A Tale of Two Surrogates

A Tale of Two Surrogates explores the complicated emotional, medical, legal, and ethical issues surrounding assisted reproduction. Based on more than a decade of ethnographic research conducted by a sociologist and an anthropologist, this book presents, in an accessible graphic novel format, the intertwined stories of two fictional women who decide to become gestational surrogates. It immerses the reader in the worlds of Jenn, from California, and Dana, from Tel Aviv, as they decide to become surrogates and make sense of the process, involve their families, and manage their relationships with the intended parents. The experiences of these composite characters highlight various paths, interpretations, and experiences that are common in surrogacy. Interspersed throughout the narrative are short interludes that depict surrogacy in other countries, putting the stories of Dana and Jenn in a more global context.

With a substantial scholarly apparatus, including a discussion guide and suggestions for further reading, this entertaining graphic narrative is an excellent tool for classes in graphic medicine, medical ethics, gender and family studies, and medical anthropology. It also offers valuable perspective to anyone involved in the surrogacy process—not only surrogates and intended parents but also medical providers, lawyers, legislators, and family members.

“A Tale of Two Surrogates is a vivid portrait of the inner worlds of surrogates, in the process challenging assumptions and offering a nuanced take on autonomy, kinship, and the meaning of motherhood.”—Amy Klein, Hadassah Magazine

“A Tale of Two Surrogates is a valuable and innovative academic resource bridging the gap between empirical research and public engagement. The accessible chosen graphic novel format allows for a nuanced yet digestible exploration of surrogacy, making intricate legal and sociological concepts more approachable. The novel succeeds beautifully in humanising the surrogacy experience while maintaining scholarly integrity.”—Dr. Zaina Mahmoud, BioNews

“Two eminent scholars of reproduction offer this creative approach to exploring the complexities of reproductive technologies. Sure to reach new audiences!”—Rene Almeling, author of Sex Cells: The Medical Market for Eggs and Sperm

“In A Tale of Two Surrogates, Elly Teman and Zsuzsa Berend brilliantly explore gestational surrogacy in Israel and the US, challenging stereotypes through graphic storytelling and offering fresh insights into this complex issue.”—Carole H. Browner, co-editor of Reproduction, Globalization, and the State: New Theoretical and Ethnographic Perspectives

Elly Teman is Associate Professor of Social Anthropology in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Ruppin Academic Center in Israel and the author of Birthing a Mother: The Surrogate Body and the Pregnant Self.

Zsuzsa Berend teaches sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is the author of The Online World of Surrogacy.

Anthropology & Archaeology

Gender Studies

Sociology

Graphic Studies