New Yorkers Ellen and Tuck Handler are desperate to have a child after Ellen suffers two miscarriages. Their doctor has warned against any further attempts to get pregnant, since he believes they would imperil Ellen's life. The Handlers explore adoption through a reputable agency, only to be laughed at by the social worker, Harriet Flynn, for the list they've drawn up of their ideal baby's characteristics. Flynn notes that the recent Roe v. Wade decision will only lower the number of infants available, and the Handlers decide to explore the shady underworld where babies are bought and sold.