There is no doubt that being able to access the internet pretty much all the time from just about anywhere gives us a chance to connect with many, many people from around the globe; as well as, find instructions to do just about anything.  With such accessibility anything can be outsourced anywhere in the world, so why not surrogacy?

Zippi Brand Frank's film Google Baby presents to us how the internet makes it possible to have a woman in India carry the embryo that belongs to someone else, an individual or couple who want a baby but can't, to full term while getting paid for her "services."  A large part of the film is set in India; in Dr. Nayna Patel's clinic where these surrogate mothers are looked after for the duration of their pregnancies.  Throughout the film, Brank Frank interviews other couples and individuals who seek to have families this way.  She also interviews an American woman who is an egg donor; thus, giving us several perspectives on the issue.   

Brand Frank was joined by the film's producer Zvi Frank after the premiere for a Q&A session.  They both mentioned how the Dr. Patel provided full access to her clinic for three years and that without her, this film would not have been the same.  Brand Frank mentioned that your "reaction to the film depend on which side of the issue you are."  They also talked abouit how prices for surrogacy very depending on the "look" the couple want for their baby.  This is true "globalization" at work.  Many issues are raised in this documentary... an important one being that records are not kept on the offspring of all donors, which leads one to question whether this type of business should be regulated.

The film is powerful and will leave you with lots to think about... ethical and moral issues.  It will make you question just how open-minded you really think you are.  If you are a fan of documentaries, this is a must-see this year. 

For info on upcoming screenings, click here. 

(Photo by Heidy M. From L-R: Zvi Frank, Zippi Brand Frank and Thom Powers)