Surrogacy 101

Sharon Speaks in Denver! LABS-Inc~Focus on Infertility

I had the pleasure of being invited last month to speak in Denver at LABS Inc. about the Infertility Industry. It was my pleasure to share with the entire executive and marketing staff a power point presentation entitled Focus on Infertility, A Comprehensive Overview.

 

Allow me to share a little about LABS Inc. LABS was founded in 1979 as Immunological Associates of Denver (IAD). The laboratory offered testing to physicians and hospitals in Colorado. Growth occurred as local transplant centers began using IAD services to support organ transplantation. Over the years LABS has become one of the premier transplant medicine reference laboratories in the country. Testing is focused on donor eligibility determination and final product safety; infectious disease testing, microbiology, histocompatibility and environmental monitoring. You can visit their site at http://labs-inc.org/

 

Since LABS Inc. has committed itself to working with infertility clinics, the company wanted to educated its staff on what Intended Parents go through after they are diagnosed with Infertility. They wanted to learn about the obstacles that are faced by all parties involved with Surrogacy, Egg Donation, Sperm Donation and Embryo Donation. A company like LABS Inc. willing to invest in this type of education for their staff really needs to be looked at closely. They are dedicated, educated, FDA compliant, reliable and serious about helping too keep costs down for the clinics as well as Intended Parents who use their services.

 

I had a tour of the Denver lab and was really impressed at how efficiently it was run. They have the test results back in the hands of the Doctors within 24 hours! The people were friendly and obviously interested in helping the infertility patient the best way they could.  

 

Working with companies like LABS-Inc. is truly a pleasure and I thank them for inviting me to share what I know about the people involved in the Infertility Industry!

 

If you would like me to speak at your conference, seminar, or arrange for staff education on the subjects of Infertility, Surrogacy, or all things Third Party Family Building, please contact me at the number below. I would love to hear from you!

 

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.
http://infertilityanswers.org/
LaMothe Services, LLC
http://lamotheservices.com/

727-458-8333

WA State House Bill 2793: Testimony and Thoughts on Legalizing Gestational Surrogacy

"Brief Summary of Substitute Bill: 2793 Amends the Uniform Parentage Act to:

(1) incorporate state-registered domestic partnerships and same-sex couples throughout its provisions;

(2)adopt changes made by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws; and

 (3) make it gender-neutral.

Establishes standards for gestational surrogacy contracts and sets forth requirements that intended parents and the woman acting as a gestational surrogate must meet to have a valid gestational surrogacy contract."

Thursday the18th was a very exciting day for me here in Washington State. I was asked to Testify in front of the State Senate regarding the bill HB 2793 Legalizing Gestational Surrogacy. Not only would HB 2793 legalize surrogacy but it also makes a strong positive statement to the Gay and Lesbian community regarding the Uniform Parentage Act.

My part in all this was small yet I did have an impact and a voice for Gestational Carriers in this state and others regarding our commitment to the Intended Parents we give birth for.I spoke with two of the HB 2793 bill supporters after, Senator Kessler and Representative Pedersen, who both stated that while reading in black and white about issues faced while living in a state that makes surrogacy illegal, hearing first hand about the impact and tolls it puts on Intended Parents and Gestational Carriers who must leave this state to realize their dream of building families through surrogacy made all the difference.

Most of you know that I moved to the Seattle area only three years ago. However, when I was a Gestational Carrier, I lived in NY where commercial surrogacy is also considered illegal. I used my own personal experiences to drive home the need to legalize surrogacy here in WA State. My Intended Parents were in Florida and I had to travel there several times for testing and transfers. During the pregnancy the IPs had to travel to NY to see me as well. A lot of money was spent on travel. When I was about 32 weeks I had a gallbladder issue that threw me into premature labor. Once stabilized I had to once again travel to FL because, God forbid, I could NOT give birth in NY. I was unexpectedly away from my own husband and children much longer then I intended after giving birth to twin girls at 34 weeks via an unplanned c-section. All told I was gone from my home for about two months.

I have a similar story of flying all over kingdom come for the same sex couple I ended up giving birth for in 2005 so that both of the Intended Fathers could be on the birth certificate. Now with the possibility of these new surrogacy and parentage actions in WA state it will be SO much easier for a surrogacy arrangement to happen between family, friends and, yes, strangers.

I now am looking toward Spring and early Summer in hopes that all the signatures required are collected and that the Governor signs it ASAP.

I would also like to acknowledge the two WA state Intended Mothers who also testified and who missed out on a lot of the joys of sharing a pregnancy with their out of state Gestational Carriers and the one Gestational Carrier who actually resided here in WA State and gave birth out of state for one couple and delivered in WA State for another Intended Parent for zero compensation. All the stories were heart wrenching yet joyous because they all ended up giving and getting what they wanted the most: the chance to build a family via surrogacy!

To read this bill yourself please visit: HB 2793

State House says paid surrogacy should be legal (WA State) By BRIAN EVERSTINE

I felt that I needed to post this ASAP as I am thrilled that this bill has passed through the House in WA state. I have corrosponded with Rep. Jamie Pedersen regarding the laws in WA state which included in sending an very informative powerpoint presentation.

Lets all hope that this bill will pass the Senate here in WA State!

Sharon



State House says paid surrogacy should be legal
Women in Washington should be allowed to collect money for becoming surrogate mothers, the state House decided Monday.

By BRIAN EVERSTINE
The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — Women in Washington should be allowed to collect money for becoming surrogate mothers, the state House decided Monday.

On a 59-39 vote, lawmakers approved a bill that would allow women be paid for serving as a "gestational surrogate" — meaning they carry a child, but are not its biological mother.

Current state law bans compensation for surrogate mothers. If it becomes law, the bill debated Monday would set up a detailed system for entering into surrogacy contracts.

Supporters of the change argued that Washington's existing ban isn't entirely effective because it simply encourages couples to travel out of state to arrange for a child — if they have the money.

"This bill will not deny the people who are childless to have a child simply because they can't afford to go to another state," said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoqiuam, the bill's chief sponsor.

Under the bill, House Bill 2793, surrogates would have to be at least 21 and have previously given birth to a child. Additional requirements include obtaining medical coverage for the pregnancy and immediately after birth, passing mental and physical examinations, and signing a written consent form.

Prospective parents also would have to meet certain requirements, including a mental health evaluation and an affidavit from a doctor attesting to a medical need for surrogacy. Gay and lesbian couples, however, wouldn't need a doctor's certification.

Opponents of the bill said introducing money into the decision raises a risk of women becoming "factories" to carry children.

"Money is often a crucial factor that would cause a woman to hire out her body," said Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton. "Will these women have no identity apart from being a suitcase to carry a developing infant? How far will they be pushed into invisibility as a surrogate?"

Others said the bill isn't necessary because there already are children waiting to be adopted.

But Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said safeguards, such as limiting the number of times a woman can be a paid surrogate, are in place to protect the process from abuse.

The measure also would give state-registered domestic partners access to the Uniform Parentage Act, a law regulating child support and custody. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Sharon LaMothe: Editorial Review Board for Pregnancy Corner

 http://www.pregnancycorner.com/about/editorial-review-board/sharon-lamothe.html

 

I have accepted the privilege to sit on the Editorial Review Board for Pregnancy Corner. Launched in July 2009, the goal of PregnancyCorner.com is to provide accurate, up-to-date and unique content related to pregnancy. All content on PregnancyCorner.com is reviewed by top obstetricians and gynecologists, as well as other specialists within the childbirth industry, who have donated their time and experience to ensure Pregnancy Cornor provides consumers accurate and unbiased information.

 

I am looking forward to reviewing articles and watching Pregnancy Corner grow! Please take a moment to check it out! http://www.pregnancycorner.com/

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.
http://infertilityanswers.org/
LaMothe Services, LLC
http://lamotheservices.com/

I Wish You Enough: Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments One Wish at a Time by Bob Perks: A LaMothe Book Review

  "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye."

Do you want to give a little something to your Surrogate or Egg Donor? Then  I Wish You Enough: Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments One Wish at a Time by Bob Perks is the perfect gift book. It has beautiful photographs, short antidotes and a sprinkling of supportive Bible verses that make this a relaxing read filled with Bob Perks' insightful messages. A nice addition to a gift basket, bouquet of flowers or a box of candy! (and great for Intended Parents too!)

 

Sharon LaMothe

Infertility Answers

LaMothe Services

This book was reviewed for Thomas Nelson

Beware: U.S. Census Scam-Scammers

 
Because I had posted about the 2010 US Census, I didn't want to leave out the warning that there WILL be Scams! This little article should raise awareness! Please pass it along!  Sharon

U.S. Census Scam-Scammers impersonating as U.S Census employees!

Personal information of any individual is a data which if gets into the wrong hands can not only harm that particular individual, but the society on a whole also stands at a risk.

One of the most important work that needs to be carried out by the U.S government every 10 years is the U.S Census process. It is a process which spans between 15-18 months during which U.S census employees will reach out to every household recording important information such as details regarding age, address, gender, race, birth date, marital status etc.

Every person who holds a U.S citizenship (by birth or acquired) is bound by law to provide information to census officials. This data will then be used for determination and allocation of funds to citizens in need.

The U.S census department can use a variety of methods to reach out to citizens for collection of personal information eg personal visits, phone calls etc. This is also a golden opportunity for scammers to collect important personal information for their census scam. Census scam is one of the most simplest of scams wherein scammers can easily represent themselves as employees of U.S census department. Scammers impersonating employees of the U.S census department poses a greater risk since there is no single way in which U.S census employees might contact the citizens. This serves as a blessing in disguise for all scammers. Now, the big question that pops up in the mind of every citizen is-how to differentiate a legitimate U.S census employee from a scammer? Some guidelines mentioned below can be of help:

1.Though U.S census employees contact citizens either through personal visits or by phone calls, they will never ask for your personal information through the internet. Never provide any personal details to anyone through email.

2.Social security number, credit card details and account information is something which any legitimate U.S census employee will never ask or is not entitled to ask. Do not provide any such details to a person, even if that person is from the U.S census department.

3.Employees of the U.S census department can never ask for money or tell you that you owe the government (even if you do).

4.Employees of the U.S census department are specifically instructed to be polite with each and every citizen or non-resident that they contact. If anyone does come across an official who is trying to be aggressive or trying to intimidate/coax you into something, citizens have the right to refuse giving any information and are advised to report the matter to the authorities.

5.Lastly, and the most important detail to be kept in mind by every citizen is to ask for a device or document or both for the purpose of verifying the identity of the person representing the U.S census department. It is the duty of every U.S census employee to provide his/her identification to every individual that is being visited. It is also the fundamental right of every citizen to ask for and verify the details regarding identification, from any person representing the U.S census department.

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.
http://infertilityanswers.org/
LaMothe Services, LLC
http://lamotheservices.com/

The Perfect First Gift for a Surrogate or Egg Donor, a Very Special Heart: A LaMothe Product Review

  I received a Very Special Heart Necklace to review and I am very impressed! What's so "special" about this necklace?

Inside each Very Special Heart™lies an incredible feat of engineering, which allows you to carry your complete Personal Health Record. If you choose, you can also carry all of your family’s health records. In an emergency, your Very Special Heart™ gives EMTs or ER doctors immediate access to your critical medical information. You can also carry a dose of emergency medication, secure copies of: passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and all of your important documents. How great is this for Surrogates and Egg Donors, especially those who need to travel. This necklace (or the globe key chain) can be opened and plugged into any computer in the world where Dr's can quickly make medical decisions based on the information found on a "Very Special Heart" and because emergency personal check wallets and purses first, it comes with a special wallet ID card that will tell EMT's where to find the medical information.

My first thought when I heard of a Very Special Heart was for the infertility community. Often times we are cycling, needing to take medication and shots in a timely manner or traveling for medical reasons. Who can remember everything when under the stress of an accident or emergency. It would be a perfect gift for a surrogate or egg donor who, after she has completed her donation or birth, can update the information continue to wear this for her own personal use. This would also be a great gift for the elderly, children or those who travel often. 

Check out the website for yourself and see what I'm talking about! http://www.averyspecialheart.com/index.html If you do buy one please tell me what you think of it! I use mine as a key chain.

Please note that I do not receive any compensation for my reviews. The products are sent to me with no obligation and I share with you what I think is useful.

Sharon LaMothe
Infertility Answers, Inc.
http://infertilityanswers.org/
LaMothe Services, LLC
http://lamotheservices.com/