Heart of Surrogacy, LLC

The IVF Access and Affordability Act will create a tax credit – $20,000 for individuals and $40,000 for couples filing jointly.

The more ways we can approach the issue of accessibility and affordability for individuals going through medical treatment, the better.

Like any other medical treatment, the combination of insurance and tax credits and will be of huge consequence to Intended parents!

Please voice your support to your legislators.

Heart of Surrogacy educates you about the surrogacy process. We help you consider legal, financial, physical, and emotional impacts to make the right decision for you and your family. Reach out for information online or give us a call at 813-280-6500

Building a family through surrogacy can be a very exciting but very emotional process at the same time. We had the opportunity to go over some questions with one of our intended parents to understand their surrogacy journey and to learn more from their perspective.

When you found out Autumn was going to be your gestational carrier, how did you feel?

We were elated, but hesitant at first, we thought, and still do that she is too good to be true. Autumn is our second surrogate, our first one was not comfortable carrying through COVID times and we were hesitant at first, scared she would come to the same conclusion. However, once we got to know Autumn, we quickly discovered she was meant for us, we were elated. She has been wonderful in these uncertain times, and we couldn’t imagine being on this journey with anyone else but her.

What has been the best part of the journey so far?

January 31, 2021, when Autumn and I did our first (two) pregnancy tests, followed by February 3rd, 2021 when we had our first confirmation with my husband of a heartbeat. That day is also significant because it’s the birthday of the person who saved my life when I went into cardiac arrest at the age of 8. The best part of the journey is knowing that the baby will be here in October or late September.

You’ve become friends with Autumn through this process. What would you say are her best characteristics? 

Autumn is selfless, often pointing out that she is the “oven” and it’s not her baby. She goes out of her way to make sure I know I’m the mom and respects the decisions we make for the baby. She has a big heart and is very respectful.

Tell us a little about the first doctor’s appointment you and your husband were able to attend. 

It was emotional and so special, as we had only been able to attend the prior appointments via Zoom, while with the IVF clinic. When we transferred to the OBGYN, the doctor had learned we had not been to an appointment yet and scheduled an ultrasound just so we could see our baby on the ultrasound for the first time during the appointment.

What does Autumn and her willingness to become your gestational carrier mean to you? 

There are no words, only a flood of emotions and gratitude. Due to my medical history (heart transplant at age 8, followed by lifetime antirejection medicines), I am not able to safely carry a baby without risk to my life and compromising the health of the baby who would be subject to the harsh medications I take to prevent organ rejection,

How has your relationship with Autumn developed through this process? 

We talk every week, sometimes more than once a week, and we’re always updating each other on the size of the baby, and the dos and don’ts for that week that come with a weekly email reminder… like the week we were as big as a Zesty Zucchini. We also talk about other things, her kids, their sports, and how excited we both are in this process.  Autumn is welcome in our lives for as long as she wants, it’s her choice. Something I wasn’t sure I wanted when we first began our journey 5 years ago.

From an Intended Parent viewpoint, what would you like other potential gestational surrogates to know? 

What you are providing is a selfless gift. You could be the person that changes the world for that family. Your willingness to help someone build their family is a testament to your big heart. What you are providing for them will change their world. 

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC can help you explore your options and get the answers you need. To make an appointment, call (813) 331-5601

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC

More than 60 million women in the United States are living with a heart condition.

In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women,  claiming the lives of one out of every five. Heart disease can be especially dangerous during pregnancy, and patients with a heart condition may want to explore surrogacy as a family formation option.  

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC can help you explore your options and get the answers you need to make an informed decision. To make an appointment, call (813) 331-5601

Resources:

Protecting heart health during pregnancy

Heart of Surrogacy, LLC

In general, donation contracts seem straight forward – the donors and recipients are matched, often through an agency or clinic, and agree generally to the anticipated terms of the contract. So, why should they undergo psychological evaluations, and should all parties be represented by counsel?

Regardless of whether the parties know one another or the contract is anonymous, donations have significant legal consequence and thus numerous factors for consideration in entering into a donation contract. It is important that psychological evaluations be completed to answer the parties’ questions and help them think through circumstances that could arise as a result of a donation ranging from recognition of the potential existence of a child they may not meet or have a relationship with, what happens in the event a party to the contract passes before or after a pregnancy occurs, how any surplus of the donation should be handled, etc.

Additionally, the contracts are typically very lengthy and contain detailed provisions, and the legal ramifications of a breach of contract are often substantial. It is imperative that the parties understand thoroughly all representations and warranties they are making in the contract, in addition to all other terms of the contract. An experienced attorney will take the time to go through each provision of the contract with their respective client(s) to ensure there is a complete understanding of the provisions and the parties are knowingly and voluntarily entering into the agreement. The Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys finds the question of legal representation so important that the Academy’s Ethics Code requires that any Fellow representing a party to a contract ensure the other party likewise is represented by separate counsel, except in very limited circumstances. For legal consult please visit Tate Healey Webster webpage

If you are considering surrogacy, it is essential to do your research, educate yourself on the process, and work with trusted professionals who can support you throughout the journey. At Heart of Surrogacy, LLC, we are dedicated to providing accurate information and resources as we support you throughout your surrogacy journey. For more information, contact Heart of Surrogacy, LLC by phone at 813-280-6500 or visit our webpage. 

Surrogacy is often misunderstood, leading to confusion and stereotypes about the process and those involved. From misconceptions and myths about the motivations of surrogates to misunderstandings about the legal and emotional complexities of surrogacy, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to this important aspect of family building. Addressing surrogacy myths and the truth behind them is critical to promoting a more accurate understanding of surrogacy and reducing the stigma surrounding it. The staff at Heart of Surrogacy, LLC are well informed and happy to answer any questions surrounding myths and misconceptions around surrogacy. 

Myth: Surrogacy is only for couples struggling with infertility.

Surrogacy is not just for couples who cannot conceive, but it is also an option for single parents, same-sex couples, and individuals who want to start or grow their families. While infertility is a common reason for surrogacy, it is not the only reason. Some individuals choose surrogacy as a way to experience parenthood, while others may have medical reasons that make it challenging or impossible to carry a pregnancy.

Myth: Surrogacy is expensive and only for the wealthy.

While surrogacy can be an expensive process, it is not just for the wealthy. There are many options for funding surrogacy, including grants, loans, and insurance coverage, which can make it more accessible for individuals and families with a wide range of financial backgrounds. Additionally, many surrogacy agencies offer a variety of services and resources to help make the process more affordable and accessible. Information on financial resources and assistance can be found here. 

Myth: Surrogates are only in it for the money.

While the surrogate mother does receive compensation for their services, it is not the only reason they choose to be a surrogate. Many surrogates are motivated by a desire to help families grow and a love for pregnancy and childbirth. For some surrogates, surrogacy is a way to give back to their communities, and for others, it is a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

Myth: Surrogates have no connection to the baby they carry.

Surrogates do form a connection with the baby they carry and the intended parents they help. However, they understand the importance of separating their emotional attachment to the baby and the need to ensure that the baby is safe and healthy. Surrogates are trained and supported throughout the surrogacy process to help them maintain healthy boundaries and to ensure that the baby is well cared for.

Myth: Surrogacy is unethical or morally wrong.

Surrogacy is a legal and ethical option for families who want to grow their families. It is governed by strict legal and medical guidelines, where surrogates and intended parents are thoroughly screened to ensure the process is safe and ethical. Additionally, surrogacy can be a way to bring love and joy into the world, and it is a way for individuals and families to experience the joys of parenthood.

Breaking Down the Myths

Surrogacy is a complex and personal journey that can involve a wide range of emotions and experiences. By breaking down the myths and misconceptions surrounding surrogacy, we can help to make the process more accessible and understandable. The truth behind surrogacy is that it is a way for individuals and families to grow their families and experience the joys of parenthood.

If you are considering surrogacy, it is essential to do your research, educate yourself on the process, and work with trusted professionals who can support you throughout the journey. At Heart of Surrogacy, LLC, we are dedicated to providing accurate information and resources as we support you throughout your surrogacy journey. For more information, contact Heart of Surrogacy, LLC by phone at 813-280-6500 or visit our webpage. 

Would you like to become a surrogate? Are you thinking of preparing for a surrogate pregnancy? You should know you can increase your chances of successful embryo implantation, pregnancy, and live birth just by following a pro-fertility diet. We can get you started by sharing the best foods to eat for fertility health.