Linda J Stamm

Family Stew for Dads: Building a Family with an Egg Donor & Surrogate Linda J Stamm

Olivia's two dads tell her the charming story of how they became a family through egg donation and surrogacy. Along the way, Olivia hears the fascinating details about all the ingredients that went into creating her family. This vividly illustrated and humorous children's book is a wonderful way for children to learn about their origin.

Learn more at lindastamm.com.

From the Author

For years, lesbian and gay couples have vehemently fought for the same personal and societal rights to enter into loving marriages as heterosexual couples. They also struggled to obtain the same legal rights to have families of their own, be it through adoption or assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Finally, in 2015, their dreams were realized with the United States Supreme Court mandating states to perform and recognize marriage for same-sex couples. And in 2012, same-sex couples were given the same legal rights as heterosexual couples to have both parents' names listed on birth certificates. Leaps in medical technology and ART have now enabled gay men to have a genetic connection with their children with the use of their sperm, an egg donor, and a gestational carrier.

Yet opposition to same sex marriages and parenting still exists, with claims that homosexuality is unnatural and that children would do better if raised by a heterosexual couple. In fact, scientific research refutes such claims, reporting that children have fared no differently in reaching their developmental milestones, in their social skills, or in their self-esteem than those raised by heterosexual couples. Good parenting is not influenced by sexual orientation but rather by one's ability to provide a loving, nurturing home with open communication.

Limited resources exist to help families engage in open and honest discussions on how their children came to be. It is my hope that Family Stew for Dads will be used as a tool to begin this very important dialogue.