Radio Win Baby

Radio Win Baby Ottawa’s radio station Hot 89.9 has created some controversy among its listeners with its “win a baby contest”. Hang on– it’s not entirely what it seems– babies aren’t being given away like concert tickets over the air. In reality the radio station is offering its winner a round of fertility treatments for parents who can’t conceive naturally. The prize has an estimated value of $35,000. In order for a listener to win they must write a letter to Hot 89.9 explaining why they deserve to win the fertility treatments accompanied by a reference from a doctor that states that they’re physically eligible. Radio Win Baby The reaction among long time listeners and others has been mixed to say the least. The station’s Facebook wall is currently littered with comments from the public, ranging wildly in perception of what 89.9 is offering. Many people are offended that a radio station would offer such a thing– to some it feels as though they’re cheapening the value of human life by making it into a kind of door prize. Other people are offended because they’re promoting the use of fertility drugs instead of adoption. Said Paul Grant, now a former listener, on the Hot 89.9′s Facebook wall: “Having a baby isn’t a right, it’s privilege. If you can’t have a baby, try adopting an unwanted baby rather than pumping your body full of hormones and getting your body to do something it obviously wasn’t made to do. Shame Hot 89.9, you’ve lost a fan.” On the other side of the spectrum, some people think what the radio station is doing is admirable. Another woman, Chantale McMullen, also posted on their Facebook wall about how she appreciated what they were doing: “There are so many women and couples who struggle with infertility and unfortunately sometimes the cost of fertility treatment is just way too much. Thank you Hot 89.9 for giving those of us who want a baby so bad a chance to maybe have a dream come true.” Radio Win Baby It’s unclear whether or not Hot 89.9′s prize is morally right or wrong. I agree that more people should consider adopting, but I can’t speak for those who wish to try fertility treatments and can’t afford it. I definitely think the prize is unique, maybe even a little bizarre but I’m not quite sure how I feel otherwise. It will continue to receive praise and criticism from people all over the world, but at least it has people talking. Which is good for them in a way I suppose. More people might start tuning in pure curiosity. Radio Win Baby