The Baby Makers

Writer and TV producer Frank collaborates with Vogel, a journalist who specializes in women's issues, on an examination of modern procreation methods from the viewpoints of the people involved. Readers sympathize with frustrated parents quoted here who speak of their ""incredible desire'' to have a child at any cost. The authors' interviews with scientists, surrogate mothers and surrogate agents show that the financial cost is tremendous, as is the risk of disappointment. There is detailed information on new medical procedures for women who can't conceive and alternatives to natural baby-making. The successes and failures of various methodssperm banks, surrogate mothers, etc.are described through the experiences of people concerned. As recently publicized cases reveal, reproductive advances have posed unprecedented legal and religious problems. In the authors' words, ``We need to set limits and goals for the social and scientific spin-offs of our own inventiveness.'' (April)