As a child-free individual, I realize I am biased against surrogacy and other forms of infertility treatment, the subject of your story on the Madison Surrogacy Center ("Creating Families," 12/4/09).
But one of my reasons for being child-free is my concern about overpopulation and the impact this has on the planet. Overpopulation is a direct cause of poverty, famine, pandemics, war and sprawl, not to mention global climate change. The irrationality and selfishness of those who suffer from "baby rabies" never ceases to amaze me.
I am truly puzzled that so many people are turned off by adoption. Lack of access to birth control, dishonest sex education, restrictions on abortion and an unashamedly pro-natalist society has resulted in millions of children in desperate need of homes. I find it unconscionable that infertile couples would choose to create yet more children just to have their own mini-mes.
Couples who are unable to conceive should either adopt or embrace the benefits of child freedom. In addition, there are endless ways to have children in one's life: working with children, volunteering for children's charities and causes, becoming a foster parent.
As for me, I am happy with my cats.
Elizabeth Mannering
