Editorial: No limit to outsourcing

June 30, 2006

Outsourcing started with textiles and automobiles, then call centers and computer programming. But making babies?

"Making Babies Overseas for Less" shouted the subject line of an e-mail received at the newspaper the other day.

Even a dirty mind had to wonder what this was all about.

Free airfare to Paris? A new version of the Love Boat? Club Med married-style? Some sleazy new gig in Amsterdam or Bangkok? Some kind of new, reality TV show?

Turns out the e-mail was a press release targeted to infertile couples. It noted that 6.1 million Americans are struggling with infertility and that "costs reach as much as $18,500 for each in-vitro fertilization attempt and related medications."

For many, the ad said, couples with fertility problems "may think it's baby or bust."

The good news, it said, is that for a fraction of the cost one can get help at an infertility clinic in Istanbul. The clinic has partnerships in India and France, and is working with other facilities in Brazil, Poland, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Mexico and South Africa.

A veritable World Cup of reproduction. The ad didn't say whether you'd get a few overseas-made bibs or onesies as a bonus.

Certainly brings new meaning to that old Oak Ridge Boys song, "My Baby is American-made."

-=- This message was sent via two or more anonymous remailing services.