PUBLISHED: 07:07 EST, 25 November 2015 | UPDATED: 07:11 EST, 25 November 2015
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'Threatened': Melissa Cook (pictured), 47, who is pregnant with triplets, claims the babies' father is demanding that she abort one of the fetuses
A surrogate who recently found out she is pregnant with triplets claims the babies' father is demanding that she abort one of the fetuses - or he will make sure she loses out financially.
Melissa Cook, from Woodland Hills, California, was reportedly hired by the unidentified Georgia man for $33,000 to have a baby via IVF using his sperm and the eggs of a 20-year-old donor.
She was implanted with three embryos - and they were both later delighted to learn that the attempt had been a success and she was pregnant.
However, the father-to-be's joy apparently turned to horror when Ms Cook discovered that all of the embryos had grown and developed normally in her womb - and she was, in fact, having triplets.
The man instantly began to worry about having three babies, Ms Cook told the New York Post.
His concern allegedly quickly turned into threats, including telling the surrogate he would ensure she lost any benefits under their deal, and would seek damages over his children's future care.
Now, as Ms Cook, approaches her 18th week of pregnancy, his 'threats' are reportedly increasing.
Under California law, fetuses cannot be aborted once they reach a 'viable' condition at around 20 weeks - when they are capable of surviving outside the womb with medical intervention.
This means in about two weeks' time, Ms Cook will be unable to legally abort any of the fetuses.
'They are human beings. I bonded with these kids. This is just not right,' she told The Post this week.
But she added that the alleged threats are impacting on her initial decision to keep all of the triplets.
'I have to reduce. I’m scared. I don’t want to suffer,' she said sadly.
Ms Cook, 47, originally from Sylmar, has four children of her own, including a set of triplets.
The surrogate, who has split from her husband, says she wrote to the father-to-be, telling him that at her age, he should have known 'the chances were high they [the embryos' were all going to take'.
In response, the man's lawyer apparently demanded that she abort one of the fetuses that day.
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Mother-of-four: Ms Cook (pictured with one of her own four children) was hired by the unidentified Georgia man for $33,000 to have a baby via IVF using his sperm and the eggs of a 20-year-old donor, it is reported
Last week, the lawyer told Ms Cook that his client 'understands, albeit does not agree, with your decision not to reduce' - and has 'immense remedies' if she ultimately does not do so, it is claimed.
He reportedly said via letter: 'His remedies where you refuse to abide by the terms of the agreement... include, but are not limited to, loss of all benefits under the agreement, damages in relation to future care of the children [and] medical costs associated with any extraordinary care the children may need'.
As well as her $33,000 pregnancy payment, Ms Cook should get $6,000 for each additional child.
It is unclear whether the father-to-be is overwhelmed by the extra money he would need to pay Ms Cook if she goes on to have the triplets - or if he is concerned about bringing up three children alone.
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Expecting: The man apparently told Ms Cook (pictured with a man believed to be a new partner) he would ensure she lost any benefits under their deal, and would seek damages over his children's future care
California is considered to be one of the most surrogacy friendly states in America. Commercial surrogacy is permitted - with many hopeful parents entering into financial contracts with surrogates.
Other states that are surrogacy friendly include llinois, Arkansas, Maryland and New Hampshire.
Although New York currently views commercial surrogacy contracts as offensive to public policy, Governor Andrew Cuomo is currently deliberating over whether to legalize it across the state.
According to Ms Cook's Facebook page, she is now engaged to a new partner.
The father-to-be's lawyer declined to comment to The Post.
I am trying to understand his hang up here. Does he not want all three kids? Is he concerned about potential health problems?
Reducing is dangerous. It is not nearly as simple as an abortion, and the chance to lose all three fetuses is high.
Either way, I would probably tell him to f off and keep all three at this point.
Yes, I would think that would put the other 2 at some risk. And, then how could you look at your 2 children going forward knowing that you have offed one of their sibs?
Well, the stories that don't make the news are more common. Women implanted with three or four, and only one takes, if that. It is a risky business, and doesn't always work.
I think that surrogates need to make sure it is in their contract that under no circumstances will an abortion be performed unless needed for the surrogates safety, in HER doctor's opinion.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
With all the advances in medicine, it seems reproduction has been the most Frankensteined.
I don't think a surrogate should be used. I get a couple needing help creating their own kids.
But not a stranger carrying for someone they don't know.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I think that surrogates need to make sure it is in their contract that under no circumstances will an abortion be performed unless needed for the surrogates safety, in HER doctor's opinion.
With all the advances in medicine, it seems reproduction has been the most Frankensteined.
I don't think a surrogate should be used. I get a couple needing help creating their own kids.
But not a stranger carrying for someone they don't know.
What?! You want him to pick one of his three children to give away? What kind of person could make such a decision? Killing one now before it's a 'real baby' is obviously a much better option.
With all the advances in medicine, it seems reproduction has been the most Frankensteined.
I don't think a surrogate should be used. I get a couple needing help creating their own kids.
But not a stranger carrying for someone they don't know.
What?! You want him to pick one of his three children to give away? What kind of person could make such a decision? Killing one now before it's a 'real baby' is obviously a much better option.
:/
It already is a real baby and yes better to adopt then kill them.
With all the advances in medicine, it seems reproduction has been the most Frankensteined.
I don't think a surrogate should be used. I get a couple needing help creating their own kids.
But not a stranger carrying for someone they don't know.
What?! You want him to pick one of his three children to give away? What kind of person could make such a decision? Killing one now before it's a 'real baby' is obviously a much better option.
:/
It already is a real baby and yes better to adopt then kill them.
Oh gosh, I sure hope my tone translated correctly. I was being sarcastic.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks.
And multiples are prone to health problems.
I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
With all the advances in medicine, it seems reproduction has been the most Frankensteined.
I don't think a surrogate should be used. I get a couple needing help creating their own kids.
But not a stranger carrying for someone they don't know.
What?! You want him to pick one of his three children to give away? What kind of person could make such a decision? Killing one now before it's a 'real baby' is obviously a much better option.
:/
It already is a real baby and yes better to adopt then kill them.
Oh gosh, I sure hope my tone translated correctly. I was being sarcastic.
Sorry I should have known you were being sarcastic. I see the little face now.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
They would only need to adopt the one, but even so, I am sure there are people who would love to adopt triplets.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
No way would I ever reduce. I underwent fertility treatment and that was a question that my doctor asked me. In the event of multiples would I reduce? Nope!
Biodad is a jerk to even ask that. I'm sure when he gets those three babies home he won't believe he ever considered that.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
Seriously? What planet are you on? Or what drugs? No one here is saying she should bow down to his bullying and abort.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
I know several families that would leap at the chance to adopt triplets.
I also know families who adopt newborn's with birth defects.
There is not a shortage of adoptive families, there is a shortage of available babies.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
I know several families that would leap at the chance to adopt triplets.
I also know families who adopt newborn's with birth defects.
There is not a shortage of adoptive families, there is a shortage of available babies.
I know a women who has two adopted down syndrome babies, and another with something fairly serious, but I haven't a clue what it is.
I might adopt triplets, but I would not adopt a child with severe health issues. I would take .y chances with my own like anyone, and I would not abort a child with health issues or birth defects, but I wouldn't adopt one either.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
Seriously? What planet are you on? Or what drugs? No one here is saying she should bow down to his bullying and abort.
This is why no one takes you seriously.
Yeah. I'm serious.
You're the one spouting reasons to kill a baby.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
I know several families that would leap at the chance to adopt triplets.
I also know families who adopt newborn's with birth defects.
There is not a shortage of adoptive families, there is a shortage of available babies.
I know a women who has two adopted down syndrome babies, and another with something fairly serious, but I haven't a clue what it is.
I might adopt triplets, but I would not adopt a child with severe health issues. I would take .y chances with my own like anyone, and I would not abort a child with health issues or birth defects, but I wouldn't adopt one either.
I can understand you not wanting to adopt a handicapped child personally. At least you are able to admit that and that is okay.
Other families jump at the chance to adopt, even a severely handicapped child. I know of two families that adopted hydra babies. I couldn't do that myself either, but they could. I have to admire their personal strength to meet such a challenge.
My point is, there are families waiting years for a child and will gladly take on just about anything.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
Seriously? What planet are you on? Or what drugs? No one here is saying she should bow down to his bullying and abort.
This is why no one takes you seriously.
Yeah. I'm serious.
You're the one spouting reasons to kill a baby.
Lily, I have not seen Dona supporting aborting at all. I don't know where you are getting that from.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
I know several families that would leap at the chance to adopt triplets.
I also know families who adopt newborn's with birth defects.
There is not a shortage of adoptive families, there is a shortage of available babies.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
Seriously? What planet are you on? Or what drugs? No one here is saying she should bow down to his bullying and abort.
This is why no one takes you seriously.
Yeah. I'm serious.
You're the one spouting reasons to kill a baby.
Lily, I have not seen Dona supporting aborting at all. I don't know where you are getting that from.
The excuses and reasoning. That's where I'm getting it from.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Triplets nearly always go early, from my understanding, sometimes by weeks. And multiples are prone to health problems. I am not sure couples are lining up down the block to adopt preemie triplets.
Using that logic, no one needs to ever have kids.
There is always a chance of health problems.
I swear. I have never seen so many wanting to kill babies in my life.
It's everywhere.
Seriously? What planet are you on? Or what drugs? No one here is saying she should bow down to his bullying and abort.
This is why no one takes you seriously.
Yeah. I'm serious.
You're the one spouting reasons to kill a baby.
Lily, I have not seen Dona supporting aborting at all. I don't know where you are getting that from.
The excuses and reasoning. That's where I'm getting it from.
I'm not seeing excuses or bad reasoning in any sense of the term.
__________________
I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
The post I quoted are the excuses and reasonings of the pro death bunch.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I do to, she didn't say throw away a egg or destroy it she just said they shouldn't plant so many eggs. I'm assuming they don't fertilize the eggs till they are ready to be planted.
I am trying to understand his hang up here. Does he not want all three kids? Is he concerned about potential health problems? Reducing is dangerous. It is not nearly as simple as an abortion, and the chance to lose all three fetuses is high. Either way, I would probably tell him to f off and keep all three at this point.
This is the only place I mention abortion. In the same paragraph as saying that in this situation, I WOULD KEEP ALL THREE BABIES.
She was singing the song pro abortion people like to sing.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I agree with NAOW. They shouldn't implant more fertilized eggs than people are willing to have. If that means being implanted several different times in succession before one "takes", so be it.
It's very costly to do IVF. Many people can't afford to try multiple times for it to "take".
__________________
“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!” ― Maya Angelou
I understand it's expensive. I'm also pretty sure it's not exactly the most comfortable procedure a woman can have either. I still stand by my agreement with NAOW. Don't implant more at one time than you want to have.
She was singing the song pro abortion people like to sing.
There's a song? Is it available on iTunes?
Awww... look how cute you are.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.