The Surrogate Mother

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of substance use.

Abby calls Monica’s mother, Jean Johnson, in Indianapolis, who says that there is no family history of health issues. Jean implies that she disapproves of the surrogacy arrangement and that her daughter is altruistic to a fault. The call makes Abby uneasy, but she is unsure why.

Abby meets Monica’s roommate, Chelsea Williams. Chelsea confirms that she met Monica in college and describes her as reliable and responsible. Chelsea thinks that Monica is acting as a surrogate because Abby is too old to have children.

When Abby arrives home, Sam proudly serves her an inedible meal. Abby realizes that Monica’s claim to support the Red Sox (a team from Boston, Massachusetts) is odd considering that her family is from Indianapolis, Indiana. She does not mention the inconsistency to Sam, dismissing it as unimportant.

Abby tries the Cuddles baby food range, hoping that it will inspire her to think of a brilliant slogan, but they all taste disgusting. Monica has now signed a surrogacy contract agreeing to give up all rights to the baby at the point of conception. In exchange, the Adlers will pay her graduate school tuition.