#Surrogacy and Insurance

[surrogacyglobal]

Surrogacy & Insurance: The Impact of Health Coverage on Costs

[coochiequeens]

No where in this article do they refer to the gestational carrier as a birth mother

PUBLISHED FRI, JUN 23 20239:54 AM EDTUPDATED FRI, JUN 23 20231:18 PM EDT by Courtney Reagan@COURTREAGANWATCH LIVEKEY POINTS

Almost two-thirds, 63%, of LGBTQ+ people plan to use assisted reproductive technology, foster care, or adoption to become parents, according to a survey by Family Equality. Gay male couples typically face a more expensive journey, as surrogacy or adoption are their primary choices. While more employers are offering fertility benefits, many of these packages are limited when it comes to covering surrogacy. Gay men face more challenges and higher costs to start family.

Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna knew from early on in their relationship they wanted to raise a child together. But the married couple didn’t think a biological child was a possibility. As freelancers in the creative arts, Shuford and Hanna don’t always see steady income, even when working on Broadway. The Houston-based couple, known as the “Broadway Husbands,” thought having a child with a donor egg and gestational carrier “seemed like it was something that was only available to people who were very wealthy,” said Shuford, 44.

It’s a safe assumption that having a child with a surrogate, now most often called a gestational carrier, is cost-prohibitive. While expenses vary widely due to a number of medical and legal factors, “the average cost of surrogacy in America has gone from $75,000 five years ago, to anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000 today,” according to Dr. Brian Levine, a reproductive endocrinologist who founded surrogacy matching platform Nodal.

In the U.S., there are only about 5,000 successful surrogacy journeys per year, Nodal estimates.“That’s only about 8% of met need,” Levine said. “In plain English, 92% of the people that dream of starting or growing or completing a family with surrogacy will not be able to do so in America due to the sheer time and cost constraints that are there today.”

Why gay male couples face higher costs

Alon Rivel always wanted to be a father. “As I grew up, I realized I was gay,” said Rivel, 34. “So I thought, this will never happen for me. I don’t have the money, but I wanted it desperately.” "We were shocked when we started to look into [having a biological child] and realized nothing is covered by insurance unless you can prove that you’re infertile,” said Rivel, who lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. He and his husband believed that “this is complete discrimination on the insurance company’s part because we are gay men.” “It is not a choice,” Rivel added. “We were born this way and, thus, we are actually infertile.” Experts say the demand for surrogacy relationships has grown since same-sex marriage became legal in the U.S. in 2015. Gay male couples typically face a more expensive journey, as surrogacy or adoption are their primary choices. In contrast, same-sex female couples are often able to carry pregnancies to term on their own, though they may possibly have to pay for donor sperm and fertilization.

"Sadly, we do see in some states that there are laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community". Betsy Campbell CHIEF ENGAGEMENT OFFICER FOR RESOLVE: THE NATIONAL INFERTILITY ASSOCIATION

Donor eggs are exponentially more expensive than donor sperm largely because the egg retrieval process is more invasive and complicated. While costs, again, vary wildly, donor eggs and the associated costs can range between $20,000 and $60,000, according to fertility marketplace GoStork, while donor sperm can be from as little as several hundred dollars to around $1,000. Donor eggs, meanwhile, are only one of many expenses.

Shuford and Hanna’s health insurance covered only the tests done on their sperm samples. Their remaining expenses, they estimate, ran between $150,000 and $180,000. That included around $40,000 for donor eggs, the medical costs to create, store, test and freeze embryos, medical insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs for their gestational carrier, her compensation, and other expenses. The couple used savings, credit cards and high-interest loans to cover that tab. Rivel and his husband’s journey to parenthood ultimately cost $220,000.

“We’re taking money away from our child’s college fund,” he said. “We’re taking money away from our mortgage.”

“Compared to [many of] our friends, our baseline is $200,000 below where they started,” Rivel added.

Employer fertility benefits offer limited help

More employers are starting to offer fertility benefits, often through a specialized fertility benefits manager such as Kindbody, Carrot, Progyny or Maven. In 2022, 40% of U.S. employers offered some type of fertility coverage, up from 30% in 2020, according to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Fertility IQ, which keeps a workplace index of employer fertility benefits, found the average amount of fertility coverage in 2021 was $36,000 per lifetime, flat from the year before. But while more companies are offering fertility benefits, many of these packages are limited when it comes to covering what’s needed to build families using non-traditional methods. Almost two-thirds, 63%, of LGBTQ+ people plan to use assisted reproductive technology, foster care or adoption to become parents, according to a survey by Family Equality. Yet fewer than half of employers offering fertility benefits provided any benefits for adoption, and only about 10% provided benefits related to surrogacy, according to a 2021 survey from Resolve: The National Infertility Association and health-care consultancy Mercer. And state laws requiring employers of a certain size to offer fertility benefits often leave out coverage for third-party reproduction such as a gestational carrier or the purchase of donor eggs or donor sperm.

“I honestly believe that employers don’t realize there is a gap in their benefits. And they often don’t know this until an employee points that out,” said Betsy Campbell, chief engagement officer for Resolve.

She said many employers she speaks to have “the best intentions” but don’t understand how gestational surrogacy works or how family building benefits fall short.

Will Porteous, 39, became a father through gestational surrogacy before joining Maven as its chief growth officer. He and his husband tabulated their parenthood path cost at close to $175,000. “No employer in the entire country that I’m aware of offers anything greater than $75,000 a year, and so that only covers a portion.” 

But Porteous, who lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, said full coverage isn’t necessarily what LGBTQ+ couples want to see. “The expectation is to have equitable support to your other co-workers and seeing that your employer cares about that journey,” he said.

That employer support, Porteous said, “really means a lot and it shows that you as an employer care about your employee, regardless of how they’re going to build their family.”

Fertility benefits can help recruit, retain talent

While fertility benefits manager Progyny’s first clients were largely West Coast “Silicon Valley-type” businesses, according to CEO Pete Anevski, it now works with employers in 40 industries.

“There’s a flywheel effect happening,” he said, with more companies realizing benefits need to include family-building coverage “to be competitive, to attract and retain talent in what is still a tight labor market, an inflationary economy, even with concerns around a looming recession.” 

Fertility benefits manager Carrot said it has around 800 corporate clients and 80% of those offer their employees a benefit for surrogacy. “We have seen an increase in surrogacy claims year over year at about 250%,” said CEO Tammy Sun. 

Offering these types of benefits can be key factors for a company when job candidates are making decisions about employment, said Taryn Branca, chief revenue officer at Kindbody.

“I can’t tell you how many of our clients will call us, we will get on the phone with potential candidates that they’re recruiting, or we will provide information to support that recruit coming there because they are asking for very specific information before they’ll accept the offer: if they have surrogacy benefits, if they have donor benefits,” she said.

More than half of respondents in a new Progyny survey of LGBTQ+ community members said they are actively looking to build their families. Of that population, 79% would consider leaving their current job for one that offers better fertility and family-building benefits, and 80% would consider taking a second job to receive those benefits.

“This is not a ‘nice to have,’ this is a ‘need to have’ benefit,” Anevski said.

Rivel’s husband is an early employee at Massachusetts-based Beam Therapeutics. At Rivel’s insistence, he asked his human resources department to look into including surrogacy benefits. Eventually, the company added a surrogacy reimbursement benefit, which at the time Rivel and his husband used it was worth $10,000. 

While $10,000 was a small dent in the couple’s $220,000 surrogacy journey, Rivel said it’s better than nothing. “It’s really admirable that they have it,” he said. “I think it’s a really smart benefit for recruiting more people.”

Adoption also comes with high costs, risks

Adoption is certainly another family-building option. “It’s not for everyone ... it’s not without its costs, and the laws vary by state,” Resolve’s Campbell said. “Sadly, we do see in some states that there are laws that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, so that’s definitely a consideration.”

The average nonfoster-system adoption costs between $25,000 and $60,000, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. As with surrogacy relationships, the adopting parents cover related expenses for all parties, from medical to legal, plus living expenses if a match is made in advance of a birth. And, of course, there are no guarantees.

Shuford and Hanna decided adoption wasn’t a path for them. “There’s a lot of risks involved that we weren’t willing to take,” Hanna said. “We had heard of stories involving birth mothers changing their minds, and children having birth defects that without [genetic embryo testing] weren’t known.”

Like many gestational carrier stories, Shuford and Hanna’s was far from easy or straightforward.

Their first carrier dropped out of the process shortly before the embryo transfer was scheduled to take place but well after contracts had been signed and medical assessments and travel had occurred. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed the process with their second gestational carrier; then, after the first embryo transfer, the pregnancy ended in a devastating miscarriage. The second embryo transfer worked, and their surrogate gave birth to their son, Maverick, in 2022.

“So many times, we felt very excluded,” Shuford said. “We want to be able to have a family and raise our child and have that child be biologically related to us, and we have a right to do that, and we have a right to feel seen and validated in that process.”

But for Shuford, “in the end, it was totally worth it.”

“I mean, Maverick is amazing,” he added. “And we’re so lucky to have a healthy baby and also having someone like Crystal, our surrogate who carried our child.”

“I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced that kind of love in my life,” Shuford said. “So it’s really a powerful experience.”

[nivabupa]

How Surrogacy Can Be Covered in Health Insurance

Understanding how surrogacy can be covered in health insurance is crucial for managing costs. Some policies may include surrogacy-related medical expenses, such as prenatal care or delivery, but coverage varies by provider and location. Explore specific plans and add-ons to ensure comprehensive protection for all parties involved in the surrogacy process.

[worldfertilityservices-blog]

Is Surrogacy Covered by Insurance in India?

Surrogacy cost in India is highly lower than in developed countries still many infertile couples cannot have the process for a healthy and successful child. It is much higher than any person expects as partners opt for another woman’s womb for pregnancy and childbirth.

[mprgz]

Help, I'm a Man who Recently Got a Woman Pregnant Unexpectedly, and She Wants Me to Carry It, What should I do?

There are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy in males, especially outside of marriage. To begin with, the health risks in pregnancy are about the same between the genders. So, unless one partner has a specific health issue affecting her ability to carry a child to term, this shouldn't be a major issue of consideration.

Deciding which parent should carry the baby is a personal issue between the couples. You are well within your rights to refuse to carry the baby. Unless the mother has a major health issue, you shouldn't feel pressured to carry it. Deciding to get pregnant is a personal decision, and you shouldn't feel undo pressure to do so.

This article aims to answer common questions and misconceptions about male pregnancy in that situation.

Will people think I'm gay if I'm pregnant?

Although being pregnant for the first time can be an embarrassing experience as a man, the majority (up to 70%) of pregnant men are heterosexual. Although heterosexual pregnancy is less common in some regions, any social stigma is a minor issue compared to the other difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth.

I've heard that I can't terminate the pregnancy if I'm a man?

This is false. However, you will likely legally be classified as a "surrogate" in your situation: if the fetus was first gestated by someone else and you are not married, even if you are the biological father. In many states, there are laws against 'surrogacy extortion', in which a surrogate would threaten to terminate a pregnancy in bad faith. Only a few cases of surrogacy extortion have been recorded, but it caused a moral panic, and over-zealous laws preventing a largely imaginary problem.

In order to terminate a surrogate pregnancy, you will generally need permission from the mother or a valid health concern. If you want to terminate the pregnancy, you should talk to her about it directly, not try to do on a technicality. However, the law is fairly generous on the definition of a "Valid health concern" for the purpose of terminating a pregnancy. The law exists to prevent men from accepting the fetus transfer as a way to terminate the pregnancy in bad faith. Bear in mind that this only applies to to cases of embryo/fetus transfer. If you are pregnant from IVF, with the intent of bearing your own child, the surrogacy extortion laws can not apply to you.

But if I'm legally a surrogate, what are the implications of that?

The law is a bit double-minded on this point. With respect to employment rights and insurance, as long as you are carrying a pregnancy that is yours, you think is yours, or you at least have, "a reasonable belief that you may be the father," you have all the rights of parenthood toward everyone except the mother.

This may be confusing or nonsensical, but the law's position is that no one besides the mother has an interest in your pregnancy. So, no one else has 'standing' to question if you really are the father or not.

What happens if I'm not the father?

Legally, you would be consenting to a surrogacy in most states. Accurate DNA testing is difficult at that stage, and there is a risk of carrying someone else's child. If you are not comfortable with that risk, you should not consent to pregnancy transfer.

In the eyes of the law, since you have no obligation to carry the child, you aren't getting pregnant because you are the father, but because of a mutual agreement between two people. The mother doesn't have a legal obligation to disclose cheating, so you are assumed to take that risk.

However, if you are not the father, the actual parents will be responsible for your medical bills. To avoid any legal trouble, if you have doubts, have per specify on the medical paperwork that you are the father or the supposed father. Likewise, a notarized statement that you are the father, supposed father, or most likely father will stand up in court. If you are the father, she shouldn't have an objection to declaring so.

Will carrying the baby help in custody disputes?

Technically it is not a legal consideration, but the courts generally look favorable on fathers who help out during pregnancy. If you are concerned with custody issues, it is generally advised to carry the pregnancy.

But it is often more important to consider how you carry the pregnancy than that you carry the pregnancy. Illegal drug use, alcohol, and tobacoo should be obviously avoided during pregnancy. Likewise, you should keep all your wellness visits and medical checkups. A record of irresponsible behavior during pregnancy often outweighs any sympathy the court has for decision to carry the baby.

She says that she is not allowed to carry the baby for work or legal reasons. Is this true?

Generally no, work contracts can not forbid pregnancy. If she is a freelancer or independent contractor, she might mean that she will have trouble finding work. If you are planning on marrying or otherwise forming a permenent relationship, you may want to consider if her work situation makes it more reasonable for you to carry the pregnancies. Additionally, if she does take a significant income loss due to maternity reasons, that may increase your child support.

There is one exception: during wartime or other recruitment services, it may be illegal for people in the millitary to become pregnant. In that situation, you may want to consider carrying the baby. The courts can not retaliate against you for refusing to carry the pregnancy, but if you desire any relationship with the mother at all, you should carry the pregnancy or agree to a termination.

I might or might not be the father. Should I still carry the baby?

Again, this is a personal decision. Ideally, you should not let yourself get into such situations. In cases with disputed paternity, it is common for all potential fathers to believe that they 'just can't' be the father. Often, this is wishful thinking. If you had relations in the correct timeframe and she thinks that you are the father, odds are that you are as likely as anyone to be the father.

You need to balance your concerns with not carrying your child (which you would have if you as asking this question) against your concerns with carrying a child that isn't yours. If she can carry the baby, maybe its more fair is she does it, since she is 100% the mother, while you might have a 50% or 33% chance that you are the father.

But conversely, if she is asking you to carry the baby, and 'thinks' you are the father, the odds of being the father are closer to 90% than 50%. It is very unlikely that she is tricking you into carrying someone else's baby. She, may, however, be hiding unfaithfulness if you are in a committed relationship. So ironically, she's less likely to be lying if the baby was concieved outside of the relationship.

Final Remarks

If you are seriously considering this question, the answer is probably 'yes' you should carry the baby. Ask yourself if you have good reasons not to do it, if not, you probably just need to convince yourself. And remember that communication with the mother is one of the most important aspects of pregnancy.

[hlficlibrary]

HL FIC LIBRARY ✤ AUTHOR REC

AO3: jaerie

Tumblr: @jaerie

STATS:

✤ Number of fics: 162

✤ Posting Since: 2014

TOP 5 FICS:

1️⃣ come on over, we've got something to share (E, 12k)

Even as an unbonded omega with a four year old, Harry had everything he needed. His beautiful son, a nice apartment, money to pay the bills -- oh, and an alpha next door always willing to knot his brains out.

2️⃣ Where Do We Go Now (E, 10k)

Louis goes off to college ready to start a fresh life away from the oppressive alphas of his pack. The odds aren't in his favour when his new dorm mate turns out to be an alpha. Louis hates alphas.

3️⃣ Just Jump (E, 9k)

Finally, after years of suffering alone, the insurance plan at Harry's new job covered omega heat services. As a grown omega adult, it finally felt like the right time to try it out. And, since taking an entire week of heat leave would really put him behind at work, using a service to shorten it seemed like a responsible decision. At least that’s how he rationalized it. He was nervous about his decision but it was too late. The doorbell rang.

“Hi!” The alpha said again and Harry took the hand he offered and shook it firmly. “I’m Louis from Omega Services. It’s nice to meet you.”

4️⃣ I Think You're Already Home (E, 38k)

Seeing Louis Tomlinson today, it would be hard to guess that he was ever once a member of the world's most famous boyband. These days he doesn't even the leave his own house. The truth is he can't leave his own house. He can't even remember the last time just standing at an open door didn't send him into a debilitating panic attack. But, against his friend's advice, Louis is ready to add meaning to his life again. He's ready to start a family. So what if he doesn't have an omega? There are plenty of surrogacy services just waiting to help the rich and famous become parents. He just has to find the right one for the job.

5️⃣ Woke Up Feeling Knotty (E, 7k)

Beta Louis has a kink for knotting and the secret aesthetic porn blog he runs about it is more than proof. When he accidentally finds out his alpha best friend Harry is one of his biggest fans, he knows he has to come clean after everything that has already happened between them. Harry just might be willing to help him out anyway.

HIDDEN GEM:

💎 Old Photographs & Times I'll Remember (E, 53k)

Carefully he set that negative down and lifted the paper to see there was another beneath. This one again was a young man, this time posed against an antique car. He lifted a few more negatives out one by one, each a portrait of the same man with various backdrops. The man in a meadow, in an office, leaning against a doorframe — even one in his underwear grinning at the camera. On the edge of each negative printed in slanted, handwritten characters were the initials and date. H.S. 1924.

He quickly but carefully packed them back into the box and buzzed with excitement. He couldn’t wait to develop them to see exactly what had been captured in the images. It was a find that felt like a puzzle to piece together.

H.S. was likely the man in the photographs as well as the owner of the suitcase. Who was he? Why had his suitcase found its way into Niall’s attic? Was he still alive and well somewhere in the world?

A camera, a suitcase, and a relationship forged through time.

[mariacallous]

Following the legalization of same-sex civil marriage in Greece in February, the head of the left-wing SYRIZA party, Stefanos Kasselakis, exchanged vows on Friday with his American partner Tyler McBeth at a ceremony in Chania on the island of Crete.

Kasselakis and McBeth are the first openly LGBTQ+ couple in Greek politics. They first married in October 2023 in New York but decided to also marry in Greece following the legalisation of civil marriage for same-sex couples earlier this year.

The marriage took place at 5 pm local time at the Botanical Garden, amid fruit trees, herbs, spices and medicinal and ornamental plants gathered from all over the world. Over the previous four days, the couple organised various events for their guests. A farewell party is planned at a beach bar on Saturday.

Greece’s parliament, despite strong opposition, recognised same-sex civil marriages in February, granting full parental rights to same-sex couples that already have children and allowing such couples to adopt. It stopped short of allowing same-sex couples to have children via surrogacy in future.

Surrogacy is currently allowed only for single or married women who are unable to have children on health grounds. Heterosexual couples and single men and women are allowed to adopt.

Opponents of the bill gathered at Athens’ Syntagma Square ahead of the passing of the law, holding crosses, Orthodox icons and placards with the slogan “Homeland – Religion – Family” written on them.

The Greek Orthodox Church criticised the law change, claiming it was step towards the abolition of traditional perenting and the “disappearance” of gender roles.

Kasselakis, in a TV interview in October 2023, said he and his partner wanted to have two children with a surrogate mother.

In 2015, the then SYRIZA-ANEL government brought in civil partnerships for same-sex couples. The bill extended civil partnership rights to same-sex couples, expanding their rights concerning the family, inheritance and insurance. The earlier lack of legal provision for same-sex couples had resulted in Greece being condemned in 2013 by the European Court of Human Rights.

Kasselakis’ marriage has taken place during a turbulent period for his SYRIZA party. On Friday, the party announced the exclusion of MP Athina Linou and asked her to resign from her parliamentary seat, which she has refused to do. Linou, founder of Prolepsis, a non-profit organisation active in medical research, health promotion and environmental and occupational health, is accused of involvement in murky funding.

Earlier, Sokratis Famellos, former president of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, was replaced in an attempt to overcome the internal feuding. Another faction, “the group of 87”, supporters of the previous SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras, is calling for internal presidential elections in the party to defuse the crisis.

[weezly14]

so i'm not going to respond to any individual asks - this is the blanket response to all the asks i've gotten in the past few weeks asking me when i'm going to update my WIPs, if i've abandoned them, etc. i appreciate the love, i do. i miss dust to dust, and something good and right and real, and i wanna be your boyfriend, too.

i might regret being this honest later, but fuck it, it's my blog and not enough people talk about this shit.

i'm struggling with infertility. emphasis on the struggle. i'm weepy from fertility meds, in the midst of my first treatment cycle, half hope and half fear. we're "unexplained infertility," so there's no reason why it shouldn't work, except it hasn't so far, so hope feels like a dangerous thing.

for anyone who hasn't experienced this, it's a complete and total mindfuck. i don't feel like the same person i was a year ago, before all those negative pregnancy tests. i thought i'd have a baby by now, or at least be pregnant. instead, i have a shitty not even diagnosis, and Options that are both a blessing but also invasive, and expensive, and in no way a guarantee. every month i calculate when the due date would be; think about the events we have planned for next year in terms of where i could be in a pregnancy; and every month, my period arrives right on schedule, if not a day early. i have yet to see a positive pregnancy test. it's "only" been a year, and i'm "so young," but it feels like it's been ages and like i'm running out of time.

we've been forced to have conversations about money, about how far we want to go with treatment, about when we might call it. "it's too early to think about that," you might say, but one cycle of ivf could cost $16k. we have good insurance, but are we willing to undergo more than one egg retrieval? how many failed transfers before we decide the emotional toll is too high? it's better to have those conversations now, before we have to, when we can maybe make clearer decisions. would we consider donor eggs or sperm? surrogacy? what about adoption?

meanwhile, i'm watching friends and acquaintances get pregnant with no problem, as i try not to completely isolate myself and try to track ovulation, as though timing might be the problem.

(it's not.)

i'm not the person i was before all of this, and it sucks. i'm a sadder, smaller person, i think. i'm trying my best. i'm "practicing hope" or some shit, i'm doing my best to keep my head up and stop isolating, stop avoiding my pregnant best friend, stop wallowing in the grief. because it is grief. if i get pregnant, it will be because of fertility meds and doctors, it will happen in a sterile exam room, hopefully with my husband holding my hand, if he can get the time off work. there will be no spontaneous pregnancy, no surprise. there's grief in that, in letting go of what i thought this might be like, how i thought it might go.

so yes, writing fic has fallen by the wayside. not because i want it to. i just have a hard time finding the energy to do even fun things. i miss the person who could write a lot in short spans of time, who had the energy for fic. i'd like to believe i can still be that person again. i don't consider any of those fics abandoned. i've written, i've worked on things.

but, right now, it feels like my entire life, my entire being, is consumed with this struggle to get pregnant. like my life is measured by where i am in my cycle. i look at my calendar and think, that's when i'll get my period or a positive test, so i should be mindful in what i plan. i might be very happy, or i might have a very bad day.

sometimes, the bad days feel eternal.

but i'm doing what i can. i'm trying, anyway. my therapist said i should practice hope, and i'm trying to. i'm trying to let myself believe things might work out. even though the fucking meds have made me weepy as hell, i'm trying to stay positive, and envision that this cycle could work. that on christmas day, instead of my period, i'll get a positive pregnancy test.

(because going home for christmas isn't loaded enough.)

there's an old wives tale that if you wrap a baby blanket and put it under the tree, you'll have a baby by next christmas. i'm jewish, but we're an interfaith household, so we bought a baby blanket, and we're going to wrap it in hanukkah paper, and put it under the tree. we have a hope basket in the nursery - because when we moved into this house we set aside a bedroom to be the nursery, and it's empty except for that little basket of baby things we've collected over the months, in the hopes that one day we'll have a baby to dress in the little onesies or socks. we have a running list of names. this is our version of practicing hope.

this is only our first treatment cycle. things could work. or maybe the next cycle. and then, there's always ivf. some days, i feel like it'll work for us, and we will have a baby, one way or another. other days, i wonder if i shouldn't just spare myself the pain and call it now. it's exhausting, infertility.

so, to everyone who misses my writing, and wonders when i'll update again - i don't know. i miss my writing, too. i miss being the person who wasn't so consumed by fertility shit, who could indulge in hobbies. i'd like to believe i can get back to that. but not this week.

the holidays are joyous but they're also really fucking hard, so let me be your friendly reminder not to ask people when they're having kids, or why they aren't pregnant yet, and to not tell people struggling with infertility to "just adopt" or "just relax."

happy holidays.

[bigtiddygothenby]

Reproduction is not a human right. No body has the RIGHT to create human life. That's just a fucking gross thing to believe that you have a right to create a whole human being who now has to exist just because you wanna? And to rent someone elses whole body to grow the human you "have a right to create" fucking disgusting I hope you never have biological kids because God forbid anyone has to share DNA with somebody as toxic and entitled as you. Children aren't fucking property. They aren't things. They are people. Surrogacy is unethical as shit you should remain childless and try actually contributing to the world

Don't worry I'm blocking you so I never have to see such vile beliefs ever again you selfish crusty sack of crap

You're a Nazi. You're a eugenics freak. You're a sexist immoral pig with no self control. This world would be and is a better place without you.

Everyone has the right to reproduce. It's literally a human right. Back in the 1960's people literally oppressed women of color by tricking them into medical procedures that sterilized them. You call yourself a feminist but you oppress women. You turn on anon but I know exactly who you are. Your blocking me doesn't phase me. Your anon doesn't phase me. Your words of hatred and pure stupidity don't phase me.

You didn't block me because you wanted to be purged of my beliefs, you blocked me because you were afraid id know exactly who you are and expose you. You are a literal leach.

https://microdoser.tumblr.com/ < Congrats, you're not an anon anymore !!!

@Microdoser For those on mobile

You aren't a feminist.

You are an angry raging cunt with no self esteem who takes it out on other people because you can't cope with the fact no one likes you.

You're a terf.

I'm an infertile nonbinary person with a female body and a male husband who is going to someday go through the process of IVF or something else to help me have children.

You believe all people with female bodies are women, so why do you oppress me? Why do you come to my blog and send me shitty things when you yourself are afraid to come off anon for your hatred?

You just want to bully someone because you're an insecure child. I don't tolerate immature bullies.

You wanna play a game called Mock the barren?

I'll mock you back.

You're a loser.

You're not a woman to me because a real woman would NEVER say shit like that. You are a little girl.

Not only are you a troll, you're a bad one.

Surrogacy IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE a purely 100% CONSENSUAL PROCEDURE AND PROCESS

NOBODY IS FORCED INTO SURROGACY

You want to pretend I'm not right to have a child yet I'm happily married, I'm secure in my finances and I actively go to therapy. I'm a restaurant manager with health insurance who came from a large family where my siblings and I were all neglected.

I'm going to be a parent someday and you are not going to bully me into feeling bad about the ways Ill achieve my goal.

If you want to be a loser, be a loser. But shut the fuck up and turn off anon you ridiculously asinine terf.

There's a reason everyone on this website hates people like you.

You think I'm an oppressor but it's you.

You're a shitty conservative. You probably voted against women's rights BECAUSE you are against women's rights to choose any way they can reproduce.

I believe fully and whole heartedly that you are wrong about me. Nothing your hatred can say about my desires to love and care for a child will ever mean a thing.

You're nothing but a coward and bully.

You are not a friend to women, you bully the infertile and trans people.

You pick fights with vulnerable people because you think they won't hit back.

You're a loser.

Reproduction is a human right agreed upon by the UN in Cairo, Egypt in 1994.

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) recognized reproductive and Sexual rights as human rights.

The United Nations said you're wrong, bitch.

I'm also going to tag this with as many things as I can think of so lots of people can see how mean hearted and full of eugenics you are.

"According to the United States Supreme Court case Bragdon v. Abbott, 524 U.S. 624 (1998), infertility is considered a major life activity and therefore is a disability under the ADA."

Not only do you hate women and trans people, but you're ableist as well.

[coochiequeens]

An organization called Men Having Babies boasted that the bill will "remove financial barriers" for gay men who wish to rent a woman's womb to have a child who has the DNA of one of the males in the relationship.” Leave it to California for trying to make it easier to exploit women sound progressive.

Co-author of the bill Senator Caroline Menjivar (D) said the bill "will ensure that queer couples no longer have to pay more out of pocket to start families than non-queer families."

California Bill SB 729 seeks to redefine "infertility" to be a status, as opposed to a medical condition. Changing the definition to "a person’s inability to reproduce either as an individual or with their partner without medical intervention" would classify gay men as infertile. 

The bill, which passed the Senate last month, would require insurance companies to cover in-vitrofertilization procedures. With the change in definition, this would also include forcing the firms to cover surrogacy for gay males. 

Co-author of the bill Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D) said the bill "will ensure that queer couples no longer have to pay more out of pocket to start families than non-queer families." She continued, "This bill is critical to achieving full-lived equality for LGBTQ+ people, as well as advancing well-rounded and comprehensive health care for all Californians."

An organization called Men Having Babies boasted that the bill will "remove financial barriers" for gay men who wish to rent a woman's womb to have a child who has the DNA of one of the males in the relationship. 

The group states on its website, "Central to our fight for more equitable access to parenting options is what we know from our combined experiences: The anguish and yearning that same-sex couples and singles feel due to their inability to reproduce without medical intervention is equal to the anguish of heterosexual couples who suffer from 'medical infertility.'" 

According to the Free Beacon, the opposition to SB 729 comes from California business and insurance groups who claim that it will raise insurance premiums by more than $330 million a year. Others point to the erosion of the traditional family structure. 

"Under this bill, most insurance plans would be required to provide in vitro fertilization services based on someone’s relationship status or sexual orientation," said Emma Waters with the Heritage Foundation. "For single men or male same-sex couples, this means they would need to access a surrogate to carry their child. So the bill is outlining what adults have the right to, but nowhere does it address the needs of the child or safety concerns regarding the child either in IVF or in gestational surrogacy."

"This bill seeks to further erode the father, mother, and child nuclear family and make everyone in society pay for it to further a make-believe cause named 'fertility equality,'" said Greg Burt, director of the California Family Council. "The reason healthy singles and same-sex couples can't reproduce has nothing to do with infertility; it has to do with biology."

SB 729 would not affect any "entity that enters into a contract with the State Department of Health Care Services for the delivery of health care services pursuant to specified provisions." By Sara Higdon

In the meantime California has 60,000 kids in foster care

[philosophicalconservatism]

hi, how are you? 😊 just for the fun of it, i'm throwing a random question at you: are there things which you think people shouldn't be able to buy or sell or do you think there should be no restrictions? like buying/selling e.g. organs, babies, weapons, drugs, sexual favors, etc. i follow some radical feminist blogs who are very much against surrogacy and oppose people (mainly sexual minorities) who say they have a right to surrogates and that it should be covered by insurance. i was wondering what a conservative thinks about these issues. i'm just curious & eager to hear different perspectives.

Thanks for the question, and once again for following.

The phrasing of your question cries out for drawing a basic distinction between Conservatism and Libertarianism. Yet the very moment we proceed to do so we come to an initial realization. If Libertarianism is only distinguishable from other ideas of government by the fact that it embraces an “absolute” ethos of liberty, then the only genuine Libertarianism is something called Anarcho-Capitalism. This is a scenario within which every voluntary transaction is permissible, which necessarily means that there can be no political state. Every element of order within such a society is to come about as a consequence of voluntary contracts between individuals at specific moments in time (including policing and enforcement).

Any professed Libertarian that adheres to anything less than this standard does not in fact embrace a genuine Libertarianism but some specific shade of Conservatism. How can I say this? Well, let us consider why someone who calls himself a Libertarian would reject an Anarcho- Capitalist model. How would he explain himself? In explaining himself he would begin to sound very much like a passage from an Edmund Burke pamphlet. He would begin to talk about abstract ideological speculation having to give way to practical human realities, and concrete social precedent. He could not exclude something like Anarcho-Capitalism in principle, as a future possibility, but he would insist that human societies as we presently know them cannot practically assume this form.

Now once he begins to reason in this way on political matters he cannot later on decide to appeal to some “absolute” Liberal ethos to settle every political question. He must continue in his confessed understanding of the fact that politics is actually a convergence of abstract ideals and (historically grounded) practical social realities. Without abstract ideals politics is morally blind, but without practical consideration and historical orientation, it is in applicable and useless. Attempt to establish a Jeffersonian Democracy overnight in a place like Saudi Arabia much less Afghanistan and see how far it gets you. On the other hand, you can take small practical steps toward gradually liberalizing such countries over time. The Conservative is a believer in freedom, but freedom is a thing into which societies must continually grow and develop.

So this brings us to your question of exactly what should and should not be permitted within the so called ”liberal” societies of the West. The answer is that we must determine on a case by case basis what we can realistically sustain as individual societies in this stage of our growth and development. We must carefully examine each issue with a close eye on the law of unintended consequences. Some professed Libertarians for example, like to talk about the legalization of drugs; but what would absolute drug legalization mean? It would consist of the right to freely dispense and use for recreational purposes, every single pharmaceutical and street drug in existence. We have absolutely no idea what an America like that would even look like.

We presently have a nationally crippling epidemic that revolves around a single strictly controlled substance (Fentanyl). One could not even begin to predict the vast sea of long term social consequences that would be created by the kind of policy referred to here. It would not even be guaranteed to eliminate the black market sale of these drugs. For example, there is still a multi-billion dollar international black market in tobacco, a legal drug. Now I made reference specifically to America here for a reason. Because in the end, every individual society must assess these issues for itself, on the basis of its own unique characteristics and national experience. Prostitution may be handled in one way by one legislature but differently by another (including within the same nation, as it is in the U.S.). One of the unintended consequences we must always consider is how the legalization of something complicates the prosecution of the illegal (or unregulated) versions of that thing.

The issue of surrogate motherhood could potentially yield some unique unintended consequences which cause it to stand apart. I do not have a problem with it in principle, but I think it must retain a certain character. If surrogate motherhood becomes a market exactly like any other market, then childbearing becomes the production of a commodity, and human beings can become articles for sale. But a child is not the “possession” of their parent, and therefore an unfettered market model is wrong for this kind of issue. There is a vast difference between parental discretion, and property rights. This topic is somewhat different from the others we have discussed so far. Those issues had to do only with how human beings dispose of their own person and property. This issue has to do with one party’s (or more than one party's) power over another (the future baby). For this reason it must be regulated even in the freest context.

In conclusion, the approach that I take on most of these question is to outline how we need to think about them rather than to try to answer them directly. Some of them are tremendously complex questions that do not necessarily have any uniform answer that is fit for every single society. We should act in a way that tends toward the maximization of freedom within the constraints of the present development of each society.

[surrogacyagencykenya]

Why Surrogate mother cost in Kenya is lower than other countries?

Surrogacy in Kenya is quite popular among all the intended parents looking for an affordable surrogacy program. While cost is always lower than many other countries like USA and UK, the quality of care is on par with the best in the world. 

On the other side, the surrogate mother cost in Kenya is way lower than other nations and this is that one thing that always comes surprising for many. In the coming parts of this article, we will discuss regarding the key points in the same regard.  While doing that, we will also talk about various elements that come crucial in deciding the surrogacy cost in Kenya. 

1. Humble family backgrounds

Most of the surrogate mother in Kenya comes from humble family backgrounds. Moreover, they will not have huge demands from their role of the surrogate mother in Kenya. Also, they won’t prefer living in surrogate accommodation offered by the surrogacy agency. At the same time, these surrogates would come with a greater character and compassion towards the intended parents. Hence as an intended parent, you can always expect a noble person for your service rather than someone simply looking to earn some money.

2. Financial Components

The cost of living in Kenya is way lower than most of the western nations. This implies that in general costs, including medical care, are for the most part less costly. Also, for surrogate moms, this interprets to lower charges for their services related to surrogacy in Kenya. In nations with higher living costs, surrogate moms regularly charge more to cover their own living costs.

3. Healthcare Costs

On the other hand, the cost to healthcare in Kenya is altogether lower than in numerous Western nations. This incorporates the medical strategies included in surrogacy in Kenya, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-birth care. In nations just like the United States, these strategies can be exceptionally costly, which increments the in general surrogacy cost in Kenya.

3. Lack of legal regulations 

Kenya has a lack of surrogacy related regulations compared to numerous Western nations. In places with strict surrogacy laws, there are extra legal costs. These can incorporate legal expenses for drafting contracts, parental rights agreements, and other procedures. In Kenya, where there are no surrogacy laws, this can potentially lower the surrogate mother cost in Kenya.

4. Bigger supply than the demand 

In Kenya, you will find numerous women willing to become surrogate mothers. This can be due to financial reasons, where they see surrogacy as a way to earn some good money to improve their financial situation. When there's a huge supply of surrogate moms, the cost tends to be lower. In differentiate; in nations where less women are willing to be surrogates, the overall cost is higher due to restricted availability.

5. No Insurance coverage 

In numerous Western nations, insurance companies don't cover the costs of surrogacy. This implies expecting guardians must pay all costs out of their pocket, which can include to the overall cost structure. In Kenya, where surrogacy is less directed and not ordinarily secured by insurances, the costs are more specifically related to the genuine medical and living costs of the surrogate mother in Kenya

6. Financial motivation 

For numerous Kenyan women, becoming a surrogate can be a way to earn money that they won’t get from something else. This financial inspiration can lead to more ladies advertising surrogacy services at competitive costs. In wealthier nations, where citizens have more earning options, women may not be as persuaded by the money related aspect of surrogacy.

7. Rising international demand 

Kenya has ended up a hotspot for international surrogacy. That said, individuals from nations with higher surrogacy costs look to Kenya as a more reasonable choice. Also, this worldwide request has created a situation where surrogacy services are advertised at competitive costs.

8. Overall lower cost of surrogacy services 

The amount charged by experts such as specialists, legal counselors, and agencies included within the surrogacy process are for the most part lower in Kenya. In nations with higher wage levels, experts regularly charge more for their services, which includes to the by and large cost of surrogacy.

9. Healthy and simplified lifestyle 

The lifestyle of surrogate mother in Kenya may be less complex compared to surrogate moms in wealthier nations. This implies their living costs amid pregnancy, which are regularly secured by the expecting parents, are lower.

10. Cultural aspects

In some Kenyan communities, there's a social eagerness to assist others, including through surrogacy in Kenya . This social angle can impact the choice to turn up as a surrogate without requesting higher fees

Final words

Hence, we can say that the lower surrogate mother cost in Kenya is due to a combination of economic, legal, and social variables. Whereas it offers a more reasonable choice for many intended parents trying to find surrogacy services, it's imperative to consider the moral suggestions and guarantee that surrogate mothers are treated decently and with regard. As surrogacy gets to be more global, understanding the distinctive components that impact its cost in different nations is pivotal for those considering this path to parenthood.

[iamjessicamorgan123]

Finding the Right Surrogacy Provider in New York

Finding a surrogate mother in New York can be an overwhelming process for many. From the legal considerations and medical issues to the psychological and emotional intricacies of the journey, it is a complex decision that requires considerable thought and research. This article will provide an overview of the process of finding a surrogate mother in New York, exploring the various options and steps involved. One of the first steps in locating a surrogate is to find a surrogacy agency, which will help to guide prospective parents through the process of finding a qualified surrogate. The agency should possess a thorough understanding of the state laws governing surrogacy as well as provide assistance with medical and psychological screenings of potential surrogates. Furthermore, the agency should be willing to provide support and guidance throughout the entire surrogacy process, including any legal concerns that may arise. The agency should also be familiar with insurance plans that may help to offset the costs of surrogacy. Lastly, a reputable agency should be willing to provide references to prospective parents so that they can get a better idea of the quality of care that the agency provides.

New York 1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128 (212) 661-7673 info@surrogacy4all.com

[ivfsurrogacycentreindia]

IVF Cost in Mumbai 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Infertility is a rising concern for many couples around the globe, but the advancements in medical science, particularly In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), have provided hope to millions. For individuals and couples seeking fertility treatments, Mumbai has become a leading destination in India. Known for its world-class medical facilities and skilled professionals, the city offers a range of fertility solutions. If you’re planning to start your journey toward parenthood, understanding the IVF Cost in Mumbai 2025 is an essential first step.

What is IVF and Why is it a Popular Choice?

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a procedure in which eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus. IVF is a widely recognized fertility treatment, particularly for those facing conditions such as:

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

Endometriosis

Low sperm count or motility

Unexplained infertility

As technology and medical expertise continue to evolve, IVF success rates have significantly improved, making it a preferred option for many.

Understanding the IVF Cost in Mumbai 2025

The IVF Cost in Mumbai 2025 can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, technology used, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost of a single IVF cycle in Mumbai ranges between ₹1,50,000 and ₹2,50,000. However, additional costs may arise depending on individual cases.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components contributing to the IVF cost:

Initial Consultation: Includes fertility tests and assessments to determine the right course of action.

Medications: Hormonal injections and medications required for ovarian stimulation add to the cost.

Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer: The procedures involved in retrieving eggs and transferring embryos account for a significant portion of the cost.

Laboratory Charges: Advanced techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or blastocyst culture may involve additional fees.

Freezing and Storage: Freezing embryos for future use is an optional service with separate charges.

For more details, reach out to:

Contact Us: +91–8447592299

Email Us: info@selectivf.com

Factors Affecting IVF Cost in Mumbai

Age and Health of the Patient: Women under 35 typically have higher success rates, which can reduce the number of cycles required and, consequently, the overall cost.

Treatment Customization: Procedures like donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogacy may increase expenses.

Clinic Location and Reputation: Premium clinics with state-of-the-art facilities may charge more.

Advanced Techniques: Optional add-ons like genetic testing (PGT) or assisted hatching influence the total cost.

Why Choose Mumbai for IVF?

Mumbai is renowned for offering top-tier fertility treatments at affordable rates. Patients benefit from:

Access to advanced medical technologies.

Experienced fertility specialists.

Transparent pricing and ethical practices.

For those seeking affordable and high-quality fertility treatments, Mumbai is an excellent choice.

How to Make IVF Affordable in Mumbai

Compare Costs: Research and compare prices across clinics to find the best value.

Consider Payment Plans: Many clinics offer EMI options to ease the financial burden.

Check Insurance Coverage: While most insurance plans in India don’t cover IVF, some provide partial coverage for diagnostic tests or medications.

Plan for Multiple Cycles: Since IVF success rates vary, it’s wise to budget for more than one cycle.

Start Your Journey to Parenthood

Understanding the IVF Cost in Mumbai 2025 is the first step toward making informed decisions about your fertility treatment. Mumbai offers affordable yet world-class IVF options, ensuring that your dream of parenthood is within reach.

For personalized guidance and support, get in touch today:

Contact Us: +91–8447592299

Email Us: info@selectivf.com

With expert care and advanced treatments, your journey to parenthood can be both fulfilling and stress-free.

[understandingfertility]

Understanding IVF Treatment Costs in Indore: A Comprehensive Guide

What is IVF and How Does It Work?

IVF is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing an egg outside the human body and then implanting the embryo into the uterus. The process includes several stages, such as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy confirmation. Each of these steps incurs different costs, making it essential to understand the financial aspects of the procedure.

Breakdown of IVF Treatment Cost in Indore

The IVF treatment cost in Indore varies depending on multiple factors, including clinic facilities, laboratory charges, and the complexity of the treatment. Here is a general breakdown of the expenses:

Initial Consultation Fees – Before beginning IVF, a consultation with a fertility specialist is necessary. The cost for this initial meeting may range between INR 500 and INR 2,000.

Diagnostic Tests and Investigations – These tests include blood work, ultrasound scans, hormone assessments, and semen analysis. The cost for these procedures generally ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 15,000.

Ovarian Stimulation and Medication – Fertility drugs are used to stimulate egg production. The cost of medication can range between INR 30,000 and INR 60,000, depending on the type and dosage required.

Egg Retrieval Procedure – This is a crucial step in the IVF process and can cost around INR 20,000 to INR 40,000.

Laboratory and Fertilization Charges – This includes Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) or conventional IVF techniques. The lab costs usually fall between INR 50,000 and INR 80,000.

Embryo Transfer – The final stage of the IVF cycle, where the best-quality embryos are implanted in the uterus. This step can cost around INR 20,000 to INR 40,000.

Cryopreservation (if applicable) – If extra embryos are produced, they can be frozen for future use. Cryopreservation costs range from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000.

Factors Influencing IVF Treatment Cost in Indore

Several factors impact the overall IVF treatment cost in Indore. These include:

Type of IVF Treatment – Standard IVF, ICSI, donor eggs, or surrogacy all have different pricing structures.

Patient's Medical Condition – Some cases require additional procedures such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) or assisted hatching, adding to the cost.

Number of IVF Cycles – Success rates vary, and multiple cycles may be required, increasing the overall expenses.

Technology and Equipment Used – Advanced techniques and state-of-the-art facilities may come with higher charges.

Medications and Hormonal Support – Some patients may require extended medication support, which impacts the cost.

Affordable IVF Treatment in Indore: How to Plan Financially

Understanding the IVF treatment cost in Indore helps couples make informed decisions and plan their finances efficiently. Here are some ways to manage the expenses:

Health Insurance – While many health insurance plans do not cover IVF, some companies offer partial reimbursement. Checking for insurance options can ease the financial burden.

Government Schemes – Some government programs and NGOs provide support for fertility treatments. Researching such options can be beneficial.

Payment Plans & EMI Options – Many fertility clinics offer installment plans, making treatment more affordable.

Discount Packages & Seasonal Offers – Some centers offer discounts for multiple IVF cycles or package deals for comprehensive treatment.

Financial Planning & Savings – Setting aside funds in advance and exploring financing options like loans or medical funds can help cover costs.

Success Rates vs. Cost: Is Expensive Always Better?

While considering IVF treatment cost in Indore, it is crucial to balance affordability with quality. Higher costs do not always guarantee better success rates. It is advisable to:

Research clinic success rates and patient reviews.

Consult multiple specialists to compare costs and services.

Choose a center with experienced embryologists and advanced technology.

Conclusion

The IVF treatment cost in Indore depends on multiple factors, including treatment complexity, medical requirements, and clinic facilities. By understanding the breakdown of expenses and financial planning options, couples can approach their IVF journey with confidence. Although IVF can be expensive, careful research and budgeting can help make the dream of parenthood a reality. Whether opting for a basic or advanced treatment plan, being well-informed ensures the best chances of success.

[drritabakshi-blog1]

Surrogacy Cost In Iran | World Fertility Services

There are both commercial and charitable surrogacy in Iran, and surrogacy costs are reasonable. Using modern techniques, a healthy surrogate mother bears the child, providing success. There is no payment associated with charity surrogacy, whereas commercial surrogacy pays for the surrogate mother's living expenses, insurance, and care. For intended parents, the best clinics in Iran provide safe and cheap surrogacy services.