“As a Christian ethicist and mother of two, I found Kao’s work compelling. Scripture does not provide clear moral instruction on the complex matter of surrogacy. It does witness to the importance of community….Kao admits so herself: ‘Surrogacy can serve as a metaphor for a deep truth of our Christian tradition—the caring and rearing of children was always intended to be a communal affair, not simply the task of the parents alone’ (p. 100). This is a theological and ethical idea worth pondering.”

Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith

“My Body, Their Baby: A Progressive Christian Vision for Surrogacy is a wonderful book. Solidly researched and well-written, Kao provides a much needed resource on the practice and ethics of surrogacy. Anchoring the project with stories of her own journey as a surrogate, Kao not only affirms experience as a vital source of moral wisdom but demonstrates its value. There are ethical questions and complexities to surrogacy that would be easy to miss if not for her insider knowledge.”

Women in Theology

“By intertwining her own surrogacy experience with decades of research, Kao presents a rigorous yet accessible text that not only informs the reader about the logistics, laws, and practices of surrogacy, but also serves as a model for doing Christian ethics….

With great care and nuance, Kao diligently attends to all sides of various debates surrounding surrogacy from a Christian feminist perspective….This book will be a welcome addition to courses on sexual ethics, bioethics, and Christian ethics, providing an exceptional analysis of a highly contested subject. “

Reading Religion

“Masterfully integrating her own captivating story of serving as a surrogate mom at age 40 for close friends, Kao builds a compelling ethical framework for understanding surrogacy….This is a must-ready study for those curious about surrogacy and those interested in thoughtful, systematic deliberations about a complex ethical issue. Essential.“

 CHOICE Magazine — A publication of the Association of College Research Libraries

“If you are interested in, affected by, or tangentially curious about issues related to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), particularly surrogacy, you must read this book….Kao’s target audiences include feminists and progressive Christians….Because of the many people and families currently open to and actively seeking avenues that allow them to build their desired families, Kao’s contribution as an ethicist is particularly of note and greatly needed in this area of scholarship.”

 Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics

“While this is a scholarly book…I did find it to be relatively accessible. That is, although I read the book from the perspective of a nonexpert in the field, I could generally follow the arguments Kao was making….[T]hat is due to Kao’s skill as a writer, but it is also due to the very personal nature of the issue at hand….We encounter discussions of theology, the Bible, and science, as well as her own story (autobiography). It’s that use of a personal story that keeps the reader connected to the discussion.”

 Word & Way

“This is a scholarly work that will generate lively discussion in a seminary or even an adult ed class….It’s sufficiently accessible to guide church leaders who work in reproductive justice or who hunger for progressive Christian approaches to ethics and theology. And it’s practical.”

 Presbyterian Outlook

“Kao masterfully weaves together personal narrative, exploration of data, and engagement with scholarly sources in an accessible theology of surrogacy that is responsive to its complexities and generous to her interlocutors.”

Kendra Hotz, Robert R. Waller Chair of Population Health, Rhodes College

“This book breaks the ice on Christian feminist reluctance to think about surrogacy. Painstakingly researched and accessibly written, it will not only inspire needed attention to surrogacy but also influence the whole landscape of Christian ethics of reproduction.”

 Cristina Traina, Past President of the Society of Christian Ethics