BUDDHISM, MORALITY, AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

QUESTION:

The Baby M. controversy, where a woman served as a surrogate mother for another couple and then tried to keep the baby, ensuing in an ugly legal battle, has raised serious questions. Individually, people can do whatever they want with their own bodies, but as a society, where do we draw the line? Surrogate motherhood, artificial insemination, donating organs many people subject themselves to these things merely for money and personal gain. Is it right to preserve and create life at all possible costs, even if it means jeopardizing or upsetting the lives of others, and is it right to condone the money-making aspect of these activities? What is your viewpoint on these issues?

SHIH-FU:

Let's begin with surrogate motherhood and artificial insemination. I have heard another story of a mother using her body to bear the baby of her daughter. In effect, she gave birth to her own granddaughter.