In Dr. Seuss’ classic, “Horton Hatches the Egg”, an elephant cares for the eggs laid by Mayzie, an irresponsible bird who flies off to Palm Beach but returns to claim the hatchlings as her own. Although the story has a happy ending, the use of a surrogate in real life can cause problems. On The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Brandi Glanville was apparently about to disclose to the world that Adrienne Maloof had hired a surrogate to give birth to her children. Maloof was outraged and, according to the December 31, 2012 issue of US, threatened to sue Bravo to keep the secret off the air. Surrogate motherhood raises many legal issues. Who is the legal parent of children born of a surrogate? In Louisiana, could Horton sue Mayzie for custody of the babies hatched from the eggs he nurtured? Could Mayzie insist that although he cared for them, they are hers? If you live in Louisiana and are considering a surrogate to give birth to children you will claim as your own, you should consult with an attorney beforehand.