Why don't Jackson and Shelby ever consider foster care (while not a permanent solution, would give them the opportunity to raise children in a stable home with family and friends who love them and can be a gateway to adoption) or surrogacy? A few key things.
Surrogacy was a hot-button issue in the 1980s and living in a conservative state like Louisiana and being Church-centered, there may be several social stigmas.
Surrogacy laws were unenforceable in that era, a judge could see fit not to grant Jackson and Shelby the right to have a child, even if her eggs were implanted in a surrogate given her health history. Surrogacy laws got more restricted in the 2010s.
Health History may be used against Shelby if they file for foster care
, a judge could see fit not to grant Jackson and Shelby the right to have a child, even if her eggs were implanted in a surrogate given her health history. Surrogacy laws got more restricted in the 2010s.