Surrogacy 101

Surrogacy 101 Included in Top 10 Surrogacy Blog Contest for 2019

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their favorite blogs! Surrogacy 101 took 7th place and I am happy and honored to be included in the top 10! If there is a topic you would like to see addressed in Surrogacy 101 just let me know! Many thanks to MySurrogateMom.com and David Bull for holding the contest and congratulations to my fellow participants! There are some great blogs out there offering a ton of information on surrogacy and other family building options. Click the link at the bottom of this post to see which blogs should be on your reading list!

 

The moment you understand that you will need the help of surrogacy to create the family you wish, so much can be scary and emotional. And when you start looking for information about surrogacy, you will realize that there are so many resources out there that it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Going through this by yourself can feel lonely at times, and that is normal. For this reason, we have decided to help you by researching the best surrogacy blogs and creating a list of the top ten surrogacy blogs for 2019!

 

These blogs were nominated by our readers, pre-selected based on content quality and how often they are updated, and finally ranked by your more than 3,000 votes in our contest, The Top Surrogacy Blog Awards 2019. We want to thank all of you for your participation in the process, from the initial nominations to the vote.

 

Before announcing the top 10 surrogacy blogs, remember that education is fundamental when pursuing surrogacy; the more you know, the better prepared you will be for what lies ahead. Research, read, learn, and ask!

 

And now click here for  the Ultimate List of Top Ten Surrogacy Blogs!

 

 

 

Planning a Surrogacy? Top 10 things NOT to DO ever!

You need a surrogate and made the decision to go at your search for the perfect woman alone in order to save money. Research, of course, is a must but you will soon find that all this new information can be overwhelming. I am going to post a short list of 10 don't's when planning a surrogacy arrangement whether it be traditional or gestational. Do you have a "Don't" to add to this list? Please comment! Other's can learn from you!

 

1) Don't work with a woman under the age of 21

 

2) Don't work with a woman who has never given birth to a child of her own

 

3) Don't use a contract downloaded from the Internet with no legal guidance

 

4) Don't use the sperm from an ex boyfriend

 

5) Don't work with a Surrogate who lives in a state that makes "commercial surrogacy contracts" are unenforceable

 

6) Don't participate in home sperm insemination's

 

7) Don't have the compensation payments to your surrogate come directly from you-use an escrow agent

 

8) Don't forget to pay all the bills regarding the surrogacy in a timely manner

 

9) Don't have your surrogate stay with you at your home for over a week if at all possible

 

10) Don't forget the Psychological Evaluation

 

Of course there is much more to a surrogacy arrangement then these 10 situations. It's in your best interest to learn all you can before moving forward!

Surrogacy 101 Blog in Feedspot Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs

I received this message yesterday: 

"My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.

I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Surrogacy 101 has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs on the web. 

http://blog.feedspot.com/surrogacy_blogs/

 

I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!"

 

It's always nice to be validated and acknowledged and making the top 50 on the Internet for Surrogacy is pretty awesome! I hope that my dear readers also feel that the information found on Surrogacy 101 is helpful and easy to understand! I appreciate your continued support!

 

 Thank you!

Sharon LaMothe

LaMothe Services, LLC

http://LaMotheServices.com

LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting

http://LaMotheSurrogacyConsulting.com

InfertilityAnswers

http://InfertilityAnswers.org

#SurrogacyMyth: If you are a gay couple you don't need a full medical checkup before you look for a surrogate mother

This is going to be a short post. If you are gay (or a single male) and are considering expanding your family via surrogacy, you need to have a full medical checkup first. If you are using your own sperm then you need a full Semen Analysis. Why? Because you don’t know how healthy your sperm is. A semen analysis measures three major factors of sperm health:

the number of sperm

the shape of the sperm

the movement of the sperm, also known as “sperm motility”

Doctors will often conduct two or three separate sperm analyses to get a good idea of sperm’s health. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), the tests should be conducted at least seven days apart and over the course of two to three months. Sperm counts can vary on a daily basis.

Why go through all the work and expense of finding your egg donor, a gestational carrier or a traditional surrogate when you don’t know if you will also need a sperm donor or a little help with the egg fertilization? Look at your own health first and then move forward with the family building process.

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Managing Surrogacy Relationships: LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting Can Help You!

What Surrogates and Egg Donors Need to Know About Tax Season! by Chrissy Hanisco, Esq., The Stein Law Firm, PLLC

It is income tax season; the April 15^th filing deadline is less than two months away. Many people have already filed and may even have spent their return at one of the many Valentine's Day, President’s Day, or just because sales already.

If you were a surrogate or an egg donor in 2016 and received compensation you need to be aware of your obligation to report the compensation as gross income. I have heard many donors and carriers state that the compensation was for “pain and suffering” or that they did not receive a 1099, so they do not have to claim the money as income. This is not correct. The 2015 case of Perez v. Commissioner, 144 T.C. 4 (2015), made it clear that an egg donor is required to report the compensation she received for the egg donation process. The Court made this ruling even though the contracts Perez signed with both the agency and the intended parents specifically stated that she was not being paid for her eggs and that the donor fee was for her “time, effort, inconvenience, pain and suffering.” In reaching this conclusion the Court found that in order for income to be tax-free due to “pain and suffering” that it had to be the result of damages arising out of an injury (a tort). The Court further stated that Perez’s physical pain was a voluntary act; “a byproduct of performing a service contract, and…not to compensate her for some unwanted invasion against her bodily integrity.”

Although there is not a specific case at this time relative to gestational carriers or surrogates, the analysis is likely to be the same. Like egg donors surrogates enter into contracts with agencies and intended parents about the service they will provide. Like egg donors surrogates undergo medical procedures as part of that agreement. If a pregnancy results, the pregnancy itself may be difficult and involve additional medical procedures, but even under the best of circumstances pregnancy is rarely comfortable. Many surrogates argue they should not have to pay an income tax on the money they receive for compensation of their services due to “pain and suffering.” Reading the Perez case it is easy to see why this argument would likely fail if an individual was audited.

As a result of the Perez case more agencies than before are issuing 1099 forms to surrogates and egg donors. However, it is important to remember that receiving a 1099 does not trigger the obligation to report income; receiving income triggers the obligation. I recommend that anyone who was a surrogate or an egg donor consult with a tax professional and suggest that you share a copy of Perez with that professional. If you are planning to be a donor or surrogate you may also want to consult with a tax professional in advance of negotiating your compensation, so that you may plan for what could be a significant tax liability.

Chrissy Hanisco is an attorney who practices in New Hampshire and Massachusetts with a focus on third party assisted reproductive law and adoption. Chrissy’s entire legal career has been focused on assisting others in difficult situations. After personally battling infertility she decided to use her legal skills to help others build their families. She is an active member of RESOLVE New England, the American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technologies Committee, and Parents Via Egg Donation. Locally, she is a Board member of Capital Region Mothers of Multiples. She lives in Concord, New Hampshire with her partner, their twin fraternal boys, her stepson, and their faithful, yet slightly neurotic Labrador retriever, Luke. The Stein Law Firm, PLLC

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LaMothe Services Can Help You with Your Assisted Reproductive Business in 2017

How can LaMothe Services help you and your business thrive? 

Small and large Assisted Reproductive Technology businesses alike understand how outsourcing can help transform their public relations, customer service, networking and marketing processes. LaMothe Services will expose your company to new business practices that can prove to be more profitable for your business and gain access to state-of-the-art technology at substantially lower costs. Our industry experience, broad capabilities and deep alliances mean we can help you maximize these opportunities. Let us help you find your purpose in the Third Party Family Building arena! 

 

LaMothe Services will provide you with the resources to optimize every opportunity.

 

LaMothe Services also provides Coaching, Mentorship, Training, Seminars, Staff Education, and Public Speaking events in the area of Third Party Reproduction, namely Surrogacy and Egg Donation. Our background and expertise will provide your staff with the development and training resources and the results are that your employees will be more motivated, focused, organized and realize results! 

 

At LaMothe Services our highest priority is satisfied customers. We are proud to serve you and work hard to earn your business. Call 727-458-8333 to schedule your free personal 40 minute consultation. There's no obligation, only opportunity.

 

Winter Special!

Calling all entrepreneurs! LaMothe Services is offering a 2017 WINTER Special that will have you running your own Surrogacy Agency before you know it!  

 

Are you interested in owning and operating your own Surrogacy Agency but don't know where to start? Do you live in a surrogacy friendly state? Have you been entertaining the idea of becoming your own boss? Are you a 'people person' and have knowledge of the third party family building field? (Past Surrogate, Intended Parent or other A.R.T Professional) Do you believe that 2017 is YOUR year to take control of your own career path? If the answers are a resounding YES to all these questions then LaMothe Services, LLC can help you formulate a plan and assist you in building your business to it's full potential. E-mail [email protected] to set up your free 40 minute consult and learn more about our WINTER SPECIAL! Or visit the LaMothe Services website for more details!

Number Eight of the Top 14 Mistakes for Surrogates and Carriers to Avoid: Agreeing to do at home inseminations (IUI)

Here we are at mistake number eight which only applies to Traditional Surrogates. I want to point out that IUI (Intrauterine Inseminations) are not that costly and doing these at 'home' really isn't worth the risk!

 

 

Mistake #8 Agreeing to do at home inseminations (IUI) 

 

Why you should insist doing Intrauterine Inseminations at a medical facility: One of the first concerns I have when I hear that a Traditional Surrogate is planning on doing IUI without a Dr's guidance is the possibility of STD's or HIV. Some of the other questions pop into my head regarding a situation like this are: Is there a contract in place? Are medications being taken? Was a psychological screening done? In other words, what 'short cuts' have been taken? Having a medical doctor involved can also make this part of a surrogacy so much more successful. A surrogate can be monitored and, under the clinic's care, the right time in a cycle would be chosen to proceed with the IUI. Medications may be prescribed to allow for more follicles to mature.

 

There is also the emotional and mental aspect of being a Traditional Surrogate and being treated by a Dr. rather then the Intended Parents themselves. It helps with the separation to go through the clinical steps.

 

Don't try and save your IP's a few dollars while putting yourself at risk. Make sure that you have every i dotted and your t's crossed before you agree to ANY medical procedure.

 
Additional questions? Check out LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting http://www.lamothesurrogacyconsulting.com/! Save $150.00 with our fall consulting special!

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Early Is Best-Starting the Conversation About How Your Family Was Made via Surrogacy or Donation

With egg and sperm donation, parents have the extra concern of what to tell their child regarding where they came from. This is not a simple birds and bees conversation yet it can be as simple as that. Parents often have unfounded fears that their child will reject them if they know the 'truth'.

Although there are papers, articles and books on this topic, in this post I would like to keep it as simple as possible. First and foremost accept yourself as your child’s parent! You are rising, nurturing, loving a human being whom you helped create. No little thought went into this very life changing decision. Acknowledge that you are the reason that your child even exists!

Secondly, remember that parents read books to their children starting at a very young age. When you chose your books like “I Love You This Much” or “Goodnight Moon” add in a couple of children’s books on egg donation such as “One More Giraffe” by Kim Noble or “Mom and Dad and the Journey They Had” by Molly Summer. Books like these will prepare your young child for future questions and answers regarding his or her origins. Talking about how different families are made and how what really matters, at the end of the day, is that children are loved and wanted. Reading books can set the ground work for honest communication as your child grows.

Third, I suggest that if you have fears that you can not seem to put to rest, contact a mental health professional in the field of third party reproduction. You will find several who help you find the words you need to explain to your child or children how they were created AND how much you love them.

If you have ever had a conversation with your child about surrogacy,  egg or sperm donation and would like to share it with our readers please contact us with your story! Many Intended Parents would benefit from hearing your thoughts and suggestions!

Refunds in the world of Surrogacy: When Intended Parents Want Their Retainer Money Returned

 

I realize that quite a few agencies have a "No Refund" policy and I have to say I had one as well when I co-owned Surrogacy Consultants of Florida. But no policy is set in stone and there are always exceptions.

 

There are several reasons why Intended Parents may ask for a refund. Sometimes it's not a full refund but at other times it just may be best to ask for a refund the entire amount of the retainer agreement. Below is my short "What If" list:

 

*What if the surrogate/donor doesn't want to work with the Intended Parents that chose their profile (and the IP’s don't find any others in the database they are interested in)?

 

*What if the surrogate/donor doesn't pass the medical evaluation (and the IP’s don't find another profile in your database they wish to explore)?

 

*What if the clinic rejects the donor or surrogate for failure to follow medical protocol or other medically related reasons (and the IP’s can't find any others they want to work with, or don't trust the agency pool of candidates any longer)?

 

*What if the Intended Parents have a medical or financial issue of their own and need to back out of the agency program (after just a few weeks and are not currently under contract)?

 

*What if the donor/surrogate is not mentally able to perform her commitment and backs out before contracts are signed (and there are no other candidates available)?

 

Lastly, an agency may insist on refunding the retainer fees back to the Intended Parents if the agency/staff feels that the IP’s are hard to please and have an impossible list of expectations that can't be met.

 

There are quite a few scenarios but you get the picture. A refund maybe in order. If the agency can't rematch, or the surrogate/donor has been disqualified, Intended Parents have the right to some sort of refund. (full or partial)

 

Refunds are usually not planned, however, and Intended Parents should keep in mind that a refund check could take a couple of months to receive. Remember that agencies are trying to do their best to correct problems and issues and make up for human errors that are no fault of their own. Patience is key in these cases as is understanding and clear communication. Intended Parents could also give some time to the agency to advertise for a specific surrogate or donor if a replacement is not found in the current database. Flexibility is always appreciated. 

 

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What is Happening at the Surrogacy Agency-A Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes of the Matching Process

What is Happening at the Surrogacy Agency- Managing Expectations-Surrogate Fee Caps and Benefits or What More Do You Want?

Why do surrogates need an attorney?

IS Your Agency in the Know? 4 Communication Tips for Surrogacy and Egg/Sperm Donation Agencies

It doesn’t matter how large of a business you own, if there is little or lack of communication either between you and your employees or between staff and clients you will fail unless this problem is corrected. In the field of surrogacy and egg/sperm donation there really is a lot of room for miscommunication.

First is the non-verbal cues that are given when your telephone is not answered during business hours or messages are not returned within a reasonable amount of time. What this says about your business is that you have no interest in who is calling or why or that you are too busy to take or return the call. This leaves potential clients, donors or surrogates wondering about the quality of services provided by you and your staff. (If they ever do hire you. This is where you might lose a great GS or IP.)

A second common problem with miscommunication is when a client has been given different information by different people within your office. This can happen when staff has not been updated regarding new or existing donors or available surrogates, when the client is quoted different pricing for services, or regarding case management and program protocol.

Speaking of available donors or surrogates, remember to keep your data base updated. When you have unavailable profiles listed in your data base it sends the signal that you are misinforming the public and are sharing more donor or surrogate profiles then you really have available. It also raises hopes if someone is really interested in a profile only to find that the candidate is not available. Always remove a profile once she is talking with other IP’s. If it doesn’t work out you can simply return the profile to your data base. Adding available profiles as soon as you can is a great indication that you have full control of your data base and know exactly who is on there plus all the details.

My third point is continued communication throughout the donation/surrogacy process. Often times once the match is made and the surrogate becomes pregnant, agency owners assume all is well and may not contact the IPs, donor, or surrogate for weeks or maybe even months. If you are advertising ‘full service agency’ that should include checking in on all parties and making sure that procedures have gone smoothly, if the relationship is going well amongst all parties and if anything extra is needed, In the case of the donation it is important to make sure the donor has recovered from her procedure and it’s always nice to see if a pregnancy resulted.

My forth and final point is the communication with other professionals in your field. I am taking about the clinic and nursing staff, attorneys involved, escrow agency and the mental health professional. It is so important that every one know exactly what is going on with your clients. Even if you are not the one directly communicating with these other professionals it is a good idea to remind your clients to make contact at certain points of a match. For instance the attorney should know when the birth is expected to take place and whether it is a singleton or multiples so the proper paperwork will be ready, it’s also a good idea to remind a surrogate to make arrangements for a hospital tour with her IPs, you should tell the clinic if a miscarriage takes place or a twin is lost and the mental health professional might like to know how the match is going and if there is a need for follow up.

Failure to communicate with all parties involved such as your agency staff, clients, and other professionals can give you and your agency a poor reputation. These are all issues can be worked on and eventually fixed. Your future as an egg donation or surrogacy agency owner depends on great communication!

 

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Starting TODAY:Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season Tele-Summit! Fertility Advise That Actually Works!

 

Time is ticking!!Join me for Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season Tele-Summit! Fertility Advise That Actually Works! Starting TODAY – Infertility Busters, so you can Create the family you want! 

Just a quick reminder that I’m providing you with FREE access to a very special virtual event, Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season Tele-Summit! 

22 of the world’s top Infertility experts are joining together to give you guidance that really work how to grow your family with mind/body/spirit balance this Holiday Season? Advice that is tested and true…and actually works! 

I’m thrilled to be included in the panel and I can’t wait share the strategies and tips that have helped many of my clients grow their families. (I will be speaking on Surrogacy: Working with Family and Friends!) 

Register Now by clicking HERE and you’ll get immediate access to an amazing bonus gift!!  

There’s no cost to you and the tips you’ll receive would cost you THOUSANDS of dollars to secure on your own.  

So don’t delay, grab your spot now.  

P.S. Don’t miss out on amazing guidance that really works. 

 

You are Invited! Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season Tele-Summit starting December 9- December 18th and it's FREE!

 

Let’s get real! I’m so excited to extend a FREE invitation to you for the Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season Tele-Summit starting December 9- December 18th.

Are you frustrated with family and friends giving you advice that proves they just don’t understand what you are going through? Are you sick of trying to navigate the treatment options that promise the baby you want only to give you a big debt and no baby?

What if you could hear from some of the world’s leading Infertility experts and get their best advice on how to grow your family with mind/body/spirit balance? Advice that is tested and true…and actually works! Now imagine having access to all of them for free! (I will be talking about working with family members or friends as your surrogate! Valuable information here PLUS you will get a free hour of one on one time with ME!)

This is exactly what my colleague (and fertility thought leader) Renee Waggener at Xtraordinary Fertility has done with the Infertility Busters Tele-summit!– a virtual event like no other! 

And I’m thrilled to be a part of it! I’m joining a team of 22 amazing experts with fantastic advice you can use right away! Together we’re helping thousands of women struggling with infertility throughout the globe who are ready to feel less stress this Holiday season. 

This is my personal invitation to join me and get the best wisdom, inspiration and support to guide you into more confidence, clarity, and connection to spirit, family and yourself this Holiday season. 

Starting Dec. 9th  continuing through Dec. 18th , you’ll have access to incredible experts who will all share their personal journey’s with serving the infertility community and give you some tips you can use right away. 

Don’t miss out -http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=5347753 to register now!

There’s even an incredible free gift available immediately when you register. 

Sharon LaMothe

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Friend: "I will be your surrogate!" Intended Parent: " Ahhhhhh No, Thank You!"

Join Me for Infertility Busters for the Stressful Holiday Season FREE Tele-Summit December 9th - December 18th!

 

Let’s Bust open Infertility! Join me and 22 of the world’s leading Infertility experts for the: 

Are you frustrated with family and friends giving you advice that proves they just don’t understand what you are going through? Are you sick of trying to navigate the treatment options that promise the baby you want only to give you a big debt and no baby? 

What if you could hear from some of the world’s leading Infertility experts and get their best advice on how to grow your family with mind/body/spirit balance? Advice that is tested and true…and actually works! Now imagine having access to all of them for free! 

This is exactly what my colleague (and fertility thought leader) Renee Waggener at Xtraordinary Fertility has done with the Infertility Busters Tele-summit!– a virtual event like no other!

Starting Dec. 9th continuing through Dec. 18th , you’ll have access to incredible experts who will give you some tips you can use right away.

Don’t miss out - http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=5347753 to register now! 

Come Join Me at A Family Of My Own Conference in Orlando September 7th!!

I will be speaking with several others on the topic of third party family building...This is a not to be missed FREE event! 

Let’s Talk about Making Parenthood Possible!

The Largest Family Building Event in Florida

Whether You’re Hoping for your First or Next

In One Day Discover Your Options

Sunday, September 7, 2014
9:00am – 3:00pm

The conference is returning to Orlando with an expanded schedule of the most up-to-date topics and must-know family building information. 

This FREE event will offer you an opportunity to meet many speakers, specialists and professionals in the fertility and adoption field and ask questions one-on-one.

More than 15 Educational Sessions to choose from throughout the day.  Attend as many or as few as you like!

Exhibit Hall – Attendee Specials - Giveaways!

Topics include:

What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting: Infertility Basics and Beyond

Common Infertility Concerns: Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Immune Disorders

Getting Fit for Fertility: How Nutrition and Health affect Men and Women’s Fertility

Modern Family Building with Third Party Reproduction: Sperm and Egg Donation, Surrogacy

Men’s Reproductive Health

The Latest, Successful Reproductive Surgery Options for Women and Men

Financing Fertility Treatments: Know Your Insurance/Prescription Plans, Other Finance Programs, Questions to Ask

Adoption Basics and Must Ask Questions: Starting Your Adoption Journey

Adoption Options: Domestic / Open / Closed / International / Transracial and Transcultural / Foster / Social Media

Openness in Adoption: A Candid Discussion with Adoptive Parent and Birthmom

Sunday, September 7, 2014

9:00am – 3:00pm 

Westin Lake Mary

2974 International Parkway
Lake Mary, FL 32746 (map)

 

Did You Know?? LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting offers a Full Service Consulting Package

LaMothe Surrogacy Consultants offer an entire surrogacy management package. This package is offered to those who have already found their surrogate though their own search be it a family member, friend, or through online classified ads. This Package includes the initial meeting plus assisting in all of the details of a surrogate arrangement without the matching process. This package lasts from the time you pay our retainer, throughout the medical and psychological testing, contract negations, embryo transfers (max 3 transfers with the same surrogate), pregnancy and birth. Attending appointments and birth are included in this service with you only paying the additional travel expenses. Please call us for pricing and further details.

 

Here is a brief outline of some of the services included in this Full Service LaMothe Surrogacy Consultants Package:

 

Initial meeting including materials for you and your surrogate

Assting you in finding a psychologist for the mental health screen

Helping with a health, life and disability policies if needed

Finding an attorney for the surrogate and Intended Parents 

Being available for embryo transfers and other appointments

Arranging to send verbal/e-mail agreements between parties to the attorney to be included in the contract

Coordinating and/or locating a RE/clinic to work with the surrogate arrangement (in the case of a satellite office if needed)

Assisting with locating a "surrogate friendly" OB office

Coordinating escrow/trust Accounts for the distribution of funds throughout the contract time frame

Assisting with mediation and/or counseling

General case management and support

Attending transfers/appointments and births

(Plus travel expenses)

 

Call LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting for your FREE 40 minute consultation to learn more about our services. 727-458-8333

3 Legal Facts Every Sperm Donor Should Know By Guest Blogger Michelle Patterson

If you are considering donation your sperm for the insemination process, there are many factors to consider.  Sperm donation is not a matter that should be taken lightly.  Instead, it should be a decision that is well researched and thought out.  You should know all you can about the donation process and especially about the legal facts for sperm donors.  While there are many legal factors to consider, perhaps the most important is that of your parental responsibility to any children born from your sperm donation.  Many clinics have detailed contracts that outline these responsibilities, and it is wise that you read each contract and understand it fully before signing your name to it.  

Additionally, there are a few ways you can donate sperm, and not all of them take place in a clinic.  You can complete an insemination at a legal fertilization clinic by donating your sperm at a donation center, or a home insemination can take place.  The legal responsibilities for parental rights and responsibilities if a child born from home insemination vastly differ from the parental responsibilities of a child born from a clinical insemination process.  This article will discuss three very important legal facts that every sperm donor should know. 

Donating sperm through a legal facility 

When you donate your sperm through a legal facility or clinic, you will not be classified as the child’s father and you will not have any parental rights towards that child.  Many clinics offer what is called an open donor program, which allows you to provide your information to the clinic should the child ever want to contact you, or which allows one contact from the child when the child is of age.  However, while these options are available, they are not considered part of your parental responsibility. 

Donating sperm to a single woman via home insemination 

If you donate your sperm to a single woman via home insemination, it is highly possible that you could assume parental responsibility for that child, as the woman can choose to name her partner or the sperm donor as the child’s legal father on the birth certificate.  Even though you may have discussed the decision prior to the birth, the woman still has the power to change her mind. 

Donating sperm to a married, unmarried, or same-sex couple via home insemination 

If you donate your sperm to an unmarried or same-sex couple via home insemination, you could also be in the same position as with the single woman.  The same-sex couple could choose to name you as the father on the birth certificate.  However, you are protected if you donated to a married couple, as the male will automatically be deemed the father on the birth certificate.

As you can see, the legal responsibilities differ in each situation, so it is very important to decide what type of parental responsibility you are comfortable with having before you decide to donate. 

About the Author 

Michelle Patterson is a nurse with years of experience in the insemination process. She suggests looking into California Cryobank for more helpful information regarding the legal aspects of sperm donation.

 

Over the Counter Sperm Test Provides Incomplete Information to Measure Male Fertility

Last April, Walgreens and CVS began selling the SpermCheck Fertility test, a $39.95 over the counter test that determines whether men have a normal sperm count. Fertility experts share that there are other critical factors such as motility (movement characteristics of sperm) and morphology (appearance of sperm) as equally important which are not tested. Additionally, the test measures a normal sperm count at 20 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen while the industry standard for optimal fertility is 15 million, potentially causing unnecessary concern for men with a negative test result. When taking the test, men who test positive for 20 million or more per milliliter of semen see a reddish line in their test results, while those who have less than 20 million per milliliter do not see a result. The test is 96 percent accurate and will be sold at 7,800 stores across the US in April.  

Dr. Ed Marut, Medical Director of Fertility Centers of Illinois, is concerned men will be misguided with their test results. “SpermCheck Fertility exploits the reluctance of men to be evaluated for their fertility properly and may give couples a false sense of hope or cause unnecessary anxiety. The test gives a very simplified result without taking into account additional health conditions. A negative test result may really be normal, while a positive test tells nothing of the other critical parameters of a real semen analysis, such as motility and morphology. Men need to receive a thorough, accurate semen analysis interpreted by a reproductive endocrinologist to accurately maximize chances of pregnancy success.” 

In order to understand male fertility, it is critical to understand the main components involved, which are illustrated below. Couples are also encouraged to complete basic testing for fertility if they have trouble conceiving. Fertility Centers of Illinois offers a fertility check-up for couples which includes bloodwork and a semen analysis evaluated by a board certified reproductive endocrinologist for $90. 

Sperm Health: What Men Need to Know 

• Sperm Count:

It is critical for men to have a healthy sperm count for optimal fertility. Men with at least 15 million sperm per milliliter are well within a normal, healthy sperm count. The average human ejaculate contains about 180 million sperm (66 million/ml), but some ejaculates contain as many as 400 million sperm.

• Morphology: (appearance)

A healthy sperm has an oval head and long tail, allowing for the sperm to be propelled forward effectively. When a sperm has a small, large, misshapen, crooked or tapered head, its ability to fertilize an egg is decreased. Sperm with tails that are doubled, curled or kinky are also unlikely to fertilize an egg. Fertile men have a normal shape and structure to 14 percent of their sperm, but at least four percent is thought to be the lower limit of fertilizing capacity.

• Motility: (movement)

The ability of a sperm to propel itself and move forward is imperative to successful conception. Sperm that are immobile, slow or have inhibited motility due to morphology abnormalities are unable to reach the egg for fertilization. Fertile men have 40 percent or more of their sperm exhibiting healthy motility.

Men with a lower sperm count, low morphology or low motility may need the assistance of reproductive endocrinologists to optimize fertility odds. This can be accomplished through a variety of infertility treatment methods such as methods such as semen processing for intrauterine insemination and In Vitro Fertilization using ICSI (the injection of a sperm into an egg.)

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Fertility Centers of Illinois, S.C., is one of the nation's leading fertility treatment practices, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in the Chicago area for more than 30 years.  FCI physicians, embryologists and support staff are stringently chosen based on educational background, medical skills and their ability to collaborate. With a team of 11 nationally and internationally recognized reproductive physicians who treat thousands of patients each year, the practice has earned a reputation for overcoming hard-to-solve fertility issues. FCI is dedicated to medical and clinical excellence and continues to invest in the latest technologies and research. FCI offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options including intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, donor egg, gestational carrier, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as well as extensive resources to address financial and emotional needs. Fostering a culture for continuous innovation has made FCI home to the annual Midwest Reproductive Symposium which attracts experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology from around the world.  FCI has 10 offices conveniently located throughout the Chicagoland area (Buffalo Grove, Chicago/River North, Crystal Lake, Glenview, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Lindenhurst, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, and Orland Park). FCI is a member of the Attain Fertility Network which provides discounted fertility treatment programs. For more information visit www.fcionline.com

 

A Peak Inside the Seattle Sperm Bank! By Sharon LaMothe

It has been a little over a year since I visited the Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) and I was really impressed at the dedication and professionalism that they shared with me at that time. This year my visit showed me that the growth and community outreach had exceeded my expectations!

I met with Eric Kendall who is the Seattle Sperm Banks
Clinic Liaison (I first met Eric at this year's ASRM in San Diego) and Angelo
Allard who is the General Supervisor.  I took my tour (as you can see from the photos) and I was let in on some of their ideas for future growth and expansion.  One of the ideas that they are working on at this moment is something called the donor of the month. Basically you can buy one vial of sperm for IUI or IVF and get one free.  The featured donor is one who has not donated as much as the others on the SSB data base. They are hoping to post the featured donor of the month 3 months in advance so that clients can plan to take advantage of the donor best suited for them.

Speaking of the amount of times a sperm donor can donate  to the Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) the answer is 25 families worldwide per donor and no more than 10 times in one area of 80,000 population or less.  

Quite a few people I talked with before my tour asked about compensation. I think it's quite widely known that Egg Donors are reimbursed for their pain and suffering upwards to $10,000.00 +. Not so for Sperm Donors. After the physical exam a donor can start  donating and will receive $60 for each
approved donation. SSB  approves over 90% of the donations that their sperm donors deliver. $40 is paid in cash to the donor when delivering the sample. The remaining $20 are paid in cash when the sample has gone through the final approval. Of course there is a lot more testing before acceptance and you can go to their website and read all about it: http://www.seattlespermbank.com/become_a_sperm_donor.asp

Let's move on to something that
has been a HOT topic in the media lately: Open Identity Donors.  At
the Seattle Sperm Bank, open identity donors have committed to at least one
contact with the child, when the child reaches the age of 18. The contact must
be initiated by the child; customer identities are confidential and are never
released to sperm donors. There is no requirement that the donor commit to any sort of long-lasting relationship with the child, although the donor and the
child may arrange to have further communication. All donors are required to go through a maturity evaluation by the sperm bank’s managing director and donor coordinator to ensure they understand the consequences of their decision to become an open identity donor.

Although prospective parents don’t get to meet a sperm donor before choosing to
use his donated sperm, there is a lot to learn about donors through profile
information. Often donors will list their reasons for donating along with
detailed information about themselves. At the Seattle Sperm Bank, they have
found that open identity donors are usually willing to provide more detailed
information such as baby photos and extended profile information to the sperm
bank. (By the way it a Washington State LAW that all donations be open
identity!)

Another item
that we discussed was the issue of pediatric oncology patients who are of an
age where they could actually preserve their future fertility through freezing
and storing their sperm. This is something that SSB wants to do more of and is committed to reach out to local oncologists and share their program with their clients. (as you can see from the photos they do have the equipment !) This is just the tip of what the Seattle Sperm Bank has in store for the future! (A little bird mentioned an upcoming seminar....)

I am very
impressed at how smoothly this operation is run and how SSB is always ready toshare their expertise with me.

( <<Yes that IS a real sample in the cup!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 If you want any more information please contact the Seattle Sperm Bank (also in conjunctionwith http://www.europeanspermbankusa.com) at 1-800-709-1223

Alternative Reproduction: What Couples Really Face

Medical advances in alternative forms of reproduction are easily outpacing the
culture, leaving same-sex couples sometimes facing years of frustration.

Same-sex couples starting families are headed to primetime in The New
Normal, a fall sitcom from NBC based on two gay men looking to start a
family with the use of a surrogate. It’s one of the first expansive and
relatable looks into the process. But a local affiliate station in Salt Lake
City, Utah banned the comedy because it worries that this show about families is “inappropriate” to be watched by families.

Even in the show, Bryan and David must contend with the surrogate’s bigoted grandmother. The New Normal might be, as Jonathan Kipp of Oregon Reproductive Medicine, a leading fertility clinic for LBGT couples, “another step in showing Americans that our country’s families are diverse.” But it’s also a hint at what couples who try surrogacy experience when confronted with a culture not yet prepared for a “new normal.”

According to U.S. Census data from 2010, an estimated one-quarter of all same-sex households are raising children. The Census didn’t ask how many used alternative reproduction. But for those couples, the expensive process comes with a host of frustrations and little support during the search for a donor. 

Just how expensive — costs associated with alternative reproduction run steep and can prove to be challenging for couples.

•    Surrogate fees range from $20,000 to $40,000. 
•    Insurance coverage for the surrogacy cycle ranges from $15,000 to $25,000.
•    Program coordination fees for surrogacy range from $15,000 to $22,000. 
•    Egg donor fees range from $5,000 to $10,000. 
•    Program coordination fees for egg donation range from $4,000 to $8,000.
•    Doctor's office fees, labs, medications, and the like range from $13,000 to $20,000 and more.
•    There will also be incidentals such as attorney fees, psychological and genetic consultations, complication insurance policies for donors and travel expenses that could add an additional $1,500 to $5,000 and up.

April Nelson, 38, an attorney, and Margaret Fiore, 49, a corporate trainer, of Mayfield, Md., began discussing whether to have kids several years into their relationship. The couple of seven years opted for IVF and now have twins, a boy and a girl named Addison and Avery, who are now almost 4 years old.

Nelson and Fiore’s journey began in the summer of 2007 when first exploring
how to get pregnant "the old fashioned way," Nelson jokes, referring to simply
using anonymous donor sperm for insemination. The couple encountered their first
hurdle, however, when it was determined by doctors that Fiore's likelihood of
producing a viable egg was minimal because of her age and hormone levels.

Then the couple spent a few months considering options, and with Nelson still
midway through law school and Fiore having always wanted the pregnancy
experience, they decided to try in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs from
Nelson implanted in Fiore.

"The process was exciting and terrifying and exhausting all at the same
time," said Fiore. There were periods when both were on injection hormones and
making multiple visits each week to the fertility clinic. The couple underwent
mandatory counseling sessions to ensure they "knew what they were doing," and
Nelson had to participate in even more assessments required for egg donors. The
clinic was open affirming, but neither its policies nor the law were truly
prepared for how to "categorize" them.

You can read the entire article here. You can learn all about Surrogacy and more at A Family of My Own Conference. I hope to see you there!

 

Please Join Me at A Family of My Own Conference at the Wyndham Glenview Suites in Glenview, Illinois September 29th!

Do you know someone trying to have a Family of their Own? Find out how to make it possible
by joining me, Sharon LaMothe of LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting, and get all the
information you need to become a family at Family of My Own Fertility & Adoption Conference on Saturday, September 29 at the Wyndham Glenview Suites.

This is the premier event in Illinois that will bring together top medical professionals and
industry experts in one room for one day.  

Couples who are trying to start a family, but have questions, reproductive health and adoption experts will be available to answer questions on the latest advances in fertility as well as adoption. In addition, the business expo will feature
leading companies that will showcase products and services relevant to fertility and adoption. Sponsors of the event to date include aParent IVF, Fertility Centers of Illinois, InVia Fertility and Walgreens and to register for the event visit www.AFamilyofMyOwn.com

A Great Symposium for Infertility and Reproductive Professionals: START ART

Infertility is a challenging and rewarding field of nursing, and one that is evolving rapidly and dramatically, requiring nurses and other healthcare practitioners to constantly remain current with the latest state-of–the ART technology. Those in practice, as well as nurses in transition, accept that this ever changing arena requires an ongoing commitment to pursue new information, techniques, and best practices. And, equal in priority, is the IVF nurse’s sensitivity to parents’ quest to create families and the fragility of early embryonic life.

 The Annual REI Nursing Congress: Scientific & Therapeutic Approaches To Assisted Reproductive Technology (STARTARTSM) provides a unique and comprehensive educational opportunity, featuring critical updates on the latest advances in reproductive medicine, from procedures and protocols to psychosocial and legal issues. The goal of this Congress is to provide late-breaking information and cutting-edge techniques to improve ART outcomes - a goal that is matched by the IVF nurses’ skills, compassion, and caring that make this field so remarkable.

This activity is intended for the education of nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals specializing in reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology. (It's great for surrogacy and egg donation agency owners too!)

During lunch on both Thursday, August 4 and Friday, August 5, participants will have the opportunity to join accredited sessions of interactive roundtable discussions. Topics will be posted at the meeting registration desk, where participants may sign up for discussions of issues of special interest. A moderator or faculty member will lead each group. (I am, once again, planning to lead a round table on the topic of Gestational Surrogacy.)

Register HERE https://www.123enroll.com/STARTART

I hope to see you there!!

 Sharon

All About the Seattle Sperm Bank by Sharon LaMothe

My Tour of the Seattle Sperm Bank

A common shipping container

You would think that with my long history, over 11 years, in the Assisted Reproductive Technology world I would have visited a sperm bank by now. I mean, I have been invited into surgical units and witnessed egg retrievals, I have been invited into labs and watched eggs being fertilized in a number of ways, I have been present at MANY embryo transfers, and had the privilege to behold the miracle of birth via surrogacy more times then I can remember, so you would think that I would have knocked on the door of one or two sperm banks by now!
The Seattle Sperm Bank located near the University of Washington, which is the American division of the European Sperm Bank based in Denmark. Gary Olsem and one of the lab technicians, Christina, was kind enough to invite me to tour the bank and then answered some very pressing questions that I had collected from Facebook and current clients.

I started my tour with Christina whom I had met previously at the ASRM conference that was held in Denver in October of this year. I was brought into a room that had a few tanks in it and instantly started asking questions! They were a lot bigger then I though but had guessed correctly that this was what the sperm was shipped in. So here are the shipping facts: People purchase usually 2-3 vials at a time but the same container can hold 10-25 vials. (not that you would want to order that many and in a moment I will tell you why!) Shipping to the East Coast is $150.00 2 day FedEX and that includes the return trip. There is a $50.00 extra fee for over night. I actually asked if many people need over night shipping and Gary told me that I would be surprised at how many women called needing their shipment yesterday. "Don't they PLAN ahead?" "Apparently not." These containers will keep the sperm frozen for up to 3 weeks and NO, you can not take them out of the container and pop them into your freezer at home. That would be just a waste of money.

New Sperm Samples

The men on the Seattle Sperm Banks long list of eligible donors are between the ages of 18 and 39. Really the 18 year olds are few and far between (to my delight) however no donor is required to have a psychological evaluation. None. Why is this? Apparently because the procedure is no where near as in depth as that of your egg donor. (However it's not only about procedure but that is for another blog). There are 3 hoops that these gentlemen have to jump through. The first is the initial screening and meeting which includes a free sperm analyst and most of those don't make the first cut. Not that they are infertile themselves but if their sperm doesn't freeze well or make the thaw then its just not worth it to take the risk. Some may have some very real male factor infertility and they are told what the issues are and are referred to a mental health professional at that point. So basically these men have had a free semen analyst and it ends there. No, they did not get paid yet.

The second hoop is a meeting that ends with yet another semen sample and a full education of how the program works. This is also unpaid and requires more forms, questionnaires and paper work. FDA guidelines are followed to the T.

Storage Containers

The third hoop and last meeting before becoming a "real sperm donor". An Audio Interview is done, a personality test is taken, baby photos are shared, and Blood work is required, STD testing, a sperm deposit that will be kept in storage and this is also when money exchanges hands. How much money you may ask? $40.00. Yes...that is Forty Dollars, American. And another $20.00 in about six months once everything is cleared. So how much can you actually make being a sperm donor? Well, through the Seattle Sperm Bank you are allowed to 'help' 25 families and you can donate up to 3x per week. (Although most just donate once per month.)

Speaking of 'helping families' 25 donations seems like a large number but lets remember that there are no regulations and although the ASRM has guidelines on egg donation of only 6 donations per donor there are no guidelines for sperm donors. (and if there are, they are incredibly hard to find compared to egg donor compensation and donation guidelines which pop up at the touch of a button...) I asked if there were any thoughts to how many families in one location that would could be helped by a single donor and found that it depends on location. If you live in the UK then it would be 10 donations for the entire United Kingdom. Australia, 5 donations and so on. So it seems that each country has its own thoughts on the matter.

A frozen 'cane' with vial of sperm

Lets get down to the nitty gritty...how much does it cost to start your family using sperm from the Seattle Sperm Bank is quite reasonable. Depending on how you are going to do it....IUI (Intrauterine Inseminations) through your clinic the cost is $490.00 per vial (washed sperm) and for at home inseminations its $390.00 ICI (unwashed sperm) and that includes the cost of the insemination kit! Most people order 2-3 vials at a time. So lets see, if you are ordering 3 vials, and live on the east coast AND are doing in home inseminations then the cost would be $1320.00 which would include your shipping and handling charges. Now remember, there are no guarantees that this is going to work the 1st round. (or the 2nd or the 5th) Would it be cheaper to go to a clinic and do IUI under a Reproductive Endocrinologists care? In the long run, perhaps so. You would be paying for IUI's at the clinic however you would be monitored and if medications were needed then you would find that out and, believe it or not, a RE knows what he/she is doing! Plus, timing is everything!

One frozen vial on a 'cane'

Just for the fun of it I asked about directed donation and how much it would cost to store sperm. The storage fees are $75.00 per month and $350 per year. Not to bad if you don't have to wait long.

Remember when I stated that these containers could hold up to 25 vials? I wanted to mention that you do NOT want to order any more sperm then you can use in a cycle unless you have a place to store it near your home. Remember that the containers only keep the sperm frozen at the ideal temperature for up to 3 weeks....after that all bets are off. Or you could have a party and the SSB will ship several different donors sperm in one container and you can share the cost.

I wanted to thank Gary Olsem for all of his time and Christina for answering my endless questions.

If any of my readers would like more information please contact:
Gary Olsem
Seattle Sperm Bank LLC
4915 25th Avenue NE, Suite 204
Seattle WA 98105
Ph: (206) 588 1484
Fax: (206) 588 1485
Email: [email protected]