What about my privacy? 
Overwhelmingly, most donor matches are anonymous. However there are some cases when both parties – egg donor and intended parent – choose to meet one another.  We will work to maintain everyone’s privacy to the extent they wish while also working with those who are interested in a more open arrangement.  Some cases even allow future contact if both parties agree.

It is ConceiveAbilities’ policy to attempt to maintain your anonymity as well as that of the intended parents. Identifying details provided by you in your application will be deleted from information shared with the intended recipients. Likewise, identifying information about the recipient couple will be deleted from what is disclosed to you. Donors who carefully research agencies feel most secure with our level of privacy and security.

Why are egg donors compensated?
Egg donor compensation covers the time, effort, inconvenience, and high level of commitment necessary to accomplish an egg donation. The program places expectations on you as an egg donor to follow through and feels that the compensation egg donors receive should mirror the importance placed on your commitment and generosity.

What are my costs?
Along with egg donor compensation, the intended recipients pay the costs of the screening and the donation process. The premium and any deductible for the supplemental short-term accidental health insurance policy will also be paid by the intended recipients. You should be aware that donors receive a 1099 tax form at the end of the year for the compensation you earn. ConceiveAbilities withholds no tax. The only cost to you is a current pap smear and your local transportation.

What are the medications I must take? 

The physician will determine what medications you will take. While ConceiveAbilities does not possess medical expertise, based on experience with donors, there are three medications or hormones most donors take. The first medication, called Lupron, prevents the donor’s hormones from causing follicle (the sac surrounding the egg) production and ovulation on their own. It also allows for the next medication to be more effective in producing multiple follicles. This next medication is FSH. Pure FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) naturally occurs in a woman’s body but in a smaller quantity than the dose donors usually take. FSH is responsible for the production of follicles (the sacs surrounding the eggs). Lastly, the donor will usually be given hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) that will stimulate her body to finalize the maturation of the eggs and induce ovulation. For detailed information, please review our Egg Donor Medications page.

Are these medications safe?

These are medications commonly used for the treatment of infertility. The use of the medications for fertility treatment and egg donation is very widespread throughout the United States and the world. This widespread use in the U.S. is the result of rigorous testing for effectiveness and safety by the scientific community and the FDA. Additionally, with approximately ten thousand cases of egg donation in the United States performed every year, and with the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine at 6 donations per egg donor, the track record on safety is excellent. As with any medicine, there can be adverse side effects. During the screening consultation with a physician, you should inquire about all of the risks and potential side effects of the medications and medical procedures. We also encourage you to talk with your gynecologist about your desire to be an egg donor, to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your decision.

Is the retrieval process painful?
Every experience is different. Some donors go out to eat or shop the day of the procedure. Others take is easy for several days particularly if they are experiencing any uncomfortable cramping and bloating following the procedure. Often Tylenol and rest are sufficient to diminish these effects. The medical personnel can discuss their experience with you regarding discomfort following egg donation.

What are some things that will prevent me from being a donor?
The professionals involved in the screening process look very carefully at motivation, health and family medical history, emotional stability, and other factors. You can learn more at our Egg Donor Requirements page. Many factors are weighed, and often, it is no one thing that disqualifies a donor candidate. However, missing scheduled appointments without informing the professionals involved is actually the leading cause of disqualifying donor candidates. Due to the time sensitive nature of the procedures, the ability to keep to a schedule is one of the most important aspects of the egg donor program. Women who have a habit of making and breaking appointments are not qualified candidates. Please consider this point before making the overture to apply.

If you feel ready to make the commitment to give one of the most incredible gifts one person can give to another, we encourage you to start an Egg Donor application with ConceiveAbilities!

The Washington Post explores infertility from the perspective of hopeful fathers: For Men, infertility often becomes a private heartache

From The Daily Beast: California Proposes Payment for Egg Donation

Resolve.org asks for support on several infertility-related bills: Call Congress in June

Global IVF addresses the tricky question of celebrity privacy: Celebrities Infertility Secrets?

Could men be why women’s fertility ends earlier? From the LA Times: Did menopause arise because men prefer young women?

From BBC News: First baby conceived with time-lapse imaging IVF born in Glasgow

From The Spin Doctor: 2013 is shaping up to be the worst year for reproductive freedom in recent history

And in ConceiveAbilities news?

We’re pleased to offer an ongoing support group! Leading Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency, ConceiveAbilities, Expands Its Surrogacy Program to Include a Support Group for Intended Parents

The support group is an unparalleled opportunity to discuss the emotional aspects of surrogacy, including excitement, fear, loss of control, and sadness – all at the same time – with others who can relate. A myriad of unique factors, such a single parenting or parenting as a same-sex couple, often come into play and can benefit from this network of support.

“A defining feature of the ConceiveAbilities program is to offer innovative solutions to clients in a burgeoning field,” says President Nazca Fontes. “This new facet provides the setting for intended parents to explore their personal situations with others going through the same pioneering journey.”

The safe, comfortable environment is led by a professional with personal experience. Group leader and ConceiveAbilities’ Director of Surrogacy Deb Levy, MA, LPC, had her own children via the help of a gestational surrogate and is able to guide intended parents as they explore all aspects – emotional and logistical – about this path to parenthood.

For more information and to register for the support group, please contact us at info@conceiveabilities.com.

Read more

The Daily Beast/Newsweek questioned the ethics of embryo banks: Embryos for Sale!

Major controversy surrounding the Louisiana surrogacy bill from Care2.com: Louisiana Uses Surrogacy Reform to Attack Gay Rights

More on the bill from The Advertiser.com: Governor faces tough decision with surrogacy bill

From the Montreal Gazette: Fertility doctors get new guidelines on maximum number of embryos to transfer

A piece from International Fertility Law Group: New Nevada law offers security for Intended Parents and Gestational Carriers

From RTE News Ireland: State to challenge landmark surrogacy ruling

And in ConceiveAbilities news?

An intended parent/surrogate pair was so perfectly matched they’ve decided to go for Baby Round Two together!

With this headline from Newsweek and The Daily Beast splashed across the web this week, the ethics of embryo donation have been called into question. It all generated from an article that recently appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine regarding concern over a bank of cryopreserved embryos. The authors were two lawyers who determined that – legally and ethically – the practice of “selling embryos fills a need and should be viewed as acceptable.”

The author of The Daily Beast piece was alarmed by this conclusion and saw a more backhanded agenda, referring to the embryos as “not the happy leftovers from another couple’s quest to get pregnant,” but “created for the purpose of providing them to patients, who pay for the entire procedure.”

The fact is, these embryos are created from donated eggs and donated sperm. Egg and sperm donation is old news in the ever advancing world of infertility treatment. Informed consent on behalf of donors already exists and is not the issue, and if their consent is extended to the creation of embryos, then there is no controversy. Everyone is in agreement with what the article refers to as the “deliverables.”

An ethical debate here is unnecessary. This is a personal moral line of demarcation that everyone must determine from themselves. It may not be the the right decision for some, but as with other sensitive and very personal life decisions, it shouldn’t impact the choice for others.

As an agency enmeshed in the delicate process of alternative family building, we haven’t found this to be a common dilemma. Our experience with clients in this already challenging endeavor is that choice is paramount to the process. We doubt very much that intended parents would pursue the option of using banked embryos, as proven by the lack of traction toward already existing embryo donation programs. Intended parents would much rather be in the driver’s seat making decisions about their embryos, rather than leaving it up to scientists in lab coats to create their own subjective combinations.

A Washington Post Op-Ed on surrogacy that sparked intese debate: Surrogacy exposed

And one of our favorite follow up letters: Surrogacy should be regulated, not banned

The Spin Doctor’s take on the controversy: Two Sides of The Surrogacy Debate

From The Huffington Post: ‘Get Britain Fertile’: Does This Fertility Ad Campaign ‘Shame’ Women?

From The New Civil Rights Movement: Louisiana To Make Surrogacy Illegal for Same-Sex Couples

From NewStatesman: US medical company patents basic aspect of human physiology crucial to IVF treatment

From Live Science: Fertile Women More Likely to Wear Red

From the Huffington Post Blog: 10 Words That Describe Infertility

And in ConceiveAbilities news?

A brother/sister duo entered the world and are thriving thanks to their superwoman surrogate!

As an agency, our priority is protecting all the parties involved in a surrogacy match. We believe strongly in laws that have been enacted to protect surrogacy and help it thrive. We fully support this particular bill’s requirements that a surrogate have given birth to a child and undergo mental and physical evaluations, as well as agreeing to relinquish all rights to the child she is carrying. These laws protect both the surrogate and the family she is helping.

However, there is another very specific stipulation to this bill. It states that a surrogate is only allowed to carry for a married couple who couldn’t otherwise have a biological child.

According to Rep. Sherman Mack, “The intent of the bill is pro-family.”

But apparently only if “family” is within a limited definition. In a bill that includes so many stipulations made to truly protect the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child, why such a narrow scope on who can benefit from the process?

The beauty of surrogacy is, of course, building a family. When that option is only given to people the state has decided are worthy, we have to wonder about the politics that are behind the bill. And there are always politics involved.

There is often opposition from anti-abortion groups in any legislation involving in-vitro fertilization, and this is no different. Louisiana Family Forum, a conservative group, opposed the bill and said it destroys embryos and “radically redefines the family.”

But how? The stipulation that surrogacy as a family building option is only protected for married couples actually does very little to redefine a family. It clearly discriminates against single or same sex couples who desperately want a child, and one can argue that it diminishes the woman who’s carrying and her right to make educated choices about her role in the process. A gestational carrier is interested in helping build a family, not being a pawn for a political agenda.

We’re pleased that the state of Louisiana recognizes the rise in surrogacy and acknowledges the need for laws governing it. We can only hope that, eventually, these laws will include all hopeful parents.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition for a surrogate mother – someone who has already worn the title “Mom” – to now serve in this way for someone else. Is there a more powerful gift one woman can give to another than motherhood?

Kristina, who has been a surrogate before, recognizes this. “While each pregnancy of our own is wanted, it’s even more intense when you are trying to achieve one for someone else.”

For a woman who has received hugs and cards and breakfast in bed from her own little ones, it can be difficult to imagine life any other way.

“I watched so many friends and family struggle with infertility and infant loss, which is what brought me to surrogacy and of course made me grateful for my own children,” says Holly, who is currently pregnant with twins for her Intended Parents. “I hear so many stories about people who want nothing more than they want a baby; they suffer so much loss, yet they are desperate for a child.”

The relationship she’s developed with the couple she’s carrying for has had an even more profound impact on the previous struggles she’s witnessed.

“To watch the entire IVF process, which I see as a miracle now more than ever, result in a baby or sometimes two, gives me so much perspective,” she says. “Now, I look at my boys and how wonderful and perfect they are, and to think of other parents finally getting to experience that makes me so happy.”

“I view it as an honor,” Kristina explains. Being a surrogate “brought such a sense of pride and completion to my personal views regarding motherhood.”

The gift she’s giving this Mother’s Day is not lost on Holly either, and she acknowledges how it’s impacted her own identity as a mom.

“My love for my children deeper thanks to this new-found perspective,” she explains. “My gratitude for them multiplies, along with my gratitude for the ability to give that feeling to another set of parents.I am so grateful for this experience, and I’m grateful for what I hope it will also teach my children, my family, and my friends.”

And as a woman? “I know I learn more and more about myself with each step in the process.”

ConceiveAbilities prides itself on being “the means to a beginning.” We couldn’t do it without the commitment from the generous women who serve as surrogates and egg donors to help create these desperately wanted babies. In this spirit of giving, it only made sense to walk together to support all babies in getting the best possible start and opportunity to thrive.

As always, everyone loved having a chance to connect – some even had the opportunity to meet for the first time – and catch up while taking part in a fantastic cause. Check out the great shirts, too – talk about team spirit!

As National Infertility Awareness Week comes to an end, our mission is just beginning. It’s up to all of us who have been impacted by infertility to educate and inform the people in our lives – including medical and legal professionals as well as our legislators – about the realities of the disease. It’s in the support we provide, the sensitivity we show, and the encouragement we give every day. And it can also be in your participation: RESOLVE’s 2013 Advocacy Day is May 8th in Washington DC.

By meeting with U.S. Senators and Representatives face-to-face, the goal is to ensure that the voice of the infertility community is heard. Your elected officials need to understand the needs of those trying to build a family – and you can be one to educate them!

For more details and to register, visit RESOLVE.org. Together, we can make a difference.

As we’ve explored infertility awareness this week, one of the prominent reminders is the need for support. Infertility is an incredibly isolating experience for most – no one likes talking about their struggle. No one would choose to fight this battle. But honesty begets honesty, and many find that when they share their story, a whole network of comrades opens up.

At ConceiveAbilities, we talk to so many intended parents who find that it’s like a floodgate when they finally have someone to listen. It seemed only natural to connect them in a safe, honest environment led by a professional who has been there herself. We are thrilled to announce the first support group being held for intended parents to discuss the emotional aspects specifically related to gestational surrogacy.  Intended parents often report feelings like fear, loss of control, excitement, anticipation, and sadness…all at the same time!  This group allows parents-to-be to discuss these issues with others who “get it.” Group leader  and ConceiveAbilities’ Director of Surrogacy Deb Levy, MA, LPC, had her own children via the help of a gestational surrogate, and she can help couples explore all the aspects – emotional and logistical – about this path to parenthood.

We invite you to join us tomorrow – Saturday, April 27th – at our Denver office. For more information and to register, please visit www.conceiveabilities.com or contact info@conceiveabilities.com.

Today’s guest blogger is one of our own gestational surrogates, Liz. Her incredible journey through surrogacy is chronicled on her own blog, (Im)Perfectly Balanced. We’re honored to feature her story, as well as her insight into this process. Talk about making a difference in the world of infertility! 

People decide to become a surrogate for so many different reasons – whether it’s a personal connection to infertility, an overwhelming desire to provide someone with something that they’ve been fortunate to have, or something that (like me) they can’t quite explain. Whatever the reason that took me down this road, it became clear almost immediately that it was the right decision.

My surrogacy journey started nearly two years ago, when I found myself sitting at the computer Googling “surrogate” and thinking to myself that it looked like something that I could do. As crazy as it sounds, it was really as simple as that. Once I started digging deeper, I became convinced that I would be a good candidate to carry a child for someone else. I loved my first two pregnancies. I loved both birth experiences. I had also long lost the “Oh, I wish I had another one” feeling when holding newborns. Aside from all of this, I like to think I deal well with stress and I work in a supportive and virtual environment that allows me some scheduling flexibility. It all seemed like a perfect fit.

Now that I have delivered two perfect babies for one wonderful couple I can look back on the last year. It turns out that I was a pretty good candidate to be a gestational carrier, but there were some lessons I learned along the way that I would share with those considering whether this is a journey that suits them.

• Be selfish. This is a personal journey and should be a personal decision. Family members and friends may have a range of reactions, especially at first. Those who don’t understand the decision may change their perspective as they watch the process unfold. Always come back to what brought you to the decision. Similarly, remember that your own children are still developing their worldview. We may think they will question this in a way that adults might, but it’s more likely the opposite. This is our chance to help them realize that families coming together in different ways is just part of what happens in our world.
• Build your network. Whether it’s a supportive family, friends, or other women in the process, decide who your “village” can be. I was fortunate to work with an agency that brings the carriers together as a network, sharing stories and tips and even frustrations in a safe and supportive space. I have seen many combinations of where women find their support in this, but it has proven to be an important element in the journey.
• Expect the unexpected. Many gestational carriers, decide to do this, in part, because we had relatively uneventful pregnancies. We are reminded often that this is no guarantee that carrying for someone else will be equally uneventful. Understanding that challenges may come along the way is important. Once you watch a new family come together, though, you might have a hard time remembering the bumps in the road.
• Share. Share. Share. While this may not suit everyone, I would be remiss not to mention the value I’ve gotten and that others have gotten from sharing my story along the way. I always knew I wanted to blog about being a gestational carrier and was matched with a family willing to see our story unfold with an audience (albeit, a small one). I could not have imagined the response I would see as a result. From Facebook friends I haven’t seen since I was ten to staff at my children’s school to a woman trying to sell me blinds, it was fascinating and touching to see how many people have a personal connection to infertility and the surrogacy process. I received many messages of gratitude from friends and strangers for providing such a gift to someone that none of them even know. I also had many women of all ages comment that carrying for someone else was something that they always wanted to do, but didn’t for one reason or another.

I would not trade any part of the last year for anything. I was firm in my decision from the beginning, even if others didn’t understand it at first. I secretly had fingers crossed to carry a singleton and ended up carrying twins. I not-so-secretly tried to will myself to have a natural delivery and ended up having a C-section. I had unexpected complications after the surgery that slowed the recovery. That said, I don’t regret a moment of the last year. I learned a lot about myself, my support network and especially about my kids. We feel fortunate to be invited to remain friends with the happy new family. With any luck, our experience can help encourage others to start the journey themselves.

The sweet note Liz’s son brought to her in the hospital after delivering the twins 

We’re thrilled to have teamed up with Chicago-based Neighborhood Parents Network in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week. For those who are already parents, it may be almost impossible to remember life before it revolved around their little one. But the reality is that it’s not that simple for one in eight U.S. couples. When you consider your own group of friends, it’s almost guaranteed that at least one of them is, perhaps privately, struggling to have a baby.

For more, check out our guest blog over at NPN.

Today, we’re sharing the journey of one intended mom’s journey through infertility. She describes her struggle to overcome the many obstacles and set backs, but also her eventual victory – she is now pregnant with twins! 

Two to five percent.

That was the chance I was given from my reproductive endocrinologist to be able to conceive using my own eggs. I can’t tell you how it felt to receive that phone call. I was in shock and devastated. I saw all the things I had dreamed about – birthday parties, holidays, weddings – vanish into thin air.

My husband and I had just sat down with the MD that morning and everything from tests and surgical procedures had gone well with no giant red flag. But that morning my labs were drawn to check my FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) level. My diagnosis was diminished ovarian reserve.

We decided to try IVF, knowing the odds were not in our favor. We had gotten pregnant on our own almost a year prior but I miscarried at 12 weeks. We had thought that since I conceived the first time we would have no issues. This, of course, was not the case. The IVF cycle only produced one fertilized egg and no pregnancy.

How could this be? I thought we had done all the right things. We waited until we were financially ready and in a good position to start our family, and now we were not able to. I felt like a failure. I saw everyone around me pregnant or already with children. I did not attend baby showers or kids’ birthday parties because I knew someone would ask (like they always do) when are you having children?

Infertility is a diagnosis that, in my opinion, is worse than other health issues. Why? Because there is very little treatment for it and it such a private matter to struggle with. Men may want to hide things in fear that people will think it is “his” malfunction. Women are usually more open with their struggles. Some women, not knowing what to say, will pacify you and say things like “it will happen when you least expect it” or “it only takes one.” There is very little recognition about infertility issues.

After the first IVF cycle failed, I realized I could keep beating my head against the wall, continue with increased dosages of medications and spend more money, or I could try something different. I began to research egg donor programs and eventually talked with my husband about using donor eggs. He is one of those secretive guys who doesn’t want anyone to know anything about our issues. I told him that the child would genetically be half him and half the donor, but I would still be able to carry the child/children. To my surprise, he said yes. The year had been hell for us and if there was any chance we could conceive a baby (even if it wasn’t genetically mine) he was for it. He just wanted us to be “normal” again. For a year, it felt that my whole life was about going to doctors, injecting medications, and taking tests that never yielded the result I wanted.

When we did decide that by using donor eggs we could drastically increase our chances of a baby, we had no idea where to turn. We discussed using a donor with our RE, who did have a donor program. But when they gave us a book of profiles, there were only 5 – none of whom I felt I had a connection with or who looked like me. I scouted out a few the RE recommended donor agencies and I was not happy. There are so many places with horrible reviews, and I even saw potential lawsuits against others.

And then, I found one company without any negative reviews and that had been in business for years. So I called ConceiveAbilities and spoke with Alicia. I cannot tell you how great it was to talk with or receive an email from someone available during the weekend or at night – I felt like the staff always went above and beyond to make me feel less anxious about the process.

I used their online database, which had a lot of women who looked like “normal” people and not someone using their modeling head shots. I wanted the impossible someone who looked like me, who was smart, and just a good person. A little hard to actually feel these qualities through the computer screen! We found a donor who shared similar characteristics like hair color, eye color and height. She has a college degree, which was important to me. We saw pictures not just of her but also of her family, which gave us an inside glimpse into how she was raised and her family life.

And this is where ConceiveAbilities works their magic. They were actually very informed about the donor I found, and advised me that yes, she would be a great match. I can’t say enough about my egg donor. I wanted to feel a connection with the person who would play such an important part of my life, This was very important, even if it is anonymous. I sent a card for her, and our case manager Kristin said, “that’s funny – your donor mailed us a card to send to you!” She even sent a card after her procedure. I could not have had this connection to my donor – which I think made this whole process so much more personal — if it was not for ConceiveAbilities. It is a lot of money to spend, and you are putting it into the hands of someone you will never meet, but ConceiveAbilities helped me find my dream donor. I am currently pregnant with twins.

Infertility is a nightmare that can take everything out of you physically, emotionally and financially. I am so happy that even though I may not have taken the path that I had originally intended, I am now back to my normal life and my dreams have come true. None of this would not be possible without my donor and ConceiveAbilities.

Day 2 of National Infertility Awareness Week asks us to change the conversation. While healthcare is a sensitive issue in this country and is constantly in a state of flux, it is spotty at best for people diagnosed as infertile. As Resolve.org points out, there is not enough support or access to medical care for a disease that impacts 1 in 8 U.S. couples.

As many states are passing legislation to limit basic healthcare to women, it’s important that we take a stand to protect all reproductive rights. The support and care that is being denied to so many is inexcusable. Laws should not limit family building options, and this week is the perfect opportunity to speak up about the need for medical care, access to emotional support, and the freedom to build a family.

Learn more about how your state measures up by reviewing this interactive Fertility Scorecard from Resolve and then share it on your social media outlets But don’t stop with your friends. Reach out to your state’s lawmakers. Let them know how this impacts you, their constituent. Remind them that infertility is a disease, and that healthcare is a right. Encourage them to join the movement with you!

Today kicks off National Infertility Awareness Week – and it’s our opportunity to show how strong this community is. Through education and determination, those of us at the forefront have the responsibility to help others understand the significance of the disease. And it is, in fact, a disease. Without proper care and funding, the rates continue to increase. But the isolation doesn’t have to continue. The insensitivity can be diminished. That’s what this week is all about.

Visit All things Conceivable all week to read personal stories, share triumphs, and learn ways you can help the people in your life understand a complex, sensitive topic. Not sure where to start? Resolve.org has compiled an array of educational opportunities around the country – our own support group is included on Saturday, April 27th in Denver.

http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/educational-events.html
So check out the list. Find some events in your area, and spread the word. Join the movement with us in the fight for infertility awareness.

 
The Belgian study found that out of 60 women who had donated eggs, 54 became pregnant within a year of trying to conceive. Three more women became pregnant within 18 months of trying. 57 of the women conceived naturally, while the remaining three became pregnant with the help of fertility treatments. Interestingly, two of these women needed treatment due to male factor fertility issues. Researchers did note that there were limitations to the study – generally, egg donors don’t have fertility issues of their own to start. 16 percent of the women did report changes in their menstrual cycle after donating their eggs, but none of them reported infertility problems.

 
We always encourage women who are considering egg donation to thoroughly research the procedure and discuss medical concerns with their doctor. While no medical procedure is without some inherent risk, this study provides truly positive reinforcement to the generosity of these women.

As many as 1 to 2 percent of babies in the Western world are now conceived through IVF, experts say. And while the procedure is not without controversy, it has allowed the one in six couples worldwide who face infertility a viable option to create their family.

“He leaves the world a much better place,” said Peter Braude, a London professor of obstetrics and gynecology. Few biologists, he added, have been able to have such a positive and practical impact on humankind. Edwards was awarded a Nobel prize for medicine in 2010.

It is a privilege to honor Dr. Edwards and his tireless work in the world of assisted reproductive technology. The intended parents whose lives have been so enriched through IVF – not to mention the egg donors and surrogates who are integral to the process – are testimony to the profound impact one person can have on his or her world. Thank you, Dr. Edwards.

It is unfortunate that this is a story in the media because an experienced, ethical agency would never have allowed it to happen. It’s an extreme outlier in the field of gestational surrogacy and certainly not reflective of the multitude of careful, thoughtful and cautious cases unfolding every year.  It is the result of unethical practices and poor screening. It is the result of an agency that does not respect the best interest of the intended parents or surrogate.

The surrogate claims that the subject of termination never came up, but she assumed the parents were on the same page. There can be no “assumptions” in a surrogacy arrangement, and it is the agency’s role to thoroughly address and discuss such pertinent issues. While termination is an uncomfortable topic, it gives a voice to the beliefs of both parties and ultimately prevents scenarios such as this.

It is just one of many aspects that must be discussed prior to transfer, and an experienced agency is adept at addressing them. Aside from the obvious fact that both parties should have an attorney, issues like psychological screening, prenatal testing, and birth plan/post-birth relationships must be discussed at the very beginning. These complicated issues must be thoroughly understood and respected in order for a match to move forward. Terminating a desperately wanted pregnancy is not a decision that anyone wants to make, but all parties need to be in agreement. And many surrogates leave the call up to the intended parents.

“It’s a tough situation, but in the end she made bad choices,” said Danielle, an active surrogate. “She didn’t have any right to do what she did. It wasn’t her call to make.”

Michelle, another surrogate, noted, “What’s sad is that stories like this put surrogacy in a bad light. I wish the media would take a look at the literally thousands of great matches.”

For three days, the Charleston Place Hotel hosted a symposium focused on the innovative new technology, legal aspects, and and psychological techniques as it relates to egg donation. More than 150 reproductive endocrinologists, lab professionals, nurses, mental health professionals, and attorneys attended a series of presentations and roundtables designed to maximize success in IVF specifically related to third party reproduction.

It was an honor to be in attendance and discuss ConceiveAbilities’ role in such a unique field.

From a carriage ride through the historic “Holy City” to a jazz brunch to enjoying delectable local fare – shrimp and grits, oysters, and pecan pie, among the favorites – we truly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with our colleagues, both old and new, in such a charming locale.

It’s very hard to express the emotions that this process has uplifted within me, but I will do my very best at describing what I feel has been a monumental part of our lives.

This journey of surrogacy has become so much more than helping another family achieve the dream of becoming parents. It has changed my view of the world, the love for my children, and the utter awe and amazement I feel towards the man I
married. My children never cease to amaze me, but this process has changed them and shown them a side of the world that most never see. They are sharing this gift of giving and love and have been so connected in it.

My husband has stood by my side and has been my number one supporter even though, at times, he was concerned for my well being. He has grown to love this family as well. He showed me yet again, through transition of pregnancy to birth, that we make the strongest team. He has coached me through not only the birth of our two children, but through the delivery of someone else’s as if it
were his own. His beautiful soul is so very evident to me at the moment. I am so peaceful in knowing that he is everything I need and so much more.

To the family in which we shared this special gift. Beginning as complete strangers that transcended in to a bond so strong we are now family. To share a part in something so fundamental yet so very intimate with another couple has forever changed us in a way that is indescribable.

The support and love that was shown to me by all of my family and friends was truly life changing as well. To know that so many care for you and are willing to do whatever it takes to help make you happy and know you are so deeply loved.

To the priceless friendships I have made through ConceiveAbilities. How amazing it has been to share the ups and downs, knowing that there are others in this world sharing this rare and precious gift.

Most importantly, I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to serve Him in away that I believe he called me to do. This is something I was meant for and left a better woman because of it.

http://webtalkradio.net/internet-talk-radio/2013/01/21/in-search-of-fertility-using-a-donor-egg-agency/

When Melissa, a woman from Texas who agreed to become a gestational carrier for a couple wanting to become dads, she didn’t realize the decision would also impact her views on religion, faith, and equality. While she had no issue helping them build a family, the hesitation – and often, downright disgust – she was met with in her community is evidence of a new kind of culture clash. It’s remarkable in its intellectual and physical juxtaposition. This new face of surrogacy is a fascinating picture of what can happen when someone steps outside of her comfort zone to help another in a profoundly intimate way.

According to one of the intended fathers Melissa carried for, “I had received more homophobia than he had in his life as an out gay man,” she says.

Tina from Idaho, who has been a surrogate several times for both straight and gay couples, found it best to be open from the start about the twins she was carrying: “They have two dads, and that is okay.” Her experience – and the fact that it gave a personal identity to the gay population – even prompted conservative friends to support gay rights.

As we see an increase in the number of men utilizing surrogacy to start their families, the beliefs of some of the women carrying the babies are challenged. It’s important to find matches that respect the needs of everyone involved. Regardless of a surrogate’s personal beliefs, we at ConceiveAbilities fully agree that these women are intelligent, take-charge do-ers whose thinking transcends cultural norms – their willingness to do a very basic yet altruistic act for someone else proves this.

While these may not be Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most famous words, on this particular celebration of his life we find them especially poignant. The fact that it coincides with Inauguration Day makes it all the more relevant. 


As this administration starts its second term, we reflect on successes and challenges of the past four years. We have seen witnessed heated debates on issues like women’s healthcare, gay rights, and same-sex marriage equality. Our nation has faced frustration and tragedy beyond comprehension. And together, we move forward. We keep going, exploring new ideas, proposing new laws, enacting new policies, all in the hope that these actions will make us the stronger nation we strive to be. Though it’s difficult to see the end result now, we take those first steps.

Weighing decisions like egg donation and surrogacy – whether it’s as an intended parent, a donor, or a surrogate – require a similar faith. And it’s doesn’t have to be a leap. Baby steps, so to speak, are what bring you to what will ultimately be the best option for you. Research, exploration, and education are the tools to do that. Venturing into the unknown is scary, but trust that you will ultimately find an answer that gives you hope and peace. At ConceiveAbilities, we applaud you for taking the first step and are here to guide you along your way.

Tis the season to celebrate all of the blessings – and yes, challenges – in our lives. And we’re even reminded even more about the importance of the people who make our lives so rich. It has been a pleasure to spend more time with the people who make our work at ConceiveAbilities so worthwhile. In both Chicago and Denver, we recently held our annual holiday soirees to both thank and celebrate the women (and men!) who give so selflessly to help create families.

As the year draws to a close, we hope your days are filled with love, laughter, and peace. Here’s to 2013!

All of that could change depending on the outcome of today’s election. Just as ConceiveAbilities Director, Nazca Fontes, wrote in the Huffington Post prior to the 2008 election, the results could affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the means to family building.

An article from The AFA outlines this in much greater detail, and it reminds us that fifteen states have presented initiatives and/or legislation for Personhood. These laws that define a fertilized egg as a person would have a dire impact not only on ART, but also research and other means of treatment for genuine medical issues. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Personhood legislation “would possibly prevent doctors from providing necessary and often life-saving medical procedures to women experiencing miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Personhood measures are a dangerous intrusion of criminal law into the provision of medical care.”

A law that prevents care to the mother seems like the real criminal act. And while it’s difficult to comprehend, it is a right that currently needs protection.

It opens doors to an even greater myriad of discussion related to IVF treatment. As the AFA piece points out, would frozen embryos be considered a person by law? Should embryos be part of the US census? Are people entitled to claim embryos as dependents on their taxes? If frozen embryos do not survive the thawing process, is the lab technician now considered a criminal?

These questions are not unrealistic under Personhood legislation. While it has failed to become law – so far – the results of today’s election could pave the way to reality. We encourage you to vote today. Vote with the knowledge of where your chosen candidate stands, and vote to protect your reproductive choices.

In July, we had the honor of attending the 25th annual In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer conference in Santa Barbara as the only third party agency exhibiting. It was a unique opportunity to share details about our program’s growth and evolution, while learning more about research that will allow us to better assist our clients.

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For more information about NFFR’s work and research to keep hope alive for families struggling with infertility, visit http://www.fertilityresearch.org/

Earlier this month, ConceiveAbilities Chicago surrogates and their families got together for our 2nd annual picnic – a beautiful day for catching up with old friends, blowing bubbles, and chasing grasshoppers! Check out some of the fun:

http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/giuliana–bill-rancic-finally-reveal-their-surrogate-2012189#ixzz26uz5r760

The interesting twist in the Romney-Ryan pairing, of course, is the fact that two of Romney’s children have used IVF – one even working with a surrogate – to build their families. Per Ryan’s stance, this could qualify them as criminals under the Personhood statutes.

Mother Jones had a compelling piece about this fact yesterday, but some commentators are crying foul: today’s piece in the National Post calls the related articles “distortion” and “balderdash,” saying that there is “no evidence that he believes in criminalizing in vitro fertilization, and efforts to imply otherwise in order to create a neat little conflict (oooh, Romney’s runningmate would put Romney’s kids is prison if he could!) are misleading and irresponsible.”

If this truly were the case, we would agree. But under the Sanctity of Human Life Act, one endorsed by Ryan, any extra embryos that were fertilized by not implanted cannot be destroyed or used for research. And the fact is, we don’t know if the Romneys had extra embryos. We don’t know what they chose to do with them. Perhaps more importantly – it is no one else’s business period.

It’s true that Personhood would not completely outlaw IVF. At least not yet. But this gross invasion of privacy when it comes to reproductive rights is beyond disturbing, and for a family that has experienced the struggle of infertility – like the Romneys – it’s a pretty contradictory and poorly thought through decision. No distortion here – November’s vote could significantly undermine the rights of not just women, but anyone with the desire to have a family with the help of technology after all other efforts have failed them.

The catalyst seems to be new reports on high-dose stimulation and what it can mean for mother and, often, babies. Some specialists argue that mild stimulation results in lower pregnancy rates and, subsequently, more cycles of IVF. While high-dose stimulation can  have a higher rate of success, there may also be an increased likelihood of multiples. And that, the authors, say is where reality sets in for hopeful parents. They “wonder if doctors in this highly competitive, multi-billion dollar unregulated business are incentivized to spend the time necessary to help couples reach a considered understanding of ART.”

When the goal is to have a baby, some IVF patients hope they’re only lucky enough to have more than one. The primary focus is on getting pregnant. It can be difficult to see past that hurdle – and to realize that the eventual pregnancy itself is not without risks might be equally hard to comprehend.

The fact is that no pregnancy is without risks, whether it is a singleton or quadruplets, and whether it occurs naturally or with the help of IVF.

Education, not only about infertility treatment options, but about the subsequent pregnancy and baby or babies, is key. We believe the best option is always the adherence of the well developed, clear guidelines which are currently in place.

Patients must be their own best advocates when making decisions about their treatment plans and the number of embryos to transfer. After the emotional roller coaster through infertility, no parent should be left to feel helpless, doubting their decision. They need to feel confident that they have been fully counseled on the risks – and are as prepared as possible for what they will do if the unexpected occurs.

We were so excited to have the opportunity to spend time with the ConceiveAbilities community this past weekend in Denver. More the 60 people, including surrogates, families, and staff got together for an annual picnic – complete with relay races, fun in the water, and plenty of ice cream to go around! Surrogacy involves the entire family, and watching all of the families come together is always heartwarming. As an agency, we love the opportunity to give back to the families who give so much of themselves. We’re looking forward to another Chicago, Illinois surrogacy celebration later this summer!

The intimate locale for the conference allows reproductive endocrinologists, scientists, gynecologists, and residents to learn and share new information in what is a rapidly changing field. Embryo selection and transfer techniques, advancements in cryopreservation, and the future of egg banks were just some of the topics addressed during the 4 day seminar.

ConceiveAbilities was honored to be a part of the event as the only third party agency exhibiting. We had the opportunity to share details about our own program’s growth and evolution – and learn more about the incredible advancements that will allow us to better assist our clients. As third party reproduction expands in its own right, we believe it is essential for all facets of the infertility world to understand the complexities of managing these delicate matches. By working together, all of the moving pieces are brought into place to provide the optimal result for patients – a healthy baby.

Saturday dawned the perfect summer day for the first annual Illinois Race for the Family. The 5k run/walk, hosted by Fertility Centers of Illinois to benefit the Cade Foundation, was held at the beautiful Deer Park Forest Preserve. Decked out in “Team Baby” t-shirts, we were thrilled to be joined by 5 of our surrogates and their families – in fact, even an Intended Mom and Intended Grandma came out to participate! It was incredible to see multiple generations showing their support for infertility awareness.

Once the race was complete, it was time to celebrate some impressive accomplishments. Not only did one of our surrogate’s husband win a medal, two of our surrogates’ children were awarded medals for their age groups. Needless to say, Team Baby was a proud bunch!

We also had an opportunity to hear the inspiring story behind the Tiniana Q. Cade Foundation, which has been helping families overcome infertility since 2005. After Dr. Cade’s daughter dealt with 5 years of infertility treatment, the then 55-year-old offered to serve as a gestational carrier – and went on to deliver her 3 healthy grandchildren! The family started the foundation as a means to provide financial support to others struggling with the cost of fertility treatment and domestic adoption. Dr. Cade, along with her daughter Camille and son-in-law Jason, were on hand to thank supporters and celebrate another victory in the outreach event.

Another aspect of the event, Savannah’s Playground, was an area for families to play,  learn about safety, and listen to live acoustic music. Through the Cade Foundation, Savannah’s Playground honors the memory of Savannah Pereira – a little girl conceived with the help of infertility assistance and died in a tragic accident in 2010 at just 10 months old. Her parents established Savannah’s Memorial Fund to provide an annual grant to couples trying to conceive their first child. Lisa Rushton and Charley Pereira were also present to share their story as well as celebrate some exciting news – they are now expecting their second child.

ConceiveAbilities was honored to be part of this inspiring event and to have an opportunity to share infertility awareness with so many of the people who help make family building possible, in spite of the long journey and hurdles along the way. For more information about how you can show your support, please visit the Cade Foundation at www.cadefoundation.org.

However, groups as diverse as the National Organization for Women and the socially conservative Family Policy Council both say the bill violates the rights of the woman giving birth. One group, according to an article on NorthJersey.com, went so far as to say that it would “lead to the radical creation of a breeding class that is exploitive of women.”

This is a frustrating – not to mention extremely false – statement, especially to an agency like ConceiveAbilities who prides itself on respecting women and their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies. And we can attest to the fact that the women we work with are not poor, uneducated, or exploited. They are bright, well-spoken, and simply want to help someone else have a family.

Their careful assessment of the process results in them wanting to do something extraordinarily meaningful – which also benefits the gestational carrier’s family. To say this is exploitation ignores the true character of these women.

Team ConceiveAbilities was thrilled to be part of the first annual 5k run/walk to benefit the Cade Foundation and raise money and awareness for families overcoming infertility. We were joined by 5 of our Chicago surrogates and their families – in fact, even an Intended Mom and Intended Grandma came out to participate! Decked out in “Team Baby” t-shirts, we were proud to represent multiple generations showing support for infertility awareness.

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“My kids were so excited when I brought it up to them,” a ConceiveAbilities surrogates said. “It was everyone else we had to explain to.” A recent study from the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Family Research showed that the psychological wellbeing of a surrogate’s child is not negatively affected. Sixteen children were part of the study and, and twelve said that they openly discussed surrogacy with their friends and had generally positive responses. 

One of our Chicago area surrogates witnessed this as well. “I have heard my daughter telling others that I did it and from what I saw, she only received positive comments.” She added that both of her children, ages 8 and 16, “seemed rather unaffected by the whole journey.”

Researcher Susan Imrie noted that, in their study, “So far, all children interviewed have a positive view of surrogacy and their mother’s involvement.”

Another Chicago surrogate with ConceiveAbilities agreed. “The affect on my girls has been nothing but positive,” she said of her 9 and 13-year-old daughters.

Not all surrogates experience the same positive reactions. One surrogate noted that while her children were excited about the process, “I wish I could say the same about my parents. I guess it is a culture problem.”

That seems to be the universal response from our surrogates. While they have the full, unconditional support from their children and partners, any resistance they meet has come from other adults. While of course it can be a personal ethical issue from some, it is often a lack of understanding. Only in recent years has the delicate issue of infertility been brought out of the doctor’s office and into the public conscious, which is why education – and patience – is key.
And yet for children, the concept seems clear: it’s natural to want to have a family. And it’s only natural to want to help someone who is struggling to make it happen.

“They are so proud of what I am doing,” one surrogate said of her children. “My 13-year-old had to write a persuasive essay for her Language Arts class and has decided to write on surrogacy. She nearly brought me to tears when she told me. My 9-year-old is excited and couldn’t wait to tell everyone she knows. She rubs my belly every chance she gets and says that one day she wants to be a surrogate. It makes me incredibly happy to have my children look up to me and be so proud. What more could a mom ask for?”

With such positive attitudes about all the ways to build a family, it gives us hope that awareness is starting early and will continue to grow.

Visit here to read more Chicago Surrogacy Reviews & Testimonials

During the spring of 2010, I made what I consider to be one of the best decisions of my life: I combined my love of being pregnant with my love for helping others and became a gestational surrogate. It didn’t take long to realize that I had enlisted one of the best agencies in the United States to help me do that. ConceiveAbilities has never ceased to amaze me – from the early stages of applying and getting matched with recipients straight through to my delivery – the support they provided before and after Baby Reed was born was wonderful.

Was the journey flawless from start to finish? Of course not. Though we were working with one of the best fertility centers in the nation, our first embryo transfer ultimately resulted in an ectopic pregnancy. Thankfully, our second embryo transfer was successful. I recall the smiles on the parents’ faces the day we transferred the embryos, but also knew that the uncertainty made them feel vulnerable. The couple and I had an opportunity to see the embryos in the incubator just before the transfer – they were perfect and beautiful. The reproductive endocrinologist hugged the intended mother after transferring the embryos, and a tear fell from the intended mother’s eye. Seeing that, tears began to fall from mine as well. It was a moment filled with an indescribable feeling – and all of us forming a team working toward the same goal. I was optimistic about this transfer’s success and refused to think otherwise. I wanted to be an unwavering, constant source of support and encouragement to the couple I was helping. I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant and that the intended parents were expecting and the intense happiness that overcame me. It didn’t matter one bit that the little one growing inside of me wasn’t genetically mine; my happiness that day was for the couple whose family would soon be growing by one.

Those next nine months as a surrogate mother went by in a blink of an eye and were filled with doctor appointments, ultrasounds and eventually kicks, nudges and flips. Due to distance and their location, the intended parents were only able to be at a handful of my many ultrasounds and appointments. The 20 week ultrasound was their first opportunity to see their little one in action. They sat quietly, intensely studying the screen as the technician moved the transducer over my belly. I am sure that day contained a lot of excitement for them, but I also sensed trepidation. During the next 19 weeks, contact with the parents increased even more. I made sure to send ultrasound pictures as they occurred and even managed to send a few videos of the baby’s kicks – they especially liked those!

I was blessed with an easy and uneventful pregnancy and the delivery went exactly as we had hoped. Words can’t describe how I felt when I saw the intended parents catch the first glimpse of their newborn son – nor can they describe the completeness I am sure they felt that day. I am incredibly honored to have been able to help them achieve their dream of bringing a child into this world with gestational surrogacy, and am filled with such happiness every time I get an update or see a new picture of him. There truly is no greater gift a woman can give.

For more of Kristina’s journey, please visit the ConceiveAbilities website and visit here to read more Chicago Surrogacy Reviews & Testimonials

More recently, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK’s fertility regulator, has been trying new tactics to drum up interest in egg donation. They are launching a new drive to encourage gamete donors by comparing it to something like blood donation. To us, this comparison seems misguided – and almost cavalier considering their previous attitude.

Reputable agencies and organizations tasked with guiding participants through this process are diligent in educating prospective donors as to the level of commitment and risks associated with this very generous act.  Also, in our experience, for a woman to make this commitment it is important for her to have an understanding of who is on the other side. We’ve found that so many of the egg donors we work with first became interested in participating after witnessing a friend or family member struggling with infertility. “I want to help someone like her/him,” we often hear. “If I have the ability to help them have a family, I want to do it.”

It’s clear to us that most donors are already participating for altruistic reasons. But by comparing this very intimate decision to donating blood, it takes away from the profound impact of egg donation. Not only should she be compensated for the time and effort in providing this generous gift, she should have a full understanding of its magnitude. Awareness is truly a must for everyone involved in third party reproduction.

In 2000, while in her first job out of college, she became close with a coworker and his wife. She had been diagnosed with a medical condition that affected her ability to conceive, and after trying a long time to have children, they shared that they were considering using an egg donor. Their struggle struck a chord with Jennifer for several reasons, but in particular because his wife was younger than she was.

“They were instrumental in introducing the concept to me,” she recalls. While having a family was not yet on the horizon for her and the boyfriend that would eventually become her husband, Jennifer felt that if she could help someone else use something she wasn’t, then why not?

“I knew I couldn’t help my friends, but all along they were key in my wanting to do this,” she says. “It made it very real and more personal. Their plight, their age, their circumstance helped from an altruistic standpoint,” Jennifer recalls. After seeing an ad for ConceiveAbilities in the Chicago publication The Reader, she completed the application. “I thought I wouldn’t get selected,” Jennifer admits. “I was pleasantly surprised to get a call.”

The idea quickly became a reality when she went in for an initial consult. “Alicia impressed the heck out of me,” Jennifer says. “Instead of making the process seem idilic, Alicia focused on things like flexibility, side effects, potential discomfort – she was very realistic about it.”

Sometimes, donors find they get a different perspective from the medical entity. A center may rely on the agency to take a more proactive role in educating a donor, and the agency has to hit it home. “You’re not just walking in and out, like donating blood,” Jennifer points out. “I went home and really reflected on it.”

Once she had learned more about the program and the intended parents looking for donors, she decided it would be “an absolute honor” to be selected. To her delight, Jennifer was matched with recipients – twice. The experience was so amazing the first time around, she says, that when she was approached again she didn’t think twice. “It will forever remain in my heart as a positive thing,” she says.

After spending many years social service, Jennifer found another opportunity to work with the Illinois egg donation program at ConceiveAbilities – this time, as a case manager. Now 35 and married, Jennifer and her husband Kevin began to explore the idea of building their family. And, as is the case for so many, it didn’t happen as quickly as they expected.

But what it did bring to the forefront was an inkling of what some of the clients she works with were going through. Month after month, the recurring disappointment began to weigh on her.

“There were so many times I was really convinced it had happened,” she recalls. And when it hadn’t, “I would just sob. Not after years of disappointment, invasive procedures – just a tiny degree of what intended parents go through.”

In fact, she remembers a new feeling when working with clients. “I would get so disappointed and frustrated internally when things didn’t work for them.” Prior to this, she had naturally related more to the donor. She had always been able to empathize with intended parent, but didn’t have that extra insight. “It exceeds that,” she recognizes, “but having that glimpse of heartache helped me to see what it means to them.”

And she was even more grateful than ever for her experience as a donor, because it gave her a true education on fertility. She had learned so much about ovulation and cycles during the process that without it, “It would have made family planning even more of a Russian Roulette.”

Jennifer also recalls feeling some relief that she hadn’t told many people about her previous egg donations.

“People leap to the notion,” that egg donation will somehow effect a woman’s future fertility, she says. “It’s just ignorance to scientific facts, but it’s such a common and ridiculous notion. Truthfully, it didn’t cross my mind. If anything, I thought it was because of my age.”

After trying for just under a year – which, she understands, seems like a minute period of time when dealing with longterm infertility – Jennifer and her husband talked to their doctor. They learned fairly quickly that there was no “issue,” it just hadn’t happened yet. “It’s extraordinary for a pregnancy even to occur,” naturally or via ART, she says, and she felt “it’s going to happen – or not – despite the various attempts I implemented to increase our chances.”

In November 2010, Jennifer and Kevin welcomed their son Harrison into the world. Being a donor, the experience building her own family, and now being a mom has “brought things full circle for me,” Jennifer says. “I have a whole new level of respect for the people who are in this but can see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

It’s even changed the way she helps a client deal with heartache – while always supporting them in any decision they make for future, knowing they truly want to keep trying to achieve their family building goals. “I provide supportive encouragement because I know how amazing the end result is,” she explains. “It’s blissful. I want that for them.”

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Visit here to read more Chicago Surrogacy Reviews & Testimonials

I can’t help but take a step back this year to consider recent events and how they directly affect this same group of people – and others. I’m specifically reminded how deeply and directly recent assaults on our privacy and personal freedoms might affect many of us in the future.  It is awareness we all need to have, because it will affect all of us.

Generally speaking, unless these events and issues creep into our own lives, until they directly affect us or someone we love, we’re often blissfully ignorant of our culture being subjected to an erosion of personal privacy and freedom.  We might miss the fact that our ability to make thoughtful, independent and extremely private decisions on how to govern the most intimate and personal aspects of our lives is being threatened.

For good or bad, recent events have brought these threats to the forefront of national discussion. The recent protest of a planned fertility clinic right here in the Chicago area. Or legislative proposals that, if passed, might force women to have unwanted internal ultrasounds, or to get permission from their employers to have contraception covered by insurance. Or the so-called personhood amendment that would have a profound and far reaching impact on many of the personal decisions that women must make about their bodies from contraception to how they build their families.

We’ve always contended that debate is a necessary and important part of our industry.  It has led to important regulations, guidelines and the best practices that protect all parties involved and provide them with all the information and support they need to make the best choices for themselves.  But I think its important for all of us to recognize the assault taking place and how important it is to understand and participate in this debate – at the dinner table, on the Internet and, especially, at the polls.  We all need to be clear that what we’re truly talking is infringement on one’s right to make a responsible and well-informed decision about reproductive options. Who do you want making decisions about your body?

Resolve.org has a running list of events available on their site, but a few highlights include:

Monday, April 23rd

Online – Infertility Peer Support Group, Google+ Hangout, 7:00PM – 9:00PM

Chicago, IL – Learn About Fertility Treatment, 7:00PM – 8:30PM – Learn about Fertility Center of Illinois’ state-of-the-art embryology lab and the day-to-day journey from fertilization to implantation with Dr. Christopher Sipe and embryologists Jill Matthews and Elissa Pelts.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Online – Pay It Forward Virtual Education Webinar, 7:00PM  8:30PM – Join this free 2 night webinar featuring talks from nationally renowned experts on a variety of fertility-related topics, including IVF 101 and PCOS.

Indianapolis, IN – Fertility and Family Building Fair, 3:00PM – 9:00PM – Hosted by the Indiana Collaboration for Families with Infertility, this first annual fair will feature five presentations, vendors, and family building advocates.

Wednesday, April 25th

Washington, DC – RESOLVE Advocacy Day, 8:00AM – 5:00PM – Come to Washington to tell your elected officials why they must defend family-building options

Crest Hill, IL – Infertility Awareness Education Seminar, 6:30PM – 9:00PM – The Center for Reproductive Health educates the community about available options for infertility treatment and ways to cope.

Thursday, April 26th

Boise, ID – Patient Education Seminar, 6:00PM – Meet the staff of Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine and learn how they can assist patients in their family-building needs.

Framingham, MA – Parenting After Infertility: Stories of Hope, 6:30PM – 8:30PM – A panel discussion with the infertility community.

Saturday, April 28th

Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Fertility Awareness Seminar, 9:00AM – 12:00PM – The annual seminar addressess a variety of topics including acupuncture, stress relief, and nutrition.

Atlanta, GA – Walk of Hope, 8:00AM – 11:00AM – A day to recognize the many ways families are built. Anyone can register as a walker or donor to raise awareness about infertility.

Kansas City, MO – KC Family Building Conference, 9:00AM – 12:30PM  – This second annual event will feature keynote speakers ranging from doctors to community leaders discussing the many options available for building a family.

Omaha, NE - 5K for Fertility, 9:00AM – 11:00AM – 2BFertile is hosting an annual 5K run/walk to raise awareness about fertility issues.

We strongly encourage you to look in to events in your area, and even if you can’t be there physically, spread the word. Take to your social media outlets and get infertility on the radar. And be sure to check All Things ConceivAble throughout the week for more conversation-starters. Together, we will ensure that infertility can no longer be ignored.

But there are many other ways to get involved. Resolve.org is calling upon everyone in the infertility community to show that we won’t ignore infertility. We need to rally together to educate the millions of people who misunderstand and underestimate the heartache of infertility – friends, family, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and, of course, the government. Write or call your local and state representatives to let them know this is an issue that demands attention. Make a donation to advocacy groups or the Walk of Hope. Even simple actions like blogging, “tweeting,” or sharing on Facebook get the word out to thousands who might otherwise remain in the dark about infertility.

Learn more about NIAW 2012 and the ways you can contribute by visiting Resolve’s NIAW site, and be sure to join the conversation with us next week. We look forward to working with each one of you to make our voices heard!

The document, which is available for review on the ASRM official website, aims to provide more guidance and clarity on topics such as the screening and testing of the genetic parents and gestational carriers, and updates on optimal screening and testing for STDs and psychological assessments. There are many complex medical and psychological issues involved, and while the recommendations are primarily geared toward physicians and other professionals, it can be a good read if you are considering working with a surrogate.

At ConceiveAbilities, we believe education is key. It is our goal to help you navigate the many complexities involved in surrogacy and egg donation, and we are happy to discuss your questions and concerns to help make this journey a bit less overwhelming!

You can read more about ASRM’s recommendations, all of which ConceiveAbilities meet, here:

http://www.asrm.org/topics/detail.aspx?id=1740

This reality hit close to home recently, when Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Randy Morris made plans to open a fertility clinic in Naperville, Illinois. The upper-middle class town of 140,000 about 45 minutes outside of Chicago is home to many families, college students, and young professionals. It seems an appropriate place to open a clinic that would help build families. After obtaining initial approval from Naperville’s City Council, and completing zoning and other necessary paperwork, the path was clear to proceed.

Until the personhood movement got involved in an attempt to shut it all down.

A City Council meeting on Tuesday ran for nearly 3 hours with more than 50 residents speaking up on both sides. Activists, many of them members of a Naperville Catholic parish, criticized the city and the plan it was approving. Claiming a matter of human dignity, Reverend Thomas Milota said, “Those embryos that have not been implanted also have value and worth.”

Pro-Life Action League member Eric Scheidler went so far as to tell the council, “Human life is being cheapened through the practice of IVF.”

The possibility of protesting outside the future clinic was brought up. Which raises an ironic image – people protesting for human life. In front of a clinic that helps build families.

While Milota says his concerns are more practical and are unconnected to the personhood movement, the fact remains that these groups are infringing on the right to make a responsible and well-informed decision about reproductive options.  The decision to use ART, and in turn, what to do with the resulting embryos, is a private, very personal issue between patient and doctor.

An ethical clinic provides education to their patients and follows strict regulations – these practices are in place for a reason. We support the growth of these clinics and were pleased to see that, in the end, the Naperville City Council voted 7-2 in favor of the Naperville Family Building Center. Not the Naperville Fertility Center, its original name.

While a healthy dose of debate keeps the issue of ethical fertility treatment at the forefront, it’s important that the choice remains an accessible option for intended parents trying to build a family.

One of our fantastic donors, who has participated in the process three times, put it this way: “I believe every person who desires to be a parent, who will love and cherish a little one, deserves to be one. I would love to help give someone the miracle of parenthood I have been so blessed to have.”

The women who are part of our program, as both Illinois egg donors and gestational surrogates, truly do represent another level of love and human kindness. We are proud to celebrate you today, but are grateful every day for your generous hearts. Thank you!

Today, in a surprising (or is it?) move, the Komen Foundation has announced they are reversing the decision. The intense pushback – from befuddlement to all out fury – no doubt caused this change of heart. While we’re relieved to hear that women around the nation will continue to have easier access to such essential healthcare, we’re disheartened.
 
When two organizations, both claiming to have the best interest for women and their health, are at odds, we all lose. As a company entrenched in reproductive health issues, ConceiveAbilities supports pro-women’s organizations. We were moved by The State of the Uterus, a piece by Keiko Zoll of Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed. As a powerful voice in the infertility community, Zoll once again reminds us that women must stand together when it comes to our bodies and our rights. “What matters is that every woman in this country deserves equal access to healthcare,” she says. “YOU matter…women’s health matters.”

It is essential to support one another, regardless of status, title, or political views. Will you stand up for the basic rights all women deserve? Will you honor the hurdles crossed not only by this generation, but by the generations of amazing women before us? Women who paved the way for the incredible advancements we often take for granted? The challenge doesn’t end here – we can’t back down now.

Our Denver group celebrated the season on Thursday, December 8th at an evening soiree downtown, complete with festive (virgin) cocktails. More than a dozen surrogates were able to attend, representing all parts of the process – one anxiously awaiting a match to another entering the second trimester of her second surrogacy journey with ConceiveAbilities. It was also a chance for intended parents to visit with their surrogates and other couples in similar situations. We were thrilled to see people speaking so honestly about their experiences and what brought them to this place – and their excitement about what 2012 will bring to their lives.

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, the field of family building can feel like a cross-country marathon. Autumn is a time of whirlwind conferences, seminars and continuing education opportunities, as well as fundraisers around the nation. In October, ConceiveAbilities was once again an exhibitor at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s annual meeting in Orlando. The conference, which attracts professionals from around the globe, is a chance to reconnect with familiar colleagues while meeting new practitioners and building wonderful relationships.

Later that month, ConceiveAbilities was a proud sponsor for the National Foundation for Fertility Research’s (NFFR) first annual Mad Scientist Ball in Denver. NFFR is a publicly-funded, non profit organization determined to fight infertility and to research a cure. We were pleased to support the cause and a team that will not stop until every hopeful parent has a child.

ConceiveAbilities was also in attendance at the American Fertility Association’s annual Illuminations Gala in New York City in November, and in December hosted holiday parties for our Illinois surrogacy and Colorado surrogacy programs.

On Sunday, December 4th, 7 of our Chicago area surrogates, their partners and intended parents gathered for brunch and bocce ball. It was a neat chance to see some of the surrogates with their intended parents – we don’t have many opportunities to gather at the same time. Plus, it gave the intended parents time to visit with others who are in different stages of the process. One of the surrogates, nearly 9 months pregnant with twins, was vibrant proof that a long, difficult journey can have a happy ending.

Our Denver group celebrated the season on Thursday, December 8th at an evening soiree downtown, complete with festive (virgin) cocktails. More than a dozen surrogates were able to attend, representing all parts of the process – one anxiously awaiting a match to another entering the second trimester of her second surrogacy journey with ConceiveAbilities. It was also a chance for intended parents to visit with their surrogates and other couples in similar situations. We were thrilled to see people speaking so honestly about their experiences and what brought them to this place – and their excitement about what 2012 will bring to their lives.

ConceiveAbilities wishes the best to our families, friends and colleagues during the holiday season!

Our Denver group celebrated the season at an evening soiree downtown, complete with festive (virgin) cocktails. More than a dozen surrogates were able to attend, representing all parts of the process – one anxiously awaiting a match to another entering the second trimester of her second surrogacy journey with ConceiveAbilities. It was also a chance for intended parents to visit with their surrogates and other couples in similar situations. We were thrilled to see people speaking so honestly about their experiences and what brought them to this place.

Seven of our Chicago surrogates, their partners, and intended parents gathered for brunch and bocce ball. It was a neat chance to see some of the surrogates with their intended parents – we don’t have many opportunities to gather at the same time. Plus, it gave the intended parents time to visit with others who are different stages of the process. One of the surrogates, nearly 9 months pregnant with twins, was vibrant proof that a long, difficult journey can have a happy ending.

Resolve.org has extensive information about the topic on their website, and even has an online pledge you can sign to take a stand against the initiative. We encourage you to learn more about it and do what you can in these final hours, no matter where you live.

While the goal of the personhood movement is to undermine Roe vs. Wade by legally changing the definition of what a person is, it will undoubtedly impact IVF too. We’ve discussed the gross disrespect to women’s health rights in this country many times on the blog – Nazca was even featured on The Huffington Post in a November 2008 piece about how that year’s election could affect the future of advanced reproduction technology. Three years later, the threat still looms.

Read more about the initiative in Michelle Goldberg’s article at The Daily Beast.

A story recently reposted to the Huffington Post (originally posted on Grindstone.com) asks whether surrogacy is “becoming a trend for the high-powered career woman,” and shares various opinions on how, when and why women choose to build their families. How is this any different?

The reasons hopeful parents work with surrogates are many and varied, but the choice to do so is just that – a choice. And with so many recent threats to women’s reproductive health options, it is a choice that must be protected.

Why do others – experts or not – have the right to weigh in on this very personal decision? Have we really come such a long way? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Now, egg donors will be compensated a fixed fee of 750 pounds (approximately $1200) for loss of earnings, expenses, and to “recognize their gift,” according to an article published in The Telegraph. In recent years UK egg donors could be reimbursed up to 250 pounds for expenses, but the shortage of donors in comparison to the demand drove intended parents abroad, eventually forcing authorities to reconsider their stance on compensation. Historically, many egg donors in the UK haven’t received any compensation at all, as this is how authorities deemed egg donation would remain an “altruistic” act.

While we believe all donors participate, ultimately, for altruistic reasons, the fact is that the process is far from easy. It is time intensive and a huge commitment, both physically and emotionally. Women want to help, but shouldn’t be expected to take major financial blows for transportation, childcare, loss of wages, and other expenses involved. Here in the United States, donors are compensated for their time and effort – not for the eggs themselves. With the help of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, reputable agencies like ConceiveAbilities follow strict guidelines regarding compensation.

The new compensation model in the UK is actually based on systems currently used in Denmark and Spain, and includes new rules for sperm donors as well. They also left an agreement that egg sharing – where donors can receive their own fertility treatment for free or at a lesser cost in return for their donation – would remain unchanged.

The HFEA will likely revisit the topic in the future. Policy officer Danielle Hamm, who assisted in the decision, admitted, “This is not an exact science, it’s a judgment.”

What do you think? Is the new law enough to boost egg donation in the UK, or will donors and intended parents alike continue to look abroad in order to participate in the process? You can read more about this developing story here.

I think it might be surprising to some that most donor-conceived children search for their donors mainly for the biological link. They report the three main reasons as curiosity about donor characteristics, medical reasons, and just wanting the experience of meeting the donor. In fact, one of the women highlighted in this NPR story noted that in addition to a sense of loss, she felt there was an obvious irony to this situation: “Couples use donor sperm or egg because they very much want at least some biological connection to their child.” And yet, she says, “by using anonymous donors they cut off that child’s other links.”

As more and more donor-conceived adult children seek out their donors, it’s imperative that donors and recipients work with reputable agencies who not only educate all parties about anonymity and how laws can and likely will change in the future, but to help navigate the complexities of this issue in a way that respects and protects everyone involved.

Obviously, this issue is still working itself out. I’m interested in what you think about it, so please share your thoughts.

-Nazca

Our surrogate picnic events have been the perfect opportunity for surrogates and their families to share their experiences and learn more about the process in a laid-back, friendly environment. The sense of community amongst these amazing women truly sets ConceiveAbilities apart, and we are grateful to each one of them and their spouses and children for taking part in such a special journey. By sharing these events with our newsletter subscribers, it enables the intended parents we work with as well as our network of professionals to gain a deeper perspective on our program’s commitment to third party family building.

Denver Surrogate Picnic June 2011

On a sunny afternoon, our Denver-area surrogates and staff gathered for ConceiveAbilities’ second annual surrogacy picnic. Nearly 60 people attended for a day filled with sun, fun, and lots of ice cream!

“ Being a surrogate is such an amazing and special thing and it is so refreshing to be able to share it with people who have been through it as well, or are about to go through it. ” – Paula

“ It was great to get to know the other surrogates better. We see each other at monthly meetings but it was nice to be in a casual environment. ” – Rebecca

“ By the time I left I had all my questions and more answered. Everyone was so warm and friendly. It made me really excited to work with an agency that cares so much about making this an amazing experience for everyone involved. ” – Amanda

Chicago Surrogate Picnic July 2011

In spite of a rainy start, more than 30 people braved the elements for ConceiveAbilities’ first annual Chicago surrogacy picnic. Armed with umbrellas and good humor, staff, surrogates and their families gathered for cookie decorating.

The weather was just another example of how these ladies handle the unexpected with grace and a smile. In an often unpredictable journey, we were once again reminded of the dedication of our surrogates.

“ The picnic was a relaxed and casual setting, yet I felt comfortable asking all of the serious and important questions. I left with a lot of good information and very excited to start the whole process with ConceiveAbilities! ” – Amie

“ It was fun to meet family members and potential surrogates. And, of course, see the other pregnant ladies! ” – Sara

“ I loved getting to know the families of all the surrogates and seeing old and new faces. ” – Danielle

We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and look forward to connecting with you!

We were thrilled to welcome several women at the very beginning of the process looking to learn more. “The picnic,” said Amie, “was a relaxed and casual setting, yet I felt comfortable asking all of the serious and important questions. I left with a lot of good information and very excited to start the whole process with ConceiveAbilities!”

Kristina, who is four months pregnant, is a regular at our meet ups. “As is true for any gathering where ConceiveAbilities or other fellow surrogates are at, the picnic could not have been any better,” she said. “There was something for everyone.”

By mid-morning the skies brightened, giving the kids – and several husbands – a chance to venture out from the shelter. Sara, who was there with her husband and their two young sons, said “The kids couldn’t get enough of the playground and cookie decorating…and puddle jumping!” It was also a chance to share her experiences so far – she is four months pregnant with twins! “It was fun to meet family members and potential surrogates,” she said. “And, of course, see the other pregnant ladies!”

Danielle is preparing for an upcoming IVF cycle with her intended parents. “It’s wonderful to know that there is a great support group of friends that know and care about what you’re going through,” she said. “I loved getting to know the families of all the surrogates and seeing old and new faces.”

Indeed, Kristina introduced us to several friends who are interested in the program and was also able to connect for the first time with some of our staff as well. “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know a few of the staff members better, especially those that I haven’t had as much contact with.”

“ConceiveAbilities is an amazing ‘surrogate family,’” Sara affirmed. “I couldn’t imagine going through this journey any other way.”

The weather was just another example of how these ladies handle the unexpected with grace and a smile. In an often unpredictable journey, we were once again reminded of the dedication of our surrogates.

Cindy, who is soon to be matched with intended parents, put it best: “It’s amazing that a group of women can come together from all walks of life, different backgrounds, but with the same common goal – to provide a gift to a couple that they have been longing for.” It’s truly what ConceiveAbilities is all about, and we are so fortunate to work with these incredible women who make that mission a reality.

It’s a controversial concept, particularly considering what the standard has been for so many years. Unlike adoption, where open relationships have become quite common, the act of “donating” is often viewed as something that is done anonymously – like blood and organ donations. But in a Time.com article last week, law professor Julie Shapiro notes that “there is an emerging sense that it’s a problem for children and it’s a problem for donors. They have regrets.”

We are finding that more and more intended parents want to provide this option for their future child. It’s not so much about identity now, but rather to answer questions about their genetic origins later. And donors tend to respond in kind. While they’re not necessarily looking to share personal information, they may be able to see it from the recipients’ perspective and agree to be identified in the future. The law in Washington is clarifying something that is already happening in many legal documents around the country – the donor must confirm that she is open to the potential of future contact, should the child desire it.

In the field of third party reproduction, laws are constantly evolving. Donor anonymity will continue to be a delicate aspect of the legal process, and none of us – states included – should be the final judge of what is right for each donor match.

Read more about the new law and its implications at Time.com.

Paula, who completed her first surrogate experience in October with the birth of a healthy baby boy, said, “Being a surrogate is such an amazing and special thing and it is so refreshing to be able to share it with people who have been through it as well, or are about to go through it.”

While regular meet-ups give the women a chance to visit, the event provided an extra connection. “It was great to get to know the other surrogates better,” explained Rebecca, who is preparing for a cycle with intended parents. “We see each other at monthly meetings but it was nice to be in a casual environment.”

Holly, who was a surrogate for twins born in March, agreed. “My children had a great time, and I enjoyed catching up with other surrogates and meeting their husbands.” One enthusiastic spouse has even volunteered to run a “husband’s group”!

For first-time surrogate Lori, the timing was perfect. “I had given birth about three weeks earlier, and I hadn’t seen any of the ConceiveAbilities folks since then,” she said. “It was great to be able to re-connect with the staff who supported me, as well as with surrogates who were in different stages of the process.”

The picnic was a welcome opportunity for many of the women to see what lies ahead. “It was nice to ask surrogates who were further in the process questions,” noted Rebecca.

”It was refreshing to see some brand new faces and be able to share my now-complete surrogacy experience with them,” said Lori. “I hope I managed to communicate how much of a positive experience this can be, while also helping to minimize any of the normal anxieties ‘newbies’ tend to feel.”

Amanda, who is in the early stages of the process, felt the support. “By the time I left I had all my questions and more answered,” she said. “Everyone was so warm and friendly. It made me really excited to work with an agency that cares so much about making this an amazing experience for everyone involved.”

And one of the most moving reactions from the day came from Paula. “The picnic actually convinced me that I want to be a surrogate again!”

The sense of community amongst the surrogates and their families is truly what sets ConceiveAbillities apart, and we are so grateful to each one of them for embarking on this journey. We look forward to connecting with more of you at this weekend’s Chicago surrogacy picnic – you can learn more and RSVP by visiting the ConceiveAbilities website at http://www.conceiveabilities.com/

But when it comes to egg donation, publicists are silent. There are no press releases, no magazine covers informing the world that a different kind of generous woman – one who donated her eggs – has helped the new parent overcome infertility.

An article this week on CNN.com addressed this very issue and, in fact, calls it “Hollywood’s dirty little secret.” In responding to a reader who wondered if celebrities are more fertile than the rest of us – with many having babies in their mid- and late 40s – Dr. Roshini Raj gives the simple answer: no.

”While being famous can get you far in life, it doesn’t extend the warranty of your ovaries,” he responds. “It just gives that A-lister greater access to cutting-edge fertility treatments and doctors that the rest of us may not know about or be able to afford.”

To those of us in the field of reproductive health, and particularly third party reproduction, it’s a no-brainer. But it poses an interesting dilemma for the world of infertility. It shows us that many people are either unaware of the incredible advancements and options with ART – or don’t have access to them. While we can’t expect (nor should we want) celebrities to be responsible for educating the world about fertility treatment, sharing their stories brings the issue to the forefront. It gets people talking – and it would show couples who are struggling to have a baby that celebrities don’t have magical reproductive systems. That the 45-year-old star who just gave birth to twins probably didn’t do it without the assistance of many other people.

Therein lies the dilemma. Just because that star is a public figure, is she any less deserving of privacy when it comes to her body and health? She still has the right to a private life – and so do her children. Disclosure is an incredibly sensitive, challenging issue for anyone who becomes a parent through egg donation. The question of when and who to share details with can only be answered by the parent. A celebrity is no different.

While we should not expect anyone to discuss their means of building their family unless and until they are ready, it has been refreshing to see an increasing number of public figures share their struggles. As awareness grows, we hope that more people will in turn feel comfortable sharing their choice to utilize third party reproduction. It can only lessen the mystery and stigma that still surrounds egg donation and surrogacy and can help the rest of the world see it for what it is – an incredibly generous and appreciated act. We hope that the attention it brings to such a delicate issue will educate people about their options and, in turn, start a true movement that will make fertility treatment more accessible for all. And at the very least, that it will provide some comfort to hopeful parents that they are not alone.

What do you think? Do celebrities “owe” the public full disclosure when it comes to how they build their families?

It was a privilege to share the key components of our Illinois egg donation and surrogacy programs and to stay up-to-date regarding the challenges practices often face in guiding patients through the collaborative third party maze. We understand the importance of practices partnering with experienced, responsible agencies like ConceiveAbilities in order to grow in this rapidly changing field. We look forward to more opportunities to share and discuss ways we can assist doctors and their patients, and are truly grateful for the time we were able to spend with so many of these remarkable professionals.

Giuliana Rancic, television personality and guest co-host of last Friday’s special episode of The View, expressed the opinion of so many when she shared her own struggle to have a child. In an hour that focused primarily on surrogacy, the show took a look at alternative approaches to family building and included experts, celebrities, and every day couples sharing their advice and stories. Co-host Sherri Shepherd even disclosed that she is considering using a surrogate in the future after a difficult first pregnancy, when she delivered her son nearly four months prematurely.

After a five year attempt to become pregnant with IVF, Alexis Stewart discussed the difficult decision to turn to surrogacy. Her sage advice? “Someone else should do the screening,” she said. Sanford Bernardo, an east coast surrogacy legal expert, agreed and encouraged intended parents to work with a responsible program in order to find a suitable candidate. In spite of frustrating, inevitable “ups and downs” along the way, Stewart’s journey led to the birth of her daughter earlier this year.

Later in the show, Melanie and Michael Thernstrom introduced us to their “twiblings.” With the help of an egg donor and not one but two different gestational surrogates, the brother and sister were born just days apart. Another unique aspect of their story is the fact that they remain close with both surrogates a couple of years later. “Our kids wouldn’t exist without the generosity of these women,” Melanie said. “They exist because of the generosity of strangers, and they too can do something to really help other people.”

Michael admitted that it is a “strange thing to bring strangers into this very intimate part of your life. By far the scariest part was the part before we met them. Once we met them – this is true with the egg donor too – they’re wonderful people. The kind of people you’d want to entrust this incredible trust to.”

Both of the Thernstrom’s surrogates shared a bit about their experiences as well. “It’s been a blessing,” Fie said. “It’s added something special to our lives.”

The hosts did pose an important question to the Thernstroms, something that all intended parents using third party assistance will likely face – jealousy. “Maybe I would feel this way,” Rancic admitted. “I’m missing from this equation.”

Melanie’s response? “I had come to terms with my infertility. I had a long period of failure to do that,” she explained. “I think once you do that, feeling jealous is like – you’re drowning and someone’s rescuing you. Are you jealous that they’re a better swimmer? They’re saving your life.” What an amazing analogy for the selfless gift of life surrogates and egg donors provide!

We thought it was a job well done, sharing different perspectives and attitudes on a very complex, highly emotional and controversial topic. What do you think? Was it an accurate depiction of what recipients and surrogates go through during this process? Could it change the average viewer’s idea of what surrogacy is all about? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

It’s important to remember that surrogacy is not currently legal in all parts of the US. Many states have laws limiting various aspects of the process. Legal agreements, birth orders, and compensation are just a few of the sticky issues. In New York, surrogacy is strictly forbidden – the first offense for any kind of participation in a surrogacy arrangement is a fine of up to $10,000, and a second offense is a felony. In light of the state’s new marriage law, we can’t help but hope that progress for families will continue. As more couples choose to have children with the assistance of egg donors and surrogates, we hope the demand for responsible, accessible options will be answered. Just as these couples deserve an opportunity for the same legal rights for marriage, intended parents should have options when it comes to building their families.

Positive legislation that protects and empowers all parties in a surrogacy arrangement is something that we hope to see expanding across the country. We’d love to hear your thoughts about this progress!

June is Gay Pride Month, and as Chicago prepares for its annual Pride Parade festivities this weekend just up the street from our office we are honored to support such a vibrant, hopeful community. As laws and public opinions continue to evolve, we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of LGBT individuals and same sex couples who are using ART to expand their families. Undergoing fertility treatment is never an easy process, and this situation can provide its own unique challenges. But IVF options are evolving as well, and whether couples use an egg donor, sperm donor, surrogate, or any combination of these, success rates have never been better. A reputable agency that can provide assistance to those seeking not only donors and surrogates, but also references for reproductive attorneys and ongoing support, makes the process even smoother.

The modern family has never been more eclectic and, in our opinion, more beautiful. It’s truly something to celebrate! We take pride in our ability and commitment to assist all individuals with their family building goals.

But rarely does the other part of the equation factor in – the father-to-be. While his role may be less obvious, it is no less important. He is attending the appointments, listening, assisting with the injections, waiting just as anxiously during those interminable 2 weeks. He is the support, and his role is crucial.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we want to acknowledge the men who are just as involved in this long, emotional process. We honor the single men, and partners in same-sex relationships who want nothing more than to be fathers. The route is just as difficult and can often present its own challenges. We are grateful for the men involved – their unique perspective reminds us that dads-to-be are just as excited and committed to building their families, and that is truly something to celebrate.

Ultimately, the goal should be to have one healthy child. While IVF always increases the chance of multiples, it is essential for patients to be well-educated and informed about the risk for both mom and babies in a multi-fetal pregnancy. These risks don’t just include pregnancy and delivery complications – consequences can be life long for the children born as a result.

While there are currently no laws preventing doctors from implanting multiple embryos, we hope that this week’s decision will keep the discussion going. We’re pleased that organizations like The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies have developed strong guidelines for embryo transfer. And we’re proud to say that, as one of the nation’s leading agencies for egg donation and surrogacy, we follow their lead. When it comes to choosing an agency to partner with, whether as an intended parent, donor, or surrogate, you must be able to trust their commitment to responsibility.

What do you think? What is ethical, responsible balance in the world of reproductive medicine? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

As the agency I founded turns 15 this year, I can’t help but reflect on my own experience – not only as the proud director of a program that assists in this struggle, but as an egg donor myself. This dual role has given me a unique look into the world of infertility. I have witnessed both the pain and the triumph that comes with trying to conceive.

I first walked into a fertility clinic’s laboratory in 1992 with a fresh degree in biology. While working as a lab technologist I learned about a relatively new procedure being implemented to help women conceive – oocyte donation. With the help of healthy young eggs being donated by other women, success rates were beginning to climb. Within a few years it became clear that this option was a much better route for patients over 25.

While the procedure was giving new hope to couples, I quickly realized that the actual recruitment process was in critical need of higher standards. And though I felt a personal fulfillment in assisting another woman in this way, I knew the experience could have gone more smoothly. With that realization, the idea that would eventually become a thriving egg donor and surrogacy agency was conceived. Today, our staff includes other former egg donors and women who have struggled with infertility themselves – and have each overcome it in their own unique ways.

I could not be more proud of the work this agency has done in assisting not only recipients, but also the amazing women who choose to become egg donors and gestational surrogates. It is one of my most ardent goals to use my own experience as an example for other young women. I believe it is this passion that has helped set ConceiveAbilities apart for 15 years. As we wrap up National Infertility Awareness Week, we celebrate the many women and families we have been fortunate enough to assist in the most personal of ways.

-Nazca

As it stands in Washington, surrogates can be compensated only for indirect expenses like legal or medical bills. Much of the debate leading up to the vote was from lawmakers concerned that paid surrogacy would “commercialize” pregnancy – some ultimately comparing it to illegal trafficking of organs and even prostitution.

We’ve learned from experience that any woman motivated simply by financial incentive will not make it far in the process. With the appropriate screening and support, like that provided by a reputable agency, the surrogacy process can move seamlessly for both surrogate and intended parent. But the fact remains that the act of carrying a baby is hard, life-altering work. Surrogates deserve to be compensated for the time and effort put in by them and their families.

We found this quote from Sen. James Hargrove especially interesting: “When you put money into the mix, that becomes problematic and there is the potential for abuse because of the financial motive.” The reality is that there’s a far greater risk of abuse when there isn’t positive legislation in place. And regardless of supportive legislation, surrogacy isn’t going anywhere. Washington should take this opportunity to review laws in states with strong legislation (like Illinois) to understand that when the law is well-crafted, it actually reduces the risk of abuse, questionable practices and heartache for those building families in this way.

You can learn more about the Washington bill here.

-provided by guest blogger, Kate Palm, Program Coordinator at ConceiveAbilities

As ConceiveAbilities enters its 15th year helping to build families through collaborative reproduction, I am naturally retrospective on the many changes in the field of egg donation, gestational surrogacy and ART in general. Back when I first opened my humble doors, I was a biologist working in a fertility clinic and looking to advance the cause of egg donation. I saw it then as I do today: a win-win collaboration between a smart, young, healthy woman and intended parents hoping to build the family of their dreams with her assistance. In 1996 there were only a handful of us recruiters working tirelessly to find appropriate donors. Here in the Midwest, where finding ideal egg donors proved even more difficult than on the coasts, it often took 8 + months it took to find a good candidate. During that time we spoke in reassuring tones to prospective parents explaining that, yes, in the not-too-distant future, a donor would come along. Of course, in the current world of dense databases filled with wonderful, immediately available women, it’s hard to believe the lengths we had to go to find the proverbial “needle in the haystack.”

These days, we all know someone who has openly shared details on a journey through infertility and has perhaps gone on to build a family with the assistance of an egg donor, sperm donor or gestational surrogate. Any stigma attached to these technological advancements is quickly eroding. Celebrities, when they are honest, show us that using an egg donor to overcome infertility in your 40s or a gestational surrogate as a single or gay man is widely accepted and even celebrated. Movies tout the perspectives of both adults and children who navigate life with the knowledge that children created via third party efforts are a bit different than most, but, increasingly, are not as uncommon as we used to believe. As we’ve come to understand and embrace more than ever before: The Kids ARE Alright.

Taking cautious, careful steps has been a hallmark of my work within ConceiveAbilities. I started small, grew steadily – not hastily – networked with like-minded professionals and always took pride in a reputation built on conservative practices. As I’ve watched my cottage industry morph into a category in which publically traded companies take part and agencies spring up like weeds, I feel it is a responsibility as well as a challenge to protect intended parents from many of the unscrupulous practices (of some) currently marring our field. Whether well-intentioned or not, agencies are opening and closing every day and often taking with them the hopes, dreams and, incredibly, the never to be returned hard-earned financial resources of intended parents. I firmly believe the two biggest predictors of an agency’s soundness, when coupled together, are 1) the longevity of operation and 2) the level education and licensure of the staff. They go hand-in-hand.

Over these 15 years, I have watched trends and ‘big ideas’ come and go (cytoplasmic transfer, anyone?) and technological advancements like ICSI, Assisted Hatching, and PGD catapult success rates beyond anything we could have imagined. With egg freezing on the horizon, it’s still an exciting and provocative field to be a part of and helping build families proves to be a just reward for hard work put in every day. My entrepreneurial spirit has allowed me not only to come up with innovative approaches to the egg donation and surrogacy process, but also to experience something more than pride in a career. It provides a humble understanding of what it is to have a hand in another’s unique story of how their family came to be.

What a great privilege and equal responsibility.

The article discusses an anti-abortion proposal being considered by North Dakota lawmakers asserting that a fertilized egg is a human being. Although this is an attempt to make abortion a criminal act, those quoted in the article, as well as many of us working in the infertility industry, know that a bill like this could hurt infertile couples.

If you really take a look at the IVF process, it’s not difficult to see exactly how this might impact ART and those using these technologies to build a family. Because of the extremely costly IVF process, drugs are used to stimulate a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple numbers of eggs – assuring couples enough eggs to “work with”. All of these eggs are fertilized in the hope that some of the resulting embryos will be healthy enough to implant into the womb of the intended mother. Next, a decision must be made as to what will be done with the fertilized eggs that are not transferred. The choices are to cryo-preserve (freeze) the fertilized eggs, donate them to science (most likely for research purposes) or discard them. This law could effectively criminalize this portion of the IVF process, threatening eventual legal action against those health care workers responsible for this part of the procedure. The IVF process would be even costlier and have a much lower success rate without this decision-making authority on the back end. And even more disturbingly, its criminalization would certainly mean the loss of practicing physicians — many of whom have raised the bar of this specialty to a level unmatched in the world — for fear of criminal action as a result of their participation.

Moreover, many couples who carry genetic disorders which could be passed on to their offspring utilize IVF along with pre-implantation genetic testing to select embryos unaffected with life-threatening diseases. Under this law, they might not be able to do so. It’s reasonable to assume that the process of testing the fertilized eggs for genetic disorders and the subsequent decision to not use affected fertilized eggs would be outlawed. The couple would then face the painful choice between a life without children of their own or the possibility of having a baby destined for a short and painful existence, being cared for by parents who may not have the resources for a gravely ill child.

The AP story discusses how doctors recently testified to the North Dakota Senate’s Judiciary Committee that this bill could affect not only couples using in vitro fertilization to try to have a baby, but also women who have complications in early pregnancy that will prevent an embryo from developing into a viable baby. Such complications include an ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous condition that happens when a fertilized egg begins growing outside the uterus.

The measure implies that a fetus, from the time of conception, could be a victim of homicide, assault or reckless endangerment. In those cases, it includes exceptions for “medical treatment for life-threatening conditions;” in vitro fertilization, in which an egg is fertilized outside the woman’s body; and morning-after contraception.

Although the measure exempts in vitro fertilization from criminal penalties, it includes language saying that “causing injury to a human being” is not justified. Seems like a very slippery slope to me.

What do you think?
–Nazca

“As a married Labor & Delivery nurse in my late 30s, I can undoubtedly say that two of the best days of my life where the days that my 15 year old daughter and 7 year old son were born. Those are the moments that no woman forgets.

Words can’t describe what it’s like to see new life brought into the world. My profession allows me to be a part of this very miraculous moment for individuals and couples of all types, everyday. Having such passion about what I do, and not being able to imagine what it must be like to want a child yet not be able to carry one, I decided to become a gestational surrogate. What better gift to give someone than to carry the baby they are so very much wanting.

The service and assistance I’ve experienced in this process has FAR exceeded my expectations. I not only have an ideal match in my intended parents for me but everyone involved in the process has been right there beside me through this whole process. The road to surrogacy can sometimes have its ‘speed bumps’ and even then, I’ve never felt alone and have always been supported.

I look forward with anticipation to all of the pregnancy milestones and even more so to sharing those with my ‘intended parents’, whom I now feel I can even call my ‘friends’. Together, our families will experience the joys of this pregnancy. I plan to keep them informed of every milestone throughout the pregnancy (‘first kick’, etc…). What will bring the greatest joy to my heart however is the day I see them hold their new baby(ies) for the 1st time. Just thinking of that moment brings tears to my eyes.”

-Christina F.

The way the stories are written, donor compensation is sort of an afterthought. In fact, many experts attribute the shortage to a 2005 law that removed a donor’s right to anonymity. I suspect that the survey results will surprise them, if that’s really what they believe. As the process of egg donation has evolved, and along with it the public’s progressive acceptance of the issue, I am not so sure I continue to subscribe to the idea that removing the anonymity barrier causes a significant drop in applicants. I think more and more potential donors are comfortable with the idea of some kind of future contact based on the premise that it’s more to settle basic curiosity and provide medical/genetic information for offspring, and not to build long-term emotional connections. In fact, we’re seeing more and more donors even willing to meet recipients during the process.

Here in the U.S., as the times have progressed, we have now passed the threshold of a shortage. There are many informed, educated women willing to participate on many different levels of openness and disclosure. The point being made by the authors of the articles that the shortage is based on the laws that require openness is simply not valid based on my experience running an egg donation agency for the last 15 years. If I am correct, then (again) it boils down to lack of compensation.

I also find it curious on some level that the questionnaires being sent out appear to be an attempt to get to the bottom of people’s attitudes on the matter and then, oh yeah, what about compensation? If this issue is truly about philosophical and moral attitudes around the families being created in this manner, what difference does it make if compensation is involved? It seems pretty clear to me that these are two separate issues. What are your thoughts?

–Nazca

The NSW (New South Wales) Surrogacy Act threatens those who pay for a surrogate, either at home or abroad, with up to 2 years in jail and $110,000 in fines. It’s incredibly discouraging to see more roadblocks for people already struggling to have children – now, they risk facing prosecution for using alternative approaches. Many legal experts suspect the new law will ultimately cause people to lie about their children’s births in order to protect their families and are encouraging State Parliament to reconsider.

On a more promising note, a Family Court out of Melbourne, Australia recently granted a gay couple who have twins through surrogacy a major victory – full parental rights for the father not genetically linked to the children. Our hope is that this decision will pave the way for other same-sex parents in Australia and around the world to build their families using alternative options without fear and added stress. As Justice Paul Cronin pointed out, “As a matter of law, the word ‘parent’ tends to suggest some biological connection, but…biology does not really matter; it is all about parental responsibility.” He added, “In this case, the children do not have the benefit of a mother, but they have the good fortune of having two fathers.”

We couldn’t agree more.

-Nazca

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While I can certainly understand the idea that the most colorful description of surrogacy, egg donation and other ART helps to attract readers, I was disappointed that this article put so much focus on the price tags associated with these family building alternatives. I think they, and many people not directly affected by these challenges, lose sight of the fact that we’re talking about people who desperately want, but can’t have, children the typical way.

At several points in the article, the writers make an odd comparison between surrogacy and adoption, saying that “Prospective parents put off by the rigor of traditional adoptions are bypassing that system by producing babies of their own…” As if intended parents who choose surrogacy just can’t be bothered with the adoption process and have opted for the cushier path. How can there be no reference to the idea that having some biological connection with one’s child is what’s driving this decision for so many? Besides, there’s no description of the “rigors” they’re referencing and frankly, after describing all of the physical, medical and ethical complexities of surrogacy, it’s simply bizarre that the article would imply that this is an easy path.

It’s actually this level of complexity that I think needs to be communicated to the public. Those unaffected by the challenges that lead to these alternative family building methods don’t necessarily understand how emotionally grueling this process is. Add to that the additional complications of globalizing the process and you can get some less than positive results.

While I don’t disagree with global approaches, I think it’s important to note that the loose laws of other countries most likely provide very few protections for the children created. What if parents walk away due to any number of personal or child related problems? The children are left behind with no recourse. As this and many other articles focus on price tags and tell a story of comparison shopping, they tend to leave out what I think is one of the most important outcomes of low cost choices – that they often yield a high probability of low protections for everyone.

Ultimately, the best way for all participants in the process to protect themselves is to partner with a reputable agency with whom they’ve built substantial trust to help guide them through this complex world.

Let me know what you think…

-Nazca

Silber told his colleagues at the conference that this technique of banking ovarian tissue from otherwise healthy young women who are simply not ready to have children yet should be widespread. He explained that a 25-year-old woman who stores tissue can have thousands of 25-year-old eggs ready to be transplanted down the road when she might be infertile due to age. Whether that’s in 10 or 20 years is up to her. The article goes on to describe Silber’s belief that freezing ovaries for social reasons will eventually become as acceptable as the once-controversial in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques are today.

Other industry sources are holding off putting their full weight behind this approach, as there haven’t been nearly enough procedures performed or babies born to legitimately endorse the technique. Art Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania is quoted as saying, “It’s not ready for prime time. He’s not wrong that someday women may want to consider some kind of biological insurance, but right now it’s extremely experimental.”

Many said the same of IVF years ago and since its become an industry standard. More importantly, as a long-time proponent of a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices, I always appreciate the possibility of another option. It may be too early to know exactly how this technique might impact the fertility industry, women or even our society but its continued advancement undoubtedly will.

What do you think about this type of “insurance?” Would you consider (or would you have considered) banking your ovarian tissue? Would love to hear your thoughts…

–Nazca

Even within a single country the prevailing policies can be confusing and sometimes even at odds with one another. For instance, as one of these articles points out, in Cypress, “compensation is allowed but payment is not.” It also shares that “Some countries, like Israel, prohibit egg harvesting on their own territory yet still reimburse citizens for IVF, even if it’s done with donor eggs, as long as they’re acquired elsewhere.” A bit confusing to say the least.

The first article presents overview of egg donation and laws and regulations in different countries as it relates to egg and sperm donation. It illustrates the vast disparities between how these issues are handled throughout the world and suggests what’s behind industry trends like cross-border reproductive services, or “reproductive tourism” as it’s sometimes called. On that front, these articles cite a very interesting statistic: “According to a 2010 study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, nearly 25,000 egg donations are performed in Europe for fertility tourists every year. More than 50% of those surveyed traveled abroad in order to circumvent legal regulations at home.”

The second article provides a more in-depth look at the industry and raises questions about ethics in the international scene. Unethical events around the world continue to affect the entire industry. As you read about the varying degrees of standards around the world (this article illustrates one example of this with a clinic in Cyprus), you wonder how that will affect the growing number of countries, like the UK, that seem to be considering loosening restrictions around compensation for egg donation. Will questionable ethics cause them to backtrack on any progress there? Will countries with favorable infertility laws, like the US, become more lax in order to compete with international options? It’s doubtful, but it’s certainly a risk if clinics like the one in Cyprus gain momentum.

The bottom line is that almost nothing is black and white within the politically and emotionally charged international infertility industry. What’s most important from my perspective, and quite simply the reason I started ConceiveAbilities, is that egg donation and surrogacy agencies are (or should be) in place to actively protect the interests of both recipient and donor. You won’t find that internationally, at least not yet, a fact that clients have to consider as they embark on this often complex journey.

–Nazca

It’s not the critical approach that I object to here. And I don’t for a minute want to diminish the stories told by the small group of women highlighted in this documentary. Unfortunately, they represent the risks associated with egg donation. Risks that are discussed at length when donors work with a reputable agency. In fact, that’s the primary purpose of an egg donation agency, in my mind – to make sure that all parties involved in this approach to family-building are well-educated, well informed and receive an exceptional level of support throughout the process. To be an ally to help navigate this journey. To make sure every person has the tools and resources to make the right decision for him or her.

Aside from being critical of the advanced reproductive technology (ART) industry, based on what I’ve seen so far, this documentary seems be more about diminishing a woman’s ability to make her own decisions. They take an angle popular with industry critics that doesn’t give women credit for informed consent. As if these women, so driven by the promise of paying off a credit card bill, ignore the risks communicated to them by multiple sources. Or, even more absurd, that these women provide consent for a medical procedure that involves significant physical, emotional and time commitments without fully researching and understanding the risks associated.

Ultimately it’s my responsibility as the head of ConceiveAbilities to make sure each and every client understands all risks involved in this process. My team does an outstanding job on this front, but I know this is a priority for every other reputable agency I’ve worked with in this industry. I’ve also found that the majority of donors come in with a solid understanding of these risks having done preliminary research for their own peace of mind. The makers of this documentary underestimate a woman’s ability to make an informed decision when compensation is involved. Perhaps the most profound example of this can be seen on the film’s promotional poster – a man’s hand covering a woman’s mouth.

Obviously this is my perspective. I’d love to hear yours.

–Nazca

In the UK, it is illegal to compensate donors for donating their eggs and lack of anonymity is often a major deterrent for potential donors. Surrogacy laws also forbid advertising for surrogates or to be a surrogate. The result is a shortage of egg donors and surrogates, compounding the frustration and heartache facing those with fertility challenges.

With its progressive reproductive laws and a favorable climate for recruiting and compensating egg donors and gestational surrogates, the U.S. provides international Intended Parents with family-building options that are often unavailable in their native countries. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of international Intended Parents coming to the U.S. seeking fertility treatments using third-party reproductive techniques. In fact, ConceiveAbilities has seen a 30% increase in patients from abroad in the past year.

You can find a more on this trend in our press release. I look forward to reporting here on industry news from the ESHRE conference in the next few days.

-Nazca

With those advances, women have more control over when they will become mothers. They can choose to pursue careers first before settling down. In fact, according to one story, “more babies today are born to women over 35 than to teenagers, according to a study released on Thursday by the Pew Research Center–a clear sign we’re taking measures to delay reproduction.” This choice certainly comes with other considerations and is not the right one for everyone, but the option is there.

Women now have more options for family building and are more aware of those options. The simple truth is that it does become more difficult to get pregnant as a woman gets older. By being educated about her choices down the line, a woman can decide whether waiting is the right option for her.

As the pill delivered control to women on many levels, it also drove technical advances and education around reproduction – all contributing in a woman’s increased ability to make better life decisions for herself and control her own destiny.

-provided by guest blogger, Kate Palm, Program Coordinator at ConceiveAbilities

I’m almost unsure where to start in discussing the AP article that appeared today. I guess the inaccuracies are probably a good place. The article states that “In the U.S., women are routinely paid from $10,000 to $35,000 or more for their eggs.” This is absolutely false. Donors are routinely paid $4,000-$10,000 by reputable agencies and any amount over that is in violation of the guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). I can’t say that there aren’t instances where donors have been paid more, but it is certainly not a routine practice.

But the real issue here is that Great Britain only allows what it calls “altruistic egg donation” which puts a cap on donor compensation at approximately $400. This is said to “protect the dignity of donors and recipients.” I have to say this idea truly offends me. In the United States, egg donors (as well as recipients) are rigorously screened and counseled by psychological, legal and medical experts. They arrive at the conclusion that egg donation is right for them after evaluating the risks and benefits of the procedure. The women who make it through the screening are smart, logical and clear minded in the decision of what is best for them and their bodies. The notion that the government is the only one who can protect their “dignity” as an egg donor is condescending and offensive.

Plus, as I’ve always said, I don’t believe any woman would put herself through the physically and emotionally taxing process of egg donation strictly for the compensation. On the flip side, not providing appropriate compensation for the significant time and inconvenience that accompanies the commitment made by an egg donor clearly serves as a deterrent. And, $400 is clearly not appropriate.

The truth is women will not go through the rigorous IVF protocol for an amount of compensation that does not begin to adequately reflect the time and energy required to complete the process. As a result, donor eggs will not be available for intended parents. This can easily be seen by the growing number of couples leaving countries with these types of bans to seek treatment where free reproductive will is supported – like the U.S. This really just shines a light on “altruistic donation” as a failed concept under the current structure in Great Britain, leaving patients clamoring for the opportunity to have a baby in a way they deem appropriate between consenting adults. Now, to add insult to injury, they’ll have to travel far and wide for that opportunity.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
-Nazca

I think we’ve continued to see this kind of growth because it really does provide an alternative to a fairly cumbersome and disjointed process of selecting prospective egg donors. Intended Parents can source both a donor and a reputable agency easily, efficiently and safely with DNA. This has become even more important to Intended Parents looking for a greater sense of confidence in this complex process, especially as we exit a year marked by unsavory agency practices and sensational media coverage. We hope that DNA and all of its participants continue to deliver that confidence.

-Nazca

I guess I understand that the few unfortunate outcomes seem more interesting to some than the greater majority of positive surrogacy outcomes, but the media continues to leave out possibly the most important view – that of the real and participating players in this complex and self-regulated industry.
Although the legal scholars and think tanks quoted in this article bring a very well-educated and informed perspective, they should include the perspective of reputable agencies and other professionals literally in the thick of this on daily basis. I think all of them would tell you that many (if not all) of the well-established industry protocols put in place to protect all parties in a surrogacy relationship were tossed aside in this case, as well as all of the others that have made headlines recently.

Check out the article and share your perspective. –Nazca

But, first, I need to discuss two rulings involving gestational surrogacy outside of Illinois and assure intended parents and gestational surrogates alike that, as long as the requirements of the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act are satisfied and you work with a reputable agency, similar situations should not occur in this state.

For those of you who haven’t read about these cases in the New York Times or elsewhere, the first took place in Michigan and involves a married couple who, after years of infertility issues, turned to surrogacy. To create their family, they used an egg donor, anonymous sperm donor and found a gestational carrier, who already has four children of her own, to deliver the baby.

A month after the birth of twins, a police officer supervised as the couple was forced to relinquish their infants into the custody of the gestational surrogate who gave birth to them. While the surrogate has no genetic link to the babies, neither do the intended parents and the surrogate was able to obtain a court order to retrieve the infants after learning the intended mother was being treated for mental Illness. While there was a contract, according to the Times article, a statute in Michigan, where the twins were born, holds that surrogacy is contrary to public policy and that agreements are unenforceable.

In a second case, also discussed in the New York Times, a single woman with no children of her own agreed to be a gestational surrogate for her gay brother and his husband, who donated sperm. A New Jersey judge ruled that the surrogate, who gave birth to twins, is their legal mother, even though she is not genetically related to them. In this case, the twins do have a genetic link to one of their fathers, but the court still ruled in favor of the surrogate. The ruling gives the woman the right to seek primary custody of the children at a trial in the spring.

In both cases, these unfortunate situations could have been avoided if the babies were born in Illinois and the requirements of the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act were adhered to.

While I won’t list all of them here, some of the most pertinent requirements include: 1) At least one of the gametes (egg or sperm) used in forming the embryo must be contributed by an intended parent; 2) The surrogate cannot also be the egg donor, making her a gestational surrogate. At ConceiveAbilities, our Illinois surrogacy program requires that our gestational surrogates have no genetic link to the child/children; 3) The gestational surrogate must be at least 21 years old and already have at least one child of her own; 4) The intended parent(s) and surrogate must complete a mental health evaluation, and the surrogate must also have a complete medical evaluation; 5) Both the intended parent(s) and surrogate must consult with an attorney regarding the terms of the gestational surrogacy agreement and the potential legal consequences of participating in a surrogacy arrangement.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, in Illinois, if all requirements of the Act are met and certified by the attorneys representing both the gestational surrogate and intended parent(s), then parentage is established immediately at the time of birth. And, the intended parent(s) names are placed on the birth certificate with no court involvement or subsequent adoption proceedings. – Nazca

There were absolutely a couple of high points for our industry this year. Sara Jessica Parker’s decision to use a surrogate to expand her family drew positive attention to assisted reproduction. As more celebrities participate in third-party arrangements and choose to share those decisions, we hope the public will become more educated about this growing method of family building and become even more accepting. Its mounting awareness not only helps those facing fertility challenges recognize additional options, but starts to help dispel the false idea that women can wait to have children into their forties or fifties naturally (without medical/technical intervention). Now, if celebrities would also cop to using donor eggs, that would be even better progress!

Also on the positive side of the spectrum this year was the increase in reproductive tourism, bringing more couples to America to circumnavigate their country’s restrictive stance on third-party reproduction and take advantage of our advanced medical care.

And finally, this year brought the creation of DNA (Donor Network Alliance), a real progression in the egg donor industry revolutionizing the way patients around the globe search for egg donors and collect important information. I’m proud to be a founding member of this unique resource that presents thousands of prospective egg donors from egg donor agencies around the country on a single Web site.

I’m not sure I even have to go through the low points of 2009, since they commanded our national conversation for so much of the year…but I’ll go ahead and run down the list anyway.

This year brought us the surrogacy scandals of SurroGenesis, Bala, Angels in Waiting and B Coming. These organizations were run by unscrupulous individuals with little or no experience in the field of infertility. Unfortunately, their fraudulent activity left the public with the false impression that the industry is fraught with this kind of corruption and deceit. Of course, most facilitators of third-party arrangements are caring individuals with an agenda based upon helping intended parents build families. This is exactly why this year’s streak of bad business has tainted our collective reputations. Even worse, rumors continue to swirl as agency insiders complain other rogue agencies are teetering on the brink of the same undoing.

Then, of course, there’s the Ocoto-mom saga, which brought its share of disgrace to the field of infertility treatment. This is a prime example of what happens when vital parts of the process are missing or are blatantly disregarded. Possibly worst of all was this year’s German High Court ruling of surrogacy as immoral leaving many gestating surrogacy pregnancies in limbo.

Every time I think I’ve seen it all, along comes another conundrum to stump and amaze me in more ways than one. That is one of the things that keeps me devoted to this highly charged (and admittedly often difficult) business. There is always a new development for better or for worse that keeps the reputable members of the industry on our toes and communicating effectively. But, overall, the fact that what I do really does impact others lives’ in a positive way enables me to work through the rough parts of the business and find creative ways to learn from all the wacky, weird and downright awful issues that sometimes arise.

I hope 2010 is a year of expanded understanding of the wonders of Assisted Reproduction by the public and positive stories for an industry that is, by and large, made up of caring, consciousness, dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they do. Best wishes in the New Year – Nazca

Like many professionals in my field, I was struck by the sheer lack of adherence to industry guidelines and good practice standards by all parties involved in the process outlined in these cases. These are arrangements that should have been avoided at all costs and would have been if adherence to standards had been part of the protocol put in place by reputable agencies and medical centers.

These unfortunate, but isolated, situations make for good headlines, but the fallout is a stain on an industry that by and large does an amazing job meeting the basic needs of well-deserving individuals. I take issue with the headline that there are few ground rules involved in the practice of surrogacy. There are many, they are sound, but none of them were implemented in the cases featured by the NYT.

Maybe instead of looking back on the harsh economic lessons of last year, we can look forward and support the growth of a nascent industry.

Please take a look at the post and let me know what you think.

-Nazca

I’m proud to be a co-founder of this unique web-based resource that consolidates some 3,000 egg donor profiles from 18 U.S. egg recruitment firms, which is opening its use to intended parents at no charge for a limited time.

In addition to this exciting new development for Intended Parents, I’ve recently received some very positive feedback on DNA. Marna Gatlin, founder of the non-for-profit website Parents via Egg Donation has expressed a resounding endorsement of the Donor Network Alliance as a concept long overdue in the field of egg donation. Marna applauded DNA’s debut in the marketplace, describing the effort as a wonderful resource, vital to streamlining the disjointed process of searching for egg donors and reputable agencies who serve them. We thank Marna for supporting DNA and recommending it to the PVED community.

From my perspective this practice seems arcane at best and discriminatory at worst. Is this a result of flawed fiscal logic that because a woman doesn’t physically give birth, she somehow doesn’t require the rest and respite needed to care for a newborn baby? Or rather a result of a poorly cloaked agenda by those who disagree with surrogacy as a method of family building and who seek to punish intended parents with lost wages or the physical and emotional consequences of returning to work too early, should they decide to stay home.

I do not claim any in-depth knowledge of Britain’s policy as it pertains to maternity leave for parents who adopt a baby but this article indicates that adoptive parents are granted a certain amount of maternity leave for this type of family building. And surely one can see the correlation between adoption and bringing home a baby via a surrogacy arrangement. It seems justifiable to allow all new parents the same protections regardless of their individual paths to parenthood. Physical aftermath of childbirth aside, both babies and parents must be given the time and space to grapple with the intensive learning curve of their new or expanded families and to find a certain degree of balance before returning to work.

Restrictions like this and a ban on surrogate compensation in U.K. and other countries have clearly triggered a rise in reproductive tourism – or couples going abroad to seek third-party reproduction services. The article notes that there is an opposition in Britain to surrogacy becoming a “commercial” transaction. I guess I don’t see how denying moms the opportunity to bond with their new babies prevents this.

Your thoughts?
- Nazca

Although the infertility industry remains self-regulated, there are specific standards that all reputable agencies adhere to in order to protect egg donors and intended parents. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine Guidelines, published in June 2009, states, “the maximum number of stimulated oocyte donations from a single donor is six.”

The couple says they were falsely assured by the agency that they would obtain the donor’s medical, psychological, pregnancy and egg donation history to ensure she was a viable candidate. When they demanded their money back from the surrogacy center, its owner closed the company down and reopened under another name.

It’s unfortunate that we are seeing another case of potential fraud being brought to light; this time in Illinois. Given the time, effort, inconvenience and invasive nature of egg donation, it’s hard to imagine a woman going through the process just for the compensation.

As quoted in the Courthouse News Service today, Chicago’s “. . . ConceiveAbilities, says compensation may be based upon the donors “location, number of previous donations and ethnic diversity.” But the company “strongly advises any egg donor not to apply if compensation is the sole motivation.”

I think this case serves as another reminder of the importance for potential intended parents and donors alike to do their homework to ensure they are partnering with an established, reputable agency.

- Nazca

Clearly, there are some thorny issues surrounding this topic, such as the right to medical privacy on behalf of the donor, or the opposing but equally compelling argument about the right to inherent genetic information on behalf of the person conceived of donor gametes. Given those and other issues, I personally do not see logistical or ethical compromise on this issue any time soon. For now, those involved in the industry must continue to apply best practice guidelines regarding informed consent and the potential for future disclosure.

What do you think about this topic? – Nazca

Topics covered this year spanned a wide spectrum from new embryo transfer guidelines, to the effectiveness of over-the-counter fertility tests and the potential creation of a national egg donor registry. I’d like to share details on some of these important developments over the next few days, but I thought I’d just quickly touch on the networking value of the conference.

The Donor Network Alliance (DNA), hosted a cocktail reception bringing together agency owners, attorneys and mental health professionals, all dedicated to connecting and collaborating on ways to best assist intended parents while creating a positive image for third-party reproduction. DNA, the world’s first egg donor agency portal, continues to grow and attract interest. Now having reached a benchmark of 3000 basic donor profiles, there is no better way for intended parents to begin the search for their perfect donor from well respected agencies. DNA creates a singular entrance point for intended parents to access donor profiles from various sources without the complexities associated with acquiring multiple user names and passwords from individual agencies. (disclosure: I’m a founding partner and ConceiveAbilities is a participating Illinois egg donation agency)

More to come. – Nazca