Learning to Not Think Like a Lawyer

For the past three years, I have heard time and again that the ultimate goal of law school is not to acquire substantive knowledge, but rather to learn to “think like a lawyer.” As my graduation date now looms a mere three weeks away, I am confident that if this was truly the goal, then alas, I should consider myself a success. My husband would probably tell you that I had a head start, given my type-A personality and the fact that I can spend a week in Vegas without having the slightest urge to gamble, but rest assured that whatever existed before has increased exponentially. Yes, as a result of three grueling years of law school, it’s nothing but clear, calculated, full risk/cost assessed decisions for this almost-attorney. With the exception of one…

WE’RE PURSUING SURROGACY IN INDIA!!! Now granted, I have researched and blog-followed and forum-stalked the adventures of many, many others who have gone before us, but the fact is that try as I may, the components of this particular decision are simply incompatible with my newly-programmed lawyer-thinking brain. It is extremely risky and impossible to cost- calculate, and if it does when it does work, the entire pregnancy will take place roughly 12015 kilometers or 7466 miles or 6488 nautical miles away! Are we really going to do this?!?! The answer is yes. And the reason is simple…we have truly exhausted all of our options here in the US. At the ripe old age of 29, I have lost four pregnancies, engaged in various “novice” fertility treatments, and finally endured the ultimate insult- three and a half failed donor egg IVF cycles. After taking a break we began looking at other options that neither involved my “mature for their age” eggs or my inadequate egg carton. After considering adoption (long waiting lists, lots of money up front and a thirty-day return period) and US surrogacy (costs totaling $130K+) we decided to pursue surrogacy in India. So without further ado, I present to you OUR story…