Ep 1. Made in Boise

In season 21, episode 1 of the acclaimed documentary series Independent Lens, viewers are introduced to the captivating story of five women in Boise, Idaho who have chosen to become surrogate mothers for couples looking to have children.

Titled Made in Boise, the episode explores the unique and often complicated world of surrogacy. Viewers meet women like Stacy, a single mom who's been a surrogate seven times and says she does it "to give back"; Shannon, a former nurse who had to retire due to health issues and felt surrogacy was a way to serve her community while still staying involved in the medical field; and Emily, a mom with three children of her own who wanted to give other families the joy she experiences with her own kids.

The episode also introduces two couples looking to start families through surrogacy: Shane and Tom, a gay couple who have struggled with fertility issues for years and feel that surrogacy is their last hope, and Amy and Jason, a couple from Mississippi who have struggled with infertility and have had three failed attempts at IVF.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the surrogacy journey for both the surrogates and the intended parents. They see the women go through the grueling and often uncomfortable process of hormone injections, embryo transfers, and pregnancy, all while juggling their own lives and families. And they see the intended parents navigate the complex emotional and legal landscape of surrogacy, which sometimes includes tricky dealings with surrogacy agencies and lawyers.

But what's most remarkable about Made in Boise is the personal stories of the women involved. Viewers hear how surrogacy has changed their lives, often in profound and unexpected ways. For example, when Emily becomes pregnant with triplets, she has to reckon with the idea that she may have to give up one or two of the babies to a different family who needs a child. "I'm torn between this glorious gift of three that I've been given and the reality that this might not be what is best for everybody involved, including me," she says.

The episode also touches on the broader ethical and political questions surrounding surrogacy. Should women be allowed to "rent out" their bodies in this way? Is the surrogacy industry taking advantage of women in dire financial need? And what about the issue of who gets to be a parent in the first place? The show acknowledges these concerns, but ultimately focuses on the human element of surrogacy, highlighting the deep connections that form between the surrogates and the intended parents.

Overall, Independent Lens' Made in Boise is a moving and thought-provoking portrait of surrogacy in America. With its compelling personal stories and nuanced exploration of complex issues, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in reproductive rights, family building, and the human capacity for generosity and love.