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Monday, October 10, 2011

"Win a baby contest" sparks a Canadian controversy

mom with baby Hip-hop CIHT-FM (89.9) in Ottawa, Ontario is not actually giving away a child, but the chance to win three In Vitro Fertilization sessions, worth an estimated $35,000. IVF is a way to boost the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. Ads have popped up around the Ottawa area, with a picture of a baby in diapers saying "Are You My Mommy" and "She could be yours." Infertility Awareness Association of Canada executive director Beverly Hanck says "The station is clearly capitalizing on vulnerable patients who are desperate to have a family. Has anyone stopped to think how the hundreds of patients who do not win are going to feel?" However, in an interview with the CBC, Jan Silverman, who is with the Women's College Hospital in Toronto says, "I certainly dislike the commodification of babies, turning babies into products. However, I am pleased that it brings attention to the plight, to the expense that infertile couples that require IVF must go through to have a baby." You can read more about the "Win a Baby" contest from the CBC here. CIHT-FM has more about their contest on the station website here.

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