Abstract This paper explores the issues of surrogate pregnancy. The various types of surrogacy are defined as well as the possible problems that may arise because of this arrangement. Despite the implications of surrogateparenting, the author concludes that this is a viable means for childless couples to become parents.
From the Paper "Because gestational surrogacy does not genetically link the host mother with the gestational parents, relinquishment of the child after pregnancy would seem much simpler than if the mother carrying the baby is genetically linked with the baby. Traditional surrogacy, requiring the carrier mother's eggs to conceive a child, automatically brings forth the question of whether the genetic mother should have a continuing relationship with the child after birth (Jaggar, 1994). It is important that couples consider the implications of traditional surrogacy. Still other opponents argue it is more difficult for the genetic or gestational mother to bond with a child she has not carried. There is adequate research however, supporting the role of the genetic mother and legitimizing her right to raising her child (Beckman & Ciccarelli, 2005). This research suggests that genetic mothers when provided ample support and resources are just as likely to raise a healthy child whether they carried the child to term or not."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the new and emerging reproductive technologies used today to help couples with fertility issues to have children. The paper focuses specifically on surrogateparenting, discussing the legal and ethical issues that can complicate surrogacy.
From the Paper "The most commonly raised question is: are we not commercialization children by severing the bond between the natural mother and the child? Closely connected to this question are the feelings of the natural mother who might not want to give up the child once he is born. The legal cases in this regard have only further complicated the whole issue. The baby M case is one of the most well known cases of surrogacy parenting in the US. In 1986, Mary Beth Whitehead entered into a contract with Elizabeth and Daniel Stern to bear a child for them using husband's sperm. However when the child was born, Mary Beth refused to give up the custody which resulted in a bitter battle where many legal and ethical questions surfaced. It was decided by the court that while Sterns would keep the child, Whitehead would have visitation rights. This is not something common because it is decided prior to the birth of the child that natural mother would have no contact with him/her. This brings us to the philosophical question: Who exactly is a mother and what precisely is motherhood?"
Abstract This paper examines how for many infertile couples, the assistance of a surrogate mother represents one last hope for becoming a genetic parent and therefore they turn to surrogate mothers, or women who bear children for couples who cannot become parents through normal pregnancy and childbirth. It looks at how with careful preparation on both sides, surrogateparenting can be a viable option for couples to conceive a child and add to their family. It also shows how many critics charge that this practice provides another opportunity for couples to exploit poor women.
From the Paper "The rising popularity of surrogate parenting stems in part from new technology. In the Baby M case, the surrogate mother was also the biological mother, because she was artificially inseminated with the intended father's sperm. Today, however, 95 percent of these types of pregnancy involve ?gestational surrogacy,? where the intended parents sperm and egg are used to create an embryo, that is then implanted into the surrogate's uterus. Though more expensive than traditional surrogacy, this type also insures that the intended parents are genetically related to their child (Gentry)."
Tags: baby, m, pregnancy, sperm, artificila, insemination
Abstract This essay first explores the issues underlying parental involvement in educational settings for a variety of cultural groups, including African-Americans, Hispanics, families with low socioeconomic status, and other overlooked groups. The paper then looks at ways in which educators and administrators can increase parental involvement in the classroom as a means of creating a stronger school community.
From the Paper "A 2004 study by Hill et al. found that parent involvement in school from 7th through 11th grade helped decrease behavioral problems, which in turn related to achievement and aspirations. However, this was only the case for parents with higher educational levels themselves. For the lower parental education group, the only aspect classroom involvement helped was with aspirations. One reason for this result may be a cyclical process identified in a study by Englund et al. (2004) Parents who themselves are well-educated will provide better instruction to their children prior to schooling. This educational support early in life correlates with a higher IQ, and a higher IQ increases parent expectations for their child and parent involvement in the classroom."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of parental communication with adolescents and the onset of sexual intercourse. It discusses the hypothesis that there is evidence which indicates that when parents frequently communicate with minors in regard to sex it will lead to greater instance of sexual activity in adolescents. However, the research findings through the literature review do not support this finding.
From the Paper "The purpose of the literature review is to examine the research and determine if the frequency of parent-adolescent communication regarding sex has an affect on the age of the onset of sexual intercourse in juveniles. The review will focus on parental involvement/communication, parent-adolescent discussion of AIDS/HIV, abstinence, postponement of sexual activity, and contraceptive use, and study findings of age related variables and sexual activity. The research will determine whether or not discussion of these issues with adolescents has an affect on the age in which youths first begin sexual intercourse. Adolescent participation in sexual activity has been a significant issue within the American culture in relation to teen pregnancy, AIDS/HIV, and sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, research which indicates a likelihood of contributing factors to these issues is of societal importance."
This paper reviews a book for teachers and school administrators: "Dealing With Difficult Parents and With Parents in Difficult Situations" by Todd Whitaker and Douglas Fiore.
Abstract This paper discusses the theme of the book, which stresses that mediation and diplomacy is needed in dealing with such parents. The paper points out that there are two types of problem parents: Those that show little interest in their children and those that are overly concern and involved. The author feels that today's stressful lifestyle is producing overly stressed parents and children.
From the Paper "Often, it has been observed that a school administrator must act as a surrogate parent to the children at his or her school. However, it is a less commonly articulated, but no less accurate, statement to assert that dealing with the parents of students is an equally crucial part of an administrator's job. A schoolteacher, administrator or principal often finds him or herself, despite his best intentions, acting as a kind of surrogate parent and confidant to student's parents, providing advice and counseling about the best way students may learn and benefit from their education."
Abstract This paper analyzes the role of presidential surrogates in shaping and influencing U.S. foreign policy, as well as in garnering public support for policy decisions. The paper defines surrogates as presidential spokespeople. In particular, the paper examines the following figures from 2003: Laura Bush, Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft, Condoleezza Rice, Donald Rumsfield and Colin Powell.
From the Paper "The president of the United States functions as the head of government but his views, programs and policies are often articulated by members of the Executive Branch. Included in the Executive Branch are the various Cabinet members..."
Tags: presidential surrogates Bush Administration, COlin Powell, DOnald Rumsfeld
Abstract The paper briefly reviews Surrogate Court in New York City as it stood in 1930 and then briefly examines how it stands today. It compares and contrasts any changes that have occurred. The paper suggests that the changes that have taken place to Surrogate Court since the 1930s are largely overshadowed by the continuities.
From the Paper "Surrogate Court in New York: Yesterday and Today Surrogate Court in New York City has seen both change and continuity since 1930. The following paper will briefly review Surrogate Court as it stood in 1930 and then briefly examine how it stands today. As will become clear, the changes that have taken place since the 1930s are largely overshadowed by the continuities. Specifically, the Courthouse continues to stand indomitably as a stirring testament to the "City Beautiful" movement which swept urban America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. With that in mind, it is to a brief review of what has changed - and what has not - in that tiny corner of the world that this paper now turns. To begin with, even by 1930, the august Surrogate Court was very much a relic of the past. To wit, it was built between 1899 and 1907 and replaced the old Hall of Records that once stood in City Hall Park."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the issue of determining the best parenting styles is a consistent topic among psychologists, parents, physicians and other professionals. The writer points out that typically parents desire to raise their children to be productive members of society and provide them with the essentials of life that will allow them to grow into healthy and confident human beings. The writer then discusses that when the parent is addicted to a particular substance the concern for that individual's parenting style is of even greater concern. The writer maintains that the effectiveness of the parenting styles of substance abusers can only be measured by the children of these individuals and the impact that the substance abuse has had on their lives. The writer concludes that when it is apparent that children of substance abusers are significantly more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, become sexually promiscuous or live deviant lifestyles than children of non-abusers, it would appear that the parenting styles of substance abusers are insufficient.
From the Paper "The purpose of the study was to focus on the parenting of the mothers and fathers that raised these individuals, in comparison to the parenting styles of the addicts that participated in the study. The researchers found that all of the addicts that were evaluated believed that they were better parents of their own children than their parents had been to them. The researchers also found that in each case the addict felt a closer emotional connection to his or her mother and believed that the mother had been the primary caregiver in the home. However, of the addicts surveyed it was discovered that almost all of the parents that raised the individuals had a substance abuse problem involving alcohol."
"In relation to their own children the addicts believed that they were more stable and that they provided a better environment than their own parents."
Abstract This paper examines how single-parent households are common due to divorce, death of a spouse, the increased number of unmarried individuals raising children, and other socio-economic reasons. It explores how this gradual change in demographics over the years has greatly impacted the lives of children from all backgrounds and how one of these impacts has concerned the relocation of the custodial parent. It examines how this continues to be a much-debated issue that is not close to being resolved.
From the Paper "About 11 million children or 28 percent of all children under 18 live in homes with only one parent according to the Bureau of the Census. This is more than triple than that in 1960, although the increase has slowed. In about 85 percent of these single-parent households, the mother is custodian, although the number of father-only families more than doubled between 1980 and 1982. One of the major effects of single-parenting is the reduction in income. Married fathers earn the most, followed by single fathers and then single mothers. A large proportion of single mothers are either at or just above poverty rates. This significantly affects health and physical and mental well being."
Abstract An examination of the pros and cons of parental involvement in the elementary school system, looking at how parents can help their children by becoming involved, while supporting the school and the community. The author shows how parental involvement is a controversial issue. Although findings show that parental involvement in the child's educational activities can be a positive and helpful experience, involvement can also be detrimental, and too personal or emotional involvement may actually hinder the educational process.
From the Paper "Parental involvement in the elementary school system is not a new idea. When fewer women worked outside the home, it was more common for mothers to spend time volunteering in their child's classroom, or help them with homework after school. Today, many educators and experts feel that parental involvement, especially in the elementary grades, can be beneficial for the children and the teachers, but too much of a good thing can also be detrimental to the classroom. Studies have also shown that parental involvement today is often based on the income level of the family, as lower income level parents are less likely to volunteer in the classroom, or become as involved in their child's education."
Abstract This paper explores the issues of what is appropriate in terms of punishing and motivating the developing child. The paper provides recommendations based upon the readings. It does not provide any clear conclusions regarding the issues presented, due to the limits in the literature.
From the Paper "Bringing Up Baby Matters of parenting are highly controversial. There are wide variations in theory when it comes to what is appropriate in terms of punishing and motivating the developing child (Wyckoff & Unell, 2002). This paper explores these issues in an archival study format and provides recommendations based upon the readings. In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report on spanking in which they defined the process as emotionally harmful to "both parent and child" and that spanking actually failed in its goals as it "interferes with the development of trust, a sense of security, and effective communication" between children and their parents (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005)."
Abstract This paper discusses Dr. James Dobson's book on parenting "Parents' Answer Book". The paper summarizes each chapter briefly and highlights each chapter's most important aspect. The writer explains that Dobson deals with parentingissues from birth to the college years. The writer concludes that the book follows (generally speaking) a chronological arc and is also noteworthy for the lucid and empathetic way in which Dobson tackles pressing social concerns.
From the Paper "The early chapters of James Dobson's text are devoted to looking at how young parents can properly inculcate values in very young children. The first chapter comprising pages 1 to 20 of the text, takes a look at the fundamental nature of children and assesses the influence of culture upon them; the second chapter of the book explores how young parents can effectively discipline the pre-school child and emphasizes the importance of "loving leadership" - a process whereby parents do not surrender their authority to their children but, instead, lovingly do what is best for their sons or daughters despite how much resistance it may meet."
Abstract This paper looks at what happens to the people involved when an adopted child tries to find his/her birth parents. The paper shows how, despite it being a difficult decision, and sometimes an unsuccessful process, the outcome is usually positive.
Contents
Poem
Introduction
Statistics on Adoption
Adoption Facts
Positive/Negative Aspects of Adoption
Personal Accounts of Adoptive Families
Conclusion
From the Paper "The majority of studies that have been conducted however related to adoption research have indicated that the effects of finding one's birthparents are often positive in nature, not only for the adoptee but for the birthparent as well. Much evidence also indicates that finding one's birthparents may solidify gaps in the relationship for adoptive families and strengthen unions between adopted parents and children. There is also a great deal of information that shows that most adopted children do at some point seek out their birthparents, and many birthparents readily make available identifying information about themselves."
Abstract This paper explains that getting a divorce from one's parents is an extension of the principle that children are legally competent to identify their own best interests in major decisions such as issues regarding education, abortion and foster care. The author points out that the child should have to show proof that he or she has tried counseling and available services for reconciliation and resolving the conflict before seeking a divorce. The paper argues that the child's basic rights take precedence over competing claims and considerations, are self-authenticating and are not based on duties: Parents do not have a fundamental right to determine the course of their child's life.
From the Paper "The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was ratified by every country except the United States and Somalia. The U.S. and Somalia refused because they though it was too radical and that the Convention was hostile to the rights of parents. Canada, however, did sign in 1990 and then undertook at all levels of government to abide by its entitlements. Critics point out, and it's true, that the Convention subverts absolute parental authority over their children. Opponents cry it will lead to child anarchy, but the idea that parents own their children has eroded in recent years, and the Convention found it to be paternalistic."
