -- an easy read, sure, but awkward in places (especially when Paul's point of view was included -- just a couple of paragraphs every forty pages or something). And while I think that the Morells' story is fascinating and no doubt a test of their faith, they were left at the mercy of others (the lab in the first place, the Savages in the second) -- I'm looking forward to the other point of view, seeing how they made their heroic decision when faced with a terrible circumstance.
January 15, 2016
I thought the authors did a good job describing what it was like to have their baby carried by a women they didn't know because of an embryo mix up. What stood out most was the loss of control, from the initial concern over whether the other women would be willing to carry the baby to term, to the health choices she made while pregnant, to whether she would willingly give the baby to the genetic parents after birth. The other thing that stood out was the author's sadness over not getting the experience of being pregnant with her child. I would, however, have liked to have heard less about the author's pro-life political beliefs and her belief that the baby rightfully belonged with her family, and a lot more empathy and gratitude toward the woman (and her husband) who ended up pregnant with her baby because of the embryo mix up, then willingly carried her baby to term, loved and bonded with it, and gave them the baby without any custody challenges. All in all, though, the authors did a good job of describing what it was like to have their baby carried by another women because of an embryo mix up.
May 7, 2010
MY REVIEW:
The title really states what the book is all about. It's the emotional story of two families caught in the effect of human error.
This story held some twists and turns that would make one think it had to be fiction. However, this is a true story despite the hurt and pain caused. I appreciated the honesty with which Shannon shared their journey to overcome something bad in order to enjoy the blessing. It is such an amazing encouragement to read of the sacrifice of one family for another so that life could be celebrated.
In this audio version I greatly enjoyed the narrator and the high quality reading. It was easy to listen to and engaging.
While I don't necessarily agree with the views and beliefs presented in this book about IFV, it was still a fascinating biography and testimony to the sanctity of life. It's a book you won't want to put down/turn off until you've read the last page or heard the last track.
* * * * *
This audio book was provided for review courtesy of christianaudio
The title really states what the book is all about. It's the emotional story of two families caught in the effect of human error.
This story held some twists and turns that would make one think it had to be fiction. However, this is a true story despite the hurt and pain caused. I appreciated the honesty with which Shannon shared their journey to overcome something bad in order to enjoy the blessing. It is such an amazing encouragement to read of the sacrifice of one family for another so that life could be celebrated.
In this audio version I greatly enjoyed the narrator and the high quality reading. It was easy to listen to and engaging.
While I don't necessarily agree with the views and beliefs presented in this book about IFV, it was still a fascinating biography and testimony to the sanctity of life. It's a book you won't want to put down/turn off until you've read the last page or heard the last track.
* * * * *
This audio book was provided for review courtesy of christianaudio
December 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, but of course, being such a controversial case- everyone is going to have an opinion on the stories that both Shannon (being the biological mother of an embryo turned pregnancy mix up case) and Carolyn (the woman of whom the mixed up embryo..becoming a baby was implanted with)..share. The story flowed well and I can only respect and appreciate Shannon's raw honesty in sharing her experiences about how she and her family felt and dealt with the invitro lab's extreme fault of transplanting her emryo's into another woman. Of which then resulted in a pregnancy for that woman. Shannon lays all her negativity, vunerability and also positivity bare in her side of the story. She lay's a little too heavily her feelings about the debate of 'when life begins', repeating her stance on it a little too frequently and heavy handidly which was tiring to constantly read about. I didn't agree with certain situations and actions of the Morell family and a few things annoyed me, however I can't judge having not gone through her situation. Great read though. Id recommend it.
June 3, 2014
I will review more fully when I have time but for now I did review the book on the same topic by the other set of parents (Carolyn and Sean Savage, titled Inconceivable ) involved in this story and tho that review is mostly about that book I do touch on a couple things about this book too. So for anyone in a big rush to hear any comments on this book I touch on a bit about both in that review.
Overall though an interesting view into the other couples story as I read this book second. I feel terrible any it these ppl went thru this and am happy last I read or heard about any of them they all had their happy endings to their childbearing. May they all move on and enjoy the children, and I hope that they all stay in touch for Logans sake even a few times a year if possible bc then when he understands one day he won't be like "gross a stranger??" But rather our family friend whose like an aunt...oh wow. No kid is hurt by having 2 dads want to play ball with him etc.
Full review to come soon.
Overall though an interesting view into the other couples story as I read this book second. I feel terrible any it these ppl went thru this and am happy last I read or heard about any of them they all had their happy endings to their childbearing. May they all move on and enjoy the children, and I hope that they all stay in touch for Logans sake even a few times a year if possible bc then when he understands one day he won't be like "gross a stranger??" But rather our family friend whose like an aunt...oh wow. No kid is hurt by having 2 dads want to play ball with him etc.
Full review to come soon.
October 9, 2011
After reading Inconceivable, I wanted to hear the other side of the story. I didn't feel that Misconception: One Couple's Journey from Embryo Mix-up to Miracle Baby really expressed how the Morell's felt about the situation - it seemed to leave out parts and wasn't as detailed. I thought Inconceivable was written better and gave you a better perspective of the situation.
Still worth a read, especially if you know of this couple's story.
Still worth a read, especially if you know of this couple's story.
January 19, 2015
I wept when I came to a pivotal point in this couple's journey to have a child. Fortunately, I was home alone and could let the tears flow freely. I normally like to go to a coffee shop to read. So I felt it complete gift to firstly, find this book as a giveaway at a local coffee shop, and secondly, to connect with this couple from the privacy of my home.
With that being said, I have to ask what hit me that caused such a reaction? I have been blessed to not have had problems in the conception and birth of my children. But like anyone else, I have experienced loss. And it is the universal pain over loss that we as human beings experience that affected me the most.
A must read for everyone.
With that being said, I have to ask what hit me that caused such a reaction? I have been blessed to not have had problems in the conception and birth of my children. But like anyone else, I have experienced loss. And it is the universal pain over loss that we as human beings experience that affected me the most.
A must read for everyone.
February 14, 2013
It was good to hear the other side of the story that was told in Inconceivable by Carolyn and Sean Savage. I understand Shannon and Paul Morell's feelings more now.
It seems to me that in trying to be polite and respectful of each others feeling throughout this mix-up and pregnancy, they ultimately lacked communication and understanding of how each other was really feeling. They may have felt offended unnecessarily.
It's an impossible situation to imagine and I really feel if you read this book, you need to read the other too, in order to be subjective to each woman's point of view.
It seems to me that in trying to be polite and respectful of each others feeling throughout this mix-up and pregnancy, they ultimately lacked communication and understanding of how each other was really feeling. They may have felt offended unnecessarily.
It's an impossible situation to imagine and I really feel if you read this book, you need to read the other too, in order to be subjective to each woman's point of view.
May 30, 2013
I first read, Inconceivable A Medical Mistake the Baby We Couldn't Keep and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift and I knew I wanted to read this book to hear the other side of the story. The Morell's do a great job of sharing their unbelievable and personal story. A good quick read that is worth reading, as is the Savage's story.
August 1, 2011
Interesting book. This couple tried to ensure their embryos would be handled in a pro-life manner, in accordance with their beliefs, and chose a lab they had thoroughly checked out....but disaster happens when, a week before Shannon Morell was to have some of their remaining embryos implanted into her womb, the couple finds out all the embryos had been thawed, and some implanted into someone else...the rest were discarded; human error...
An easy read, with a good ending...
An easy read, with a good ending...
June 30, 2011
Very interesting to read the other side of this sad story. This was much less emotional than 'Inconceivable.' I read it in 1 day. The writing is quite poor and I had a hard time relating to Shannon. Misconception did not affect me the same way Inconceivable did.
Book club discussion will be fascinating!
Book club discussion will be fascinating!
July 17, 2011
I just didn't "jive" with Shanon. Like Sanz, I found her completely un-relatable. While I feel bad for the situation and know she had no control over what happened to her, I find myself having a hard time feeling sorry for her. In fact I really had a hard time feeling anything while I read this book. But it was interesting to read it right after Inconcievable.
April 23, 2011
After reading "Inconceivable" I wanted to see the other side to the story. This family was much more likeable than the Savages. Easy read. Very interesting.
May 6, 2012
Quick read, the pace moved along fast. So sad to think this could happen.
May 12, 2014
I read the other side of this story first do maybe that skewed my thoughts. The other side seemed heartbreaking. While I felt for this couple it just felt selfish.
September 1, 2011
When I finished the book Inconceivable, by Carolyn & Sean Savage, I found myself wishing I could read the other side of the story and was pleased to discover that the Morrell's had written their version too. I thought their book, Misconception, kind of drug on. I realize it's hard to write about an experience that is difficult for you, but this was all about how Shannon Morrell felt cheated out of a pregnancy. Carolyn got to experience the pregnancy but had to give the baby over to the Morrell's for the rest of his life. I realize it would a terrible position to have to be on either side of this issue.
I think that both of these books would be great for someone who is considering IVF. This book addressed the Morrell's feelings about the procedure after going through this experience. There were a lot of issues raised that couples should think about before considering this procedure.
For me, it made me wonder why neither couple considered adoption of a baby or child that is without parents in this country, or abroad. The procedure is very expensive and there are some risks involved. Wouldn't money be better spent trying to adopt a baby that needs a home? It made me wonder if technology has gone too far in trying to play God. Then, when human error occurred, some are quick to blame God or question why He allowed this to happen.
This book definitely makes you analyze your feelings about this procedure and other medical technology.
I think that both of these books would be great for someone who is considering IVF. This book addressed the Morrell's feelings about the procedure after going through this experience. There were a lot of issues raised that couples should think about before considering this procedure.
For me, it made me wonder why neither couple considered adoption of a baby or child that is without parents in this country, or abroad. The procedure is very expensive and there are some risks involved. Wouldn't money be better spent trying to adopt a baby that needs a home? It made me wonder if technology has gone too far in trying to play God. Then, when human error occurred, some are quick to blame God or question why He allowed this to happen.
This book definitely makes you analyze your feelings about this procedure and other medical technology.
December 2, 2011
This is a extremely emotional story and must have been hard for the authors to open themselves up to all the media furore. I know couples who have been through IVF without all these complications, and it is without doubt an emotional rollercoaster, so what happened to this family must have been devastating. I didn’t really enjoy this audio as I found it too repetitive throughout. I would have liked to have heard more of the husband’s side of the story too, as I found it very one-sided. It is very much about Shannon's emotions, thoughts and feelings.
Personally I think this book would’ve been better as a novel based on a true story or maybe written in the third person. I think listeners who like modern biographies might enjoy this. The narrator’s voice is very easy to listen to and she does well with all the emotion.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
Personally I think this book would’ve been better as a novel based on a true story or maybe written in the third person. I think listeners who like modern biographies might enjoy this. The narrator’s voice is very easy to listen to and she does well with all the emotion.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
April 27, 2011
This story was absolutely fantastic. I can not wait to read the other side of this story. The thing I disliked the most was Shannon's attitude. I agree, it was a horrible situation to be in but I often felt like Shannon played the victim role. Yes it sucked, but you got your baby in the end. How do you think Carol felt? I also wasn't really crazy about Paul. He almost insinuated at point in this book that they wouldn't be able to afford the transfer and that is why God did this. I don't know, these ppl didn't rub me the right way but I still enjoyed the book. I felt like they were throwing out the God card a lot but not really feeling the God card if that makes sense. I really think I'll like the Savages side better.
July 15, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book. I felt the writing was pretty good and accurately portrayed their experience. I read the unofficial companion book "Inconceivable" first and found I had a hard time relating to that author. In a weird way, I had more empathy for the carrying mom after reading this book by the genetic mom. I would have liked to read more about Shannon's empathy for Carolyn and I would have preferred to see the two women open up to each other and be honest. But maybe that's a fiction story! The two of them had a lot in common but apparently felt they couldn't put their burdens on the other? Of the two, I honestly feel Carolyn had the worse end but Shannon was cheated out of an experience and I enjoyed reading about her side of the story.
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