Saturday, July 21, 2012

You're Going to What?!

Welcome, friends!! I'm sure it was a bit of a shock to see my announcement on Facebook. A woman wanting to carry a baby for another couple is not something you hear every day. I was excited to see all of the amazing supportive people in my life. I also received a lot of (valid) questions. So, let's just go back to the event that led me to make this crazy decision...

It was totally Elton John. All you need is love...
And Neil Patrick Harris.
These men are obviously not having little bundles on their own. Bundles of money? Of course. Bundles of chubby, sleepless joy? Not a chance. They had surrogates.

Now, I have select family and friends who would argue against what I was going to do next, but I have seen enough messed up (very messed up) hetero households to know that "orientation" itself does not make a good or bad parent. End rant. So I went my husband (who has been amazing) and then to my OB and told him that I want to be a surrogate for a gay couple (using an egg donor, I refuse to use my eggs). My OB was supportive, but honest. Because of Oklahoma's strict laws on surrogacy, he said he doesn't see many gay couples. He asked if I was open to helping any couple and to that I answered, "Of course. I don't discriminate." :)

That convo was about 2 years ago. Since then, I had my tubes tied and my OB contacted me about a potential match who didn't follow through. A little more than a month ago, he contacted me again with a couple who is a perfect match. This is the beginning of our journey.

The next step for us is to get the contract drawn up. You can't even imagine the things we are going to have to take into consideration and put into writing. Obvious protections to make sure she doesn't run off and leave me with a baby or that I don't run off with hers. But also things like what if I become ill...as in too sick to continue the pregnancy. Terrible, right? I just pray we make good decisions and that the contract will never have to be used in that way.

After the legal paperwork is taken care of, the IM (intended mother) will start working on getting her cycle in sync with the clinic we are using in St. Louis.

This is far as I know now. This is such a learning experience for myself, Matt and the IPs (intended parents). Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I'm excited to see what our future holds!

2 comments:

  1. Hey Long Lost Friend,

    A favorite friend of mine has done this twice for families in similar situations. I'm so amazed with your compassion and bravery! Best to you!

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  2. I look at your opportunity to help these people as unique and exciting. Not ever body has the ability, or the unselfishness to help people. You're right. This is something you don't hear about every day. Good luck and God bless your endeavor. You're a brave and courageous woman. I commend you on you and your family's decision to do this. Way cool!

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