Fertility Research
Science and Technology is always growing in the field of infertility. I found this article which I thoughht you might enjoy reading.
It just amazes me what we are able to do.
Womb for Rent - True Story?
So the news is out - Newsweek has put surrogacy on the front cover and now everybody is talking about it.
I think surrogacy is a wonderful option for an infertile couple to achieve parenthood. I felt like Newsweek has missed this . Their article is so focused on who and why women become a surrogate mother, yet their interviews and viewpoint are one sided.
I am a middle-class working mother who has also been a surrogate for four (4) families. My husband and I make a good living, while we are by no means wealthy, I did not choose surrogacy for the money. For me, surrogacy is a passion. I love the idea of helping someone achieve a dream through something that is so easy for me to do. The emotional rewards far out-weigh the monetary aspects.
Through out my time as a surrogate, I have made many friendships with other surrogates. A bit of a friendly support group if you will. We all talk with one another and have compared pregnant bellies. Of this group of women, none of us are military wives.
I feel as though Newsweek is misleading it's readers by looking through a magnifying glass at one particular group of people and centering it's article on that..
For some women, the financial aspect may be what draws them into inquiring about surrogacy (especially in today's economy), however it is not usually the reason they continue forward with the process. Experienced surrogates are definitely in it to help someone; These are women who have a big heart and easy pregnancies.
As far as the insurance issue goes, I have used my health insurance (provided by my employer) to cover my medical expenses as a surrogate. With is not segregated to just Tricare Insurance.
I think any national coverage which can make surrogacy more acceptable in society is a positive thing. I just hope that as you read the article in Newsweek that you keep an open mind.
Baby Born Years After Father's Death
On March 12, 2008 Jamie-Rose Roberts was born. The unsuspecting newborn had no idea how special she really is.
Lisa and James Roberts had dreams of a large family. They had already had a son, Cameron, when James found out that he had cancer. In an attempt to create their large family, James and Lisa decided to freeze James' sperm before he would undergo chemotherapy.
Despite the treatment, the cancer spread and James died in October 2004.
Over the next few years, Lisa thought about the frozen sperm, but couldn't bare having a child without James. Then in February 2007, Lisa was ready for their second child.
Lisa had an egg retrieval which only produced two (2) eggs. James' sperm where injected into the eggs and the wait started. By the next day, there was only one (1) embryo and it was not of good quality. Lisa was given a 20% chance of getting pregnant with the embryo.
The embryo transfer was successful and Lisa had an uncomplicated, normal pregnancy.
When Jamie was born, Lisa says "She was the image of her father." Cameron suggested that his sister be named after their late father. Thus Jamie-Rose is cared for and loved by her mother, brother and watched over by her father.
This is such a warm, feel-good story. I wanted to share it with you.
Happy Birthday to America's First IVF Twins
Todd and Heather Tilton celebrated their 25th birthday on March 17, 2008. They were the first "test tube" twins born in the United States.
The thing that made them feel unique when growing up was knowing the lengths their parents went to have them. "I always felt that I was very wanted because it was such a big decision and very difficult", Heather said. "It shows my parents determination".
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. It's great to know that IVF babies grow up to be well adjusted adults, just like any of us.
How To Choose An IVF Center
Throughout my week in the office, I receive many calls from Intended Parents who are just starting to look at egg donors or surrogacy as an option. Often they do not know what steps to take to make their dream of parenthood come true. Thier website search had lead them to me, but they aren't sure what comes next.
For obvious reasons, it will be necessary for the couple to have an IVF Physician or Center selected. There are many factors you will want to consider when choosing an IVF Physician.
- Success Rate of the Center
- Quality of Service (Compasion, Care, Cleamliness, etc.)
- Location
I would strongly suggest that you create a list of potential Centers, make an appoitment for a consultation at each and then take notes as you discuss the options with the Physician. You can also ask to have a tour of the facility. You wil want to see that the facility appears to run smoothly, meaning that office staff are being productive, communicating with eachother in a manner that creates a effective environment. Are the examing rooms clean, nothing left behind from the previous patient or exams. And most important, do you feel comfortable and possitive about the experience.
The decision made is a personal one. Just because a friend or family member used a particular facility, does not mean that facility will be right for you. The best thing you can do is to research your choice before committing to your decision.
Welcome To My Blog
Thank you for taking the time to review my blog. My name is Tracy. I am a Case Manager for Conceptual Options and have been a surrogate for four families.
It is my intent to provide readers with positive aspects of assisted reproduction. I plan to cover a wide spectrum of information and reference material that will assist people in understanding the process.
I will also spend time sharing my experiences as a surrogate to educate people on the emotional side and aspects that make surrogacy so rewarding for the surrogate.
I welcome comments and suggestions. I would be happy to provide you with the information you want to see.
