Surrogacy Cambodia, Mexico, and the USA, Complete Surrogacy Solutions on the move!

The ever changing landscape of International surrogacy has once again moved us to a new country with a better program and more experienced support than ever.    Our November and December groups are completely filled, and the January and February groups are filling fast.  We take a limited amount of Intended Parents per group, per year.   CSS provides an intimate and personalized surrogacy consulting service.  Contact us at completesurrogacysolutions@gmail.com, or visit us on our expanding site at www.completesurrogacysolutions.com.  

Some of our joyous new and growing babies!

CSS Families 

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From Complete Surrogacy Solutions! Another Australian Citizen is delivered!

Another Aussie Citizen welcomed.  We are happy to have played a part in the positive outcome for the Intended Parent and his gorgeous son, George!

We take a personalized approach for each Intended Parent, each program is geared towards the individual needs that our clients express to us during in depth first meetings and Skype calls.  Our involvement allows the Intended Parent to feel part of the process.  It is an honor to be part of this special  journey with you.

We return to India and Nepal next week for our continued growth and development and to arrange Skype calls and visits for each IP and their surrogate mother.  We also have a large group of clients starting their surrogacy processes.  It is rare to have an agent who personally travels with clients to begin cycles and to meet their surrogates.  We also are finalizing our convenience packages for clients to access during the exit process in Nepal.   Convenience is going to be key for an easier time managing the weeks spent in Kathmandu with your new baby or babies!

Assistants have been hired, drivers engaged, attorneys consulted, hotels and apartments negotiated.  It is an exciting time once again.   We welcome the opportunity to continue to develop and make the best programs available.  Each trip brings us new experiences and education and allows us to tailor the program to benefit the differing needs of as many Intended Parents as possible.

We work very hard, and are very proud to have assisted many parents throughout the past years.  It truly takes a village, and we are here to bring all moving parts together.

Kim Waters Hendrix, Kim Hendrix, Complete Surrogacy Solutions

Complete Surrogacy Solutions - Another long awaited dream come true

We would like to welcome Miss Katia Sophia to our CSS Family.  Born on February 23, 2105 she is in our final group of arrivals in Bangkok.

Katia Sophia's parents started their surrogacy journey in Delhi, India.   It has been a very long journey to this point, but with a lot of patience, trust and faith, a dream has finally come true.    While surrogacy may be a very quick and smooth process, it sometimes takes a very long time and a lot of emotional and financial investment on the part of the Intended Parents.  These IPs are over the moon with joy and relief!

Congratulations to our newest parents, and to their beautiful daughter Katia Sophia.  We are celebrating with you!!!

Complete Surrogacy Solutions, Kim Waters Hendrix, Kim Hendrix

Complete Surrogacy Solutions - Success Stories From Afar.

Over the past 3 years CSS has assisted in the arrivals of many many babies in multiple countries. CSS facilitates each step of the pregnancy with each Intended Parent, based on individual needs.   Intended Parents place tons of emotion, time, money, and research into this process, and we take our role as facilitators quite seriously.  We are a small boutique company and accept only a small amount of clients per year.  We do not provide medical services, however we provide logistics and support and assist with communication with your surrogate mother and your treating doctor.  As we do explain to each IP,  surrogacy abroad is a giant step, and is not without risks.  

Client's have written:

I know that a lot is moving and changing with surrogacy but I want to send my sincere wishes of success to those who are looking and trying.  Kim helped us set up surrogacy and because of her work we have a wonderful family. She was always up front about what we would face and always had advice for us when needed, far and beyond what the terms of our contract required. Thank you again Kim!http://clarelukeproject.blogspot.com

and:

When I first considered surrogacy, my plan was to do it in India, but, unbeknownst to me, the week before I decided that I was ready, the situation changed.  India would no longer be an option for gay or single intended parents (I am both of those).  For a time, there was hope that the situation would reverse itself, but it did not.  While I was waiting to see how things would work out, I selected an egg donor.   Since I had a donor, but no clinic, I was referred to Kim. 

After talking with Kim, I decided that surrogacy in Bangkok was the best option.  Kim had much experience with the system in India, but she did not have any in Thailand.  She had visited Bangkok and had set up a plan, and I was to be her first client!  Maybe, I should have been anxious, but I knew from talking to her that I could trust her.  From the beginning of the process to the births to now, Kim has been there with me…worrying with me, calming me, and celebrating with me. 

The entire process in Bangkok went perfectly.  That is not to say that everything went exactly as anticipated, but Kim always had a plan B (and a plan C and a plan D).  In fact, the exit process went so smoothly that even the employees at the U.S. consulate were impressed.  More importantly, the pregnancy went perfectly, and I am now blessed to be father of two beautiful, healthy sons. 

To sum it up, Kim helped me create a family, and, in the process, I feel like she became a part it.  
Scott M., Austin Texas

I am 30 years old and a single gay male.  I have always wanted a child but did not think it was possible given the costs of surrogacy in the United States.  Later, I heard of Indian Surrogacy on talk show and began researching.   From the beginning, it was obvious that Kim's heart was in this and she genuinely cared about what I was doing.  I feel like she is just as emotionally invested in my journey as I am.  In addition, Kim is personable, knowledgeable, and extremely responsive.  I have sent multiple emails to Kim and she has always responded quickly with thorough answers to my many questions.  She has the unique ability to lay any concerns to rest and to make what may seem to be a daunting process much more manageable and I do not know how I would survive this process without her.  Thanks Kim!!

Fred L.  Washington, DC.

My partner and I were in New Delhi, India in May to pick up our surrogate child.  Whilst there we dealt with on of our clinic's then customer service people, Kim Waters-Hendrix.  She was able to provide the much needed support and friendship during what is a very stressful time.  The baby pick up phase that we were there for was made that more difficult given the then recent changes to Indian laws in relation to gay and single parents and the visas that were required.  Without Kim being there the process would have been that much harder and more emotionally draining.  We regard her highly as a professional in this field and also now as a friend.  Her ability to understand our feelings and act appropriately was what not only made the process easier but allowed us to return home in only 13 days.

We can highly recommend Kim as a first class customer service representative, advocate and support base in the surrogacy  field.  Her service to us was above and beyond what we expected and superior to what we had previously experienced with other representatives.

Phillip and Luke

Australia

We just returned home after the birth of our son in Thailand in December, we are thrilled with the outcome of a long year's process.  With the turmoil in Bangkok regarding surrogacy at the mid point of our pregnancy, we were very anxious and concerned.  We were relieved when Kim flew over at the last minute to assist her clients who were on the ground there and to make sure that all was well with our surrogate when the clinic we were working with had to temporarily shut its doors.   Kim Hendrix gave us the fastest replies, and as much information as she could throughout the entire process.  From start to finish, she was our partner, and became our friend.   We are beyond joy with our healthy son, and look forward to working with Kim and Complete Surrogacy Solutions on a sibling project in the next year in Nepal.  
Stephen M. and Charles M.
San Diego, CA 

Just a few of our successes from clients in which citizenship through surrogacy is available:

We wish continued success to all of our many clients who are ongoing in their pregnancies in the USA, Mexico, and India and starting their processes in Nepal.   

For more information, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with a variety of very happy families from countries which allow citizenship through surrogacy.


www.completesurrogacysolutions.com (New and updated website in development) 

Kim Waters Hendrix  Kim Hendrix Kim Hendrix Kim Waters Hendrix

International Surrogacy Considerations, Making Tough Decisions

The past year has brought many changes to the landscape of International Surrogacy.  Keeping up with all of those changes is a full time job requiring long trips, long meetings with doctors, clinics, attorneys and Embassies, while managing the expectations of clients who find themselves having to adjust mid-stride.   The second half of 2014 was certainly the most stressful 6 months for Intended Parents and their surrogates, and for agents, doctors and facilitators.  Bangkok closes, push to Mexico to find the best available resources there, get started and news articles and meetings with governmental officials suggest that there will be a shut down of "altruistic" surrogacy for anyone but those living in Tabasco.  Nepal opens as what appears to be the "final stop" on the International scene.   Fly to Nepal to see if it's manageable even with a doctor with whom we have been working for a long time in India.  Spend months developing and prepping to take a first group in.   It's a whirlwind of thought, time, and ethical considerations balanced against the desires, needs, and wants of so many people who are at their most vulnerable.

Everyone considering surrogacy Internationally really needs to understand FULLY that it is NOT the USA.   If you are at all afraid of long travel to places that may not have some of the conveniences that Westerner's take for granted, may feel primitive, or even unkempt, or if you feel that you need to have hospitals that look like 5 star resorts,  if you are looking for regulations, ratings and rankings as we have in the USA, then do NOT go through surrogacy Internationally.  Save your  money for a several years and try it in the USA.  Or Canada.   But, I will caution that even the US and Canada do NOT come with guarantees of success - no surrogacy or pregnancy, for that matter, in any part of the world, in even what appear to be the most perfect of situations can guarantee that you will have a healthy baby. (more on that later).

IF you are understanding of the above, and you want to have an excellent chance of having a family in a unique way that will hopefully allow you to still afford diapers and formula without taking a bundle of second mortgages, then DO by all means consider International surrogacy options.   Just realize it's going to be HARD.  No matter what.  We are down to just a few viable options, and those will not be around for very long based on the constantly changing landscape.  No country wants to be considered negatively when it comes to such a sensitive matter, no one want to be a "baby factory".

My clients so desperately want options to stay open.   They assume the risks associated with any pregnancy anywhere, but add extra intensity to it by doing this halfway around the world in another woman's body, in countries that do not have the ability or resources to, say, handle a micro preemie.  (Typically, outside viability in countries like India and Nepal is 29 weeks - on the outside).  It's stressful and highly emotional.   I tell all of my clients up front what I can and can't do for them - I can help guide clients through tough situations during the pregnancies but I can't make decisions for them medically, this is their surrogacy and their children.   Those decisions, and the decision to sign on to any program in particular is up to the Intended Parent.  Period.  Most of the time risks are mitigated and everyone goes home with healthy babies, rarely there are complications and outcomes that no one can control, not the doctors, not the agent, not the IP.   I've been extremely fortunate, I think to see so many wonderful outcomes, I celebrate each one of those.   And, I hurt deeply for the IP who does not have a perfect outcome.

  In the past, I have given many free and significantly reduced services to certain clients showing need.   I will no longer be able to do free or reduced agency fees  given the ever moving target that IS the International Surrogacy - an industry in which I still believe is a good option, and would (and frankly may) assume for my own family.  This also allows me to take fewer clients so that service is even better.  This is a boutique agency, not a churn and burn huge enterprise.  The intensity of the work, combined with the time away from home, and the development of new programs has increased the price for everyone involved, from clinic, to facilitator, to IPs.  Surrogate compensation is higher in Nepal due to the time away from home towns in India, and the living expenses are higher too.  Hospital delivery charges are higher as well.  The IVF doctors travel back and forth between their clinics in India or Germany, that also adds cost to the packages.

As of now, everyone feels a sense of desperation to get in and out of the countries as they come up.  Some people are able to handle the challenges and risks with minimal anxiety, and some need a lot of extra help, especially if complications arise.  As an agent/facilitator, we are here to help, but we too have limits on what we can logically provide, but we try to find for you the resources to minimize the anxiety and the information to manage some of the unknown.

On that note, new to the program this year is the inclusion of a therapy session with a licensed counselor who specializes in infertility and surrogacy, available to any IP who is feeling the need for support above what we can provide.  Also new is the addition of assistants and partners to the programs.   Nepal is going to present some challenges in convenience, but the two major hospitals in Kathmandu are truly well staffed, surprisingly modern, and clean (not BNH, but we can't have that anymore).  The hospitals seem eager to please, and I have met with all staff from the CEO down - the CEO and hospital admin have promised to assist IPs and me with all that they can.  The OBGYNs and Neonatologist and his staff were frank and open when I met with them and toured the NICU, delivery rooms, and recovery rooms.   Many in Kathmandu desire the infrastructure medically and in other ways that surrogacy can bring to a country.  This will enable even the locals to receive specialized care that they would have not experienced without the doctors bringing in equipment and the extra technology required for labs and IVF, and the additional equipment to the nurseries and NICUs.    Most of the doctors starting up in Nepal are world class and experienced physicians.   I anticipate seeing more resources and communication shared between top agents, a few of us are working on that presently.   It's going to be quite different for those who had first surrogacies in, or were considering, Bangkok.   But, we will have many babies through the Nepal programs who would not be possible without the brave surrogate mothers, the clinics, agents, facilitators, and Intended Parents who will work together halfway around the world to have the chance, the hope of a family.

 International surrogacy is not perfect, surrogacy in general isn't perfect anywhere, but it does provide options and chances for family that just did not exist openly even 10 years ago.   Again, consider your own fortitude and mental resources, not just the financial aspects of this process - be honest with yourself and make sure that you have all of the physical and mental support that you can possibly can before signing any contracts,  International, or maybe surrogacy in general, is perhaps not the best choice for each and every person who looks into the option.  Only IPs can make this decision for themselves.   But for those with that fortitude and who truly are wanting a chance at a family, and who can understand and accept the risks,  it can be the path to the family of dreams.

We are redeveloping our website to highlight the new programs and services that we offer, as well as sharing the photos of the families we assisted in 2014.  Please visit us at www.completesurrogacysolutions.com.

Mourning the loss of surrogacy options in Thailand, Starting to embrace and celebrate Surrogacy in Mexico

It's been a crazy 6 weeks for both CSS and for the international surrogacy community.   The changes in Thailand send me over for an unscheduled trip as I had 8 newborn babies "stuck" while the various Embassies negotiated with the Thai government to discover the appropriate ways for Intended Parents in the process to be allowed to exit.   It was amazingly stressful and scary as my clients were the first to be turned away at the airport (I was literally watching through the glass at immigration while the first client was turned away).   I can't accurately describe what that feels like aside from TERRIFYING.   I feel such a level of personal responsibility for each of my Intended Parents and their babies, so having this unfold right before me was surreal.  I immediately called the US Embassy in a panic (we weren't sure if the officials were going to attempt to keep the babies or the father, or what) and was told by the person answering the phone that anyone who could help me was "out to lunch".  Yes, I have a client being interrogated by the Thai police and immigration, and I was told that everyone was at lunch, and they'd call me back later.   Imagine my reaction to those words!  I am usually unflappable, but admittedly was quickly dropping my basket - the cheese had totally slid off of my cracker.  We all think that our Embassies are the places that we run for help when we're in a foreign country, and it was a rude awakening to discover that often their hands are really tied and there's not much they can actually do for us at the start of a "crisis".   Later, of course, when we went to the right people at the Embassy, the help was there for us, but it did take some time and some hard work on the part of the Ambassador, and the head of ACS in Bangkok, Paul,  to get things resolved.   Also, Trudy from the Australian Embassy was fantastic.  But, none of us could do anything but push the various Thai officials to make a decision on how to let everyone go.  We spent a lot of time with all the babies in our "war room" at one of the hotels, everyone trying different strategies to get out of the country to no avail.   The Thai government wasn't prepared for all of this firestorm.  Thai culture is quiet and respectful - a very proud culture.   I do not think that when all of this started, anyone understood the true number of people who were directly impacted by scandal and the resulting changes.   Well, now we know.

 I was so glad that I was able to be there on the ground to provide support, despite rumors circulating that the Thai military was going to be hunting down any "agents" involved in surrogacy. (Found out they were really looking for the agents who provided surrogates, that's NOT what I do, I facilitate and educate).   We were all hiding from media too - the first thing that the Thai gov't wanted was for the press to settle down and let everyone figure out the real facts and let us get on about the business of getting everyone home.   I had long meetings with the US Embassy, attorneys, and basically anyone who would have an idea on what we should do next.    I was not going to leave without exhausting the options, and each of my clients were just amazing despite the high emotions and fear that we all felt.    The bonus - I got lots of good baby time, and even got to have a newborn roomie for a few nights so that daddies could get a little sleep.   Something about cuddling with a newborn in the middle of chaos brings a level of peace that no amount of Xanax can provide.   I'll treasure those middle of the night moments with Little Miss Clare for the rest of my life.

Of course, the end of the story from our angle is that all Dads and babies got home within the normal time frame.   We have exit regulations in place, which are the same that I've always had for my clients.   I'm not anticipating problems with exits moving forward for those of my clients still pregnant in Bangkok.    All pregnant surrogates are safe and receiving appropriate ongoing care.   This does not mean that surrogacy in Thailand is open for business.  The current Military Government has made it clear that they do NOT support commercial surrogacy.  These exit regulations are really only going to be granted for an amount of time that gets those currently pregnant out of the country.

This whole thing is so unfortunate for the surrogacy community and I feel that the Thai government is making a huge mistake in eliminating this option for people.  Thailand is a PERFECT place for a REGULATED surrogacy option.   Thailand is medically one of the best countries - the doctors are educated, the hospitals FANTASTIC, the lodgings affordable, and the women who are surrogates are amazingly caring and grateful for the opportunity to help people have their families.    How can it be wrong for a grown woman to opt to use her body to help people have families?   Regardless of if she is compensated or not?   Yes, there are problems that arise when surrogacy is left unregulated, but I truly feel that it would be possible for Thailand to really become a world leading pioneer in how to undertake surrogacy correctly.  They could set the example for the rest of the world, frankly.  It's a win win for the economy, and for the women of Bangkok.   If we set appropriate rules and regulations and oversight on things like surrogate compensation, standards of care, appropriate embryo transfer numbers, compensation for egg donors, and guidelines for how many times a donor can safely cycle, which doctors and clinics can operate as surrogacy centers, insist on financial transparency and have inspections of these places on a regular basis, there is zero reason that this needs to be totally shut down as an option for people.   Also, it is important that we do insist on background checks for Intended Parents.   I think that we've all learned that through the horrid stories that were running the Australian news for so long.    Australian media sure likes to beat a dead horse to many degrees of Hell.  I have to say, we had all the "bad surrogacy myths" hit the news all at once.   It was a nightmare to watch unfold.

So, a few days after my return from what clients and I are dubbing "Argo Bangkok", I traveled to Mexico City to meet with doctors and clinics there.   Everyone knows that I was hesitant about entering Mexico for surrogacy, I've been pretty honest about that.  First thing that everyone needs to understand - ALTRUISTIC Surrogacy is legal in Mexico - and ONLY in TABASCO.   You must have appropriate legal documents from the start.   The cost in Mexico for surrogacy is higher than my programs in Delhi and the one I had in Bangkok, and legal costs are one of the main reasons.   Also, medical costs in Mexico are slightly higher, and surrogates are compensated a little more as well due to cost of living being higher.   There are several things that anyone looking for International surrogacy options need to consider.  I'm going to do a bullet point on that in the coming days.

Please let me know if you are considering options outside of Thailand.  I am still only able to take on a certain number of IPs per month or group, and I am hoping to enjoy the same successful results in Mexico that I have in India and Thailand.   Surrogacy in Mexico will NOT last forever.  So, if you are seriously considering this option, do it quickly, but BE SMART.   The big agents are setting up in Cancun, and I know that there will be resulting negative media.   People feel so desperate to have children that they will overlook so many things just for the chance - this kind of rash decision making is the true downfall for the industry as a whole.   Don't go for bottom barrel pricing, that means that there are corners being cut that you can't afford to cut.  Look for established IVF practices, transparent financial dealings (again, do NOT pay a 3rd party for fees that should be paid directly to clinics and doctors), make sure that your surrogate is housed the entire time in Tabasco.   THIS is a MUST in my opinion - this moving surrogates around from place to place, particularly those with higher risk multiple pregnancies is a recipe for disaster.  If your baby is born outside of Tabasco because of complications, you will be truly devastated at a time that you should be celebrating.   Sure, I'd love to visit Cancun, who wouldn't, but this is NOT a vacation.  This is having a baby in a foreign country that has very specific rules and regulations.    BE SAFE.  BE SMART.  HAVE BABIES.

K.
www.completesurrogacysolutions.com
ps.  more coming later this week on what to look for in Mexico Surrogacy.

Successes continue with All IVF and Complete Surrogacy Solutions! Babies, pregnancies, and lots of love!

It's been a while since the last update on happenings at Complete Surrogacy Solutions and we have much news to share.   First, I attended and spoke at the Surrogacy Australia Conference in Melbourne in May and got to see many of my clients, past and present, and visit with my Aunt and Uncle and some wonderful friends who were with me for baby pick up of my twin nephews in India LAST April.   Australians are awesome and I feel lucky to have so many great friends and clients there.

The most amazing news is that we had our first twin birth on May 30th for an American client from Texas.  Miss P, our beautiful surrogate was amazing!  Scott and the twin boys are doing well, and they got to go home in under one month from birth!   The hospital and staff was incredible!  The exit process was smooth, and given that I understand the importance of organization and the necessary items that the US Embassy requires, both the ACS appointment and the DNA testing went off without a hitch!   We use an awesome DNA lab who has very fast turn around.

Kim, Scott, and brother Jessie leaving BNH hospital with twins Damian and Elliot born May 30, surrogacy Thailand

Next, June group - CSS had 10 people cycling for the Group cycle and for those using young Thai donors, all became pregnant on fresh transfer - more twins coming, and we had many pregnant using donors from Carrie at Eggspecting.com.  For fresh transfers with all IVF, a young Thai donor, and Dr. Pisit, we still stand at 100 percent on fresh cycle, and we're 90% successful on fresh cycle with Carrie's donors.   I still can't believe the great numbers we're seeing - Dr. P must be adding something special to his embryology lab.   I tend to think it's both a combo of skill and the positive energy that surrounds the clinic.

On to July, we have many babies coming this month!   We've had 2 sets of twins so far for daddies from Australia, and we've got more coming tomorrow (see blog Clare and Luke http://clarelukeproject.blogspot.com)  and then more at the end of the month!  Babies everywhere!  All are healthy and strong and were carried to 36 weeks, even Miss Phairin who scared me with active pre-term labor about 2 hours after I arrived in Bangkok in May! (The preterm labor was intense, but we were extremely lucky that the hospital was able to stop the labor, and then after a few days released the surrogate to bedrest under my care.   She stayed in the hotel room next to me for two weeks, then went to stay at surrogate housing for the remainder of her pregnancy).

In the middle of all of this, my family moved back to Miami, Florida.   Complete Surrogacy Solutions will be opening a new office here in the fall.  It's great to be back in the place where we can thrive and are so very happy.

Our clients in India with Dr. Bakshi are doing super well.  We have many babies coming from India as well. The "all inclusive" package that Dr. Bakshi allowed me to create is providing both success and peace of mind.

Our September group is almost full, we have 2 slots left, and we're starting on the November group with 3 clients already signed for that group.   It's a very exciting time for me, for my clients, and for the LGBT community to be able to have this opportunity for success with International Surrogacy.   I am proud to be part of this, it continues to amaze me every single day.

By the way, here's a snap of my darling nephews born through Surrogacy in India - I can't believe how big and how amazingly adorable they are!   The past year has been such a whirlwind!

Aidan and Jayden Born April 2014 through surrogacy in India

Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you!  www.completesurrogacysolutions.com

Another month, Another journey, Another group of blessings and a first birthday!

Happy First Birthday to my ADORABLE nephews born through surrogacy in India one year ago!  Aidan and Jayden continue to be real reminders of the miracle of surrogacy.   They have brought such joy to our family, and especially to my sister, J. and her husband, M.

First Easter - A&J through Surrogacy in India

Next, I spent the month of April back in Bangkok with pregnant clients, new clients, egg donors and surrogates.  It was very busy, very emotional, and very productive.   Complete Surrogacy Solutions is expecting 15 babies this summer with Intended Parents from Australia and the United States.   Our first set of twins are due in a couple of weeks in Bangkok, but given some pre-term contractions this past week, I'm thinking we might have some little ones fairly soon.  I'm thrilled with the care that Miss P. obtained from BNH hospital, and it's so nice to actually have real itemized invoices for her care.  The financial transparency continues to be a tremendous relief for both IPs and for me.  I've posted a couple of photos from April's trip.

                                              With one of our GORGEOUS Thai Egg Donors

                                With a very special surrogate, Miss Pa who is expecting twins very soon

                           With our Thai Surrogate, Miss Ph, expecting twins, and Australian Daddies to be

We just had our first results from the April group cycle, and they were again positive.   We are awaiting 8 more Beta results in the next week.   I have everything crossed for positives for everyone.   Sometimes it feels hard to breathe!   We also have some wonderful news continuing out of Delhi and Dr. Bakshi!   Ongoing strong pregnancies and new cycles starting.  While the news overall from India on the debate of continuation of surrogacy for foreigners weighs on heavily on my mind, I do hope that they stay open. India is still a very strong place for surrogacy success and I still believe and support the program there.   The industry did much for the economy - from the surrogates themselves to drivers, to office staff, to tourism.  It was a winning situation, and it is a shame that the gov't just can't seem to decide which direction to head.   People are now considering Nepal because India is shutting down.   Nepal is going to be the final frontier.   It is not going to be an easy process there - true third world conditions are often tough to navigate until infrastructure is developed by the clinics.  I do understand the feeling of desperation when trying to have a family.   I'm giving Nepal some time before I will even consider suggesting it, and it would have to be with my doctor in India.  Some sort of governmental guidance is hopeful there, I do think they might be one place eager to have all of us.  I will consider Mexico first, personally, and I'm still not 100 percent sold there either.  But, I do try to keep a somewhat open mind so that I can always have options for what is coming.

The next two months will be very busy.  I am heading to Melbourne for the Surrogacy Australia conference, then flying straight back to Bangkok for the entire month of June for a full June group cycle, for the birth of our first twins, to assist their father with all exit procedures.  During this trip, I fly to Delhi to visit with Dr. Bakshi and our pregnant surrogates there.   David will also join me for a couple of weeks at the end of June, which will be nice for both of us - we don't have much time together these days, I am totally consumed with work.

One of the biggest news items for me personally, we are moving back to MIAMI!  And, we will be in partnership with a US Surrogacy Agency and will be opening a true Miami office.   All of this move will happen while I'm in Australia and Bangkok... 

The bottom line, this industry can change the lives of Intended Parents in tremendous ways.  But, it has done something wonderful for me as well.   It has completed me in a way that I truly needed.  My entire family is honored to be involved in this, even my children, - we all live, eat, and breathe this.   We are blessed.

Complete Surrogacy Solutions and Families Through Surrogacy

I will be attending and speaking at the Families Through Surrogacy event on Saturday in San Francisco.  This educational event will cover a variety of topics surrounding the surrogacy process, both domestic and international.

www.familiesthrusurrogacy.com

In addition, Carrie Bloedorn, www.eggspecting.com, and I are hosting a private event on Friday evening in connection with the organization Gay Future Dads - www.gayfuturedads.org. If you would like an invitation, please email Kim at completesurrogacysolutions@gmail.com.

We are excited to be sharing our experiences and options for surrogacy in India and Thailand.  Our April group is quite large, and we are now working on our June group cycle.   This is a great opportunity to save on the great services that Carrie and her egg donor's provide, as well as having a built in support group of other Intended Parents.   In addition, CSS and All IVF have many beautiful Thai donors from which to select.

For more information, please feel free to contact me.

Kim
www.completesurrogacysolutions.com

Surrogacy in Thailand - the boom is now!

The last few weeks have been quite a blur of activity in Thailand for those pursuing surrogacy.  The Israeli government's delay of entry for babies born created quite a stir in the International community.   As of right now, for the US Australia and the UK, it's business as usual.   The rules have always been the rules.  Everyone needs to understand that there might be some delays along the way, and to be sure to have the proper documents prepared and ready for the exit process.  Over document whenever you can.

All of my clients are prepared, and the last few weeks have been crazy with inquiries coming in to CSS from all over the world.  Unfortunately, some countries we just can't work with because of the laws in the home country which outright ban commercial surrogacy arrangements.

We are filling up quickly for our April cycle, and the June cycle is starting strong as well.  We also have lots of individual cycles starting in both India and Bangkok.

I'm asked "where next?" should surrogacy be banned in Thailand as in India for singles.   I wish I could have a good answer, because the other alternatives I'm seeing just do not make safe sense.   We have to remember that we are dealing with human lives, not material objects.  We have to keep rational thought about where it is medically safe for both the surrogate and the baby she carries.   Consider things like high level NICUs in case of prematurity, or complex medical situations for the surrogate herself -  some countries and areas are prohibitive to what constitutes a safe medical environment.  Don't take the cheapest easiest route in this, it usually leads to more money out of pocket.  Research and imagine yourself seeking medical treatment in the area in which you are considering surrogacy.  If you wouldn't feel safe having basic procedures done in a certain area, how can it be okay for a woman to give birth to your child there?
Just my thoughts as we forge ahead and look around for safe options for surrogacy.   I know that I have my own limits on where I'll lead people.  Some others just don't.  This is a big big picture journey.  Not a trip to Ikea.

Kim
Completesurrogacysolutions.com

Tax time - surrogacy and taxes!

Just started on the pile of business receipts and all of the related tax stuff.  I did some research today on what is allowable under medical as deductions for surrogacy for US clients.  Basically, you can't deduct surrogate compensation, surrogate medical costs, donor costs, agency fees, etc.  You can deduct any medical care that you received as part of the treatment, including semen transport, IVF related costs that you or your married spouse incurred, travel, and newborn care.   Anything that you, your spouse or your born children incurred for care and expenses, write it off!   I of course, am not a tax expert, but thought this might be on the minds of a few people out there.   Also, if you've completed a second parent adoption, don't forget the tax credit!   Surrogacy is a grey area tax wise in the US - but I would certainly ask your accountant to be creative!  Keep those receipts.

UPDATE:
I was getting various reports on Aussie taxes - so I looked up the table of allowable medical expenses and found the attached.  Obviously, consult your accountant if you have questions regarding this.  Seems everyone in every country needs a tax accountant these days to keep abreast of changes!

http://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-Return/2013/Supplementary-tax-return/Tax-offset-questions-T4-T11/T6---Total-net-medical-expenses/

http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/BudgetReview201314/MedicalExpenses

http://www.bdo.com.au/resources/publications/federal-budget-2013/personal/net-medical-expenses-tax-offset-phase-out


Please let me know if you've found anything that others might be able to include.

Kim
Complete Surrogacy Solutions
Eggspecting

Dealing with fertility and surrogacy during the holidays...

This is a tough time of year for anyone dealing with infertility and surrogacy.  The past week has been very emotional for several of my clients and friends - we have spent lots of time of the phone in "therapy" sessions.   The holidays in general make many of us hyper emotional (just ask MY family about my own holiday melt downs over the years), but it's especially difficult for those who are trying to have babies at the same time.   I have several clients taking vacations versus heading "home" for the holidays.  This is usually met with a lack of understanding on the part of the rest of the family - some in the family just can't understand WHY the struggling couple isn't coming home to celebrate with sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.   It's supposed to be about ALL the family, right?   I'm here to say, NO, it's not about the rest of the family - it is about the feelings of the couple who are trying to remain hopeful and keep their heads above the emotional turmoil that is always always lurking when facing the hardships of creating a family.  So, if you just aren't ready to face going home this year, it's OKAY to want to go off to lands far away from the typical Norman Rockwell scene.   This is a very individualized experience - you are entitled to feel exactly how you are feeling at this time.

Even intended parents who are pregnant struggle at times when they are looking at family members who are pregnant and actually able to carry and SEE and feel this experience.   Some have expressed to me a feeling of sad detachment right now - yes, they are thrilled to be pregnant, and next year will be fantastic when they have their baby(ies), but right now it still seems so intangible, so distant.   I know that for a woman, it's always going to feel strange to have someone else carrying the child that she always wanted and thought would be inside of her own body.   But, I'm noticing the men expressing the same feelings - I honestly never thought it would hit the male as hard as it is.  This is particularly true of the single clients.

It is my hope that everyone reading this understands that all of these feelings are normal.  Others feel this way too.  And, I'm here to tell you that you are not being selfish in your self preservation if you've decided to break tradition and fly away this holiday.  It's OKAY.  Do what you need to do to keep afloat.  This is the hardest undertaking of any other experience in life, and if you've not been through it, you can't really fully understand what this takes out of a person emotionally.   For those who are reading this who are the support group for the Intended Parent, do not take it personally that they just can't be with you this year, it's NOT about you right now.   NEXT holiday season will hopefully be much much better for all.

Take care of yourselves everyone, keep going and thinking ahead.  Talk to someone if you're feeling sad, detached, or are struggling.  There are many of us out here who do understand.   Let me know if I can help.

Kim Hendrix
Complete Surrogacy Solutions

Complete Surrogacy Solutions in The New Republic

A bit of press for CSS in a really great article on surrogacy.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/115873/fertility-tourism-seeking-surrogacy-india-thailand-mexico

More hold ups with Medical Visas for Surrogacy in India

We have had several hold ups with medical visas for India of late.   BLS does not want to have to actually "look" at the paperwork you include with your application, rather they just want to forward it in a pile to the Indian Consulate.  (Oh Travisa, how I miss you!).   The Consulate doesn't like the "disorganized" pile, so they just reject the initial application, despite having included ALL the items on the list.

So, my advice, based on numerous hold ups for clients these past few weeks - from Brazil and the US.   Make a cover sheet for each piece of documentation - as in label and staple each item.  They call this "flagging" in their requests for the same information again.   Each client who is experiencing delays has submitted everything on the list, everything was smooth (aside from the longer time it takes to process in general), but suddenly, clients who have submitted ALL documents to BLS are asked to send them again, all of them, "flagged".  Also asked to send TWO copies.

From BLS:   Additional Documents Required by Consulate : 
( Applicant needs to provide the following evidence for surrogacy:
1) Marriage certificate (Which should be minimum two years old).
2) US Government�s letter recognizing the surrogacy and the child�s entry as biological child into the USA.
3) An undertaking clarifying that the parents will take care of the child.
4) Registered documentation signifying that the A-R-T Clinic is registered with the government.
5) A notarized agreement between the couple and the surrogate mother.
All of these documentations should be properly flagged before submitting to BLS. BLS will have to take the time to flag it now.)

The clients who received this notice submitted all documents as noted. BLS is not going to go through the docs and just put a sticky note on them for you.   BUT, the original documents are not being returned - you have to make an entire new copy of EVERYTHING!  In duplicate.

Another BIG issue - suddenly clients are being told by the West Coast office that the "new" maximum duration for medical visas is 6 months.  There is no longer a ONE YEAR visa!   So, we will have to apply directly with the Indian consulate for extensions.   This makes NO sense to me, so much of this doesn't.

At any rate, there's the latest from the ground on the medical visa process - my Brazilian surrogacy clients for India also faced a hassle at the consulate general in Rio.   They are being granted the medical visas to start their treatment, but the process seems to be getting more difficult by the week, and notarization of items that were not witnessed in the past is now being required, at least in Brazil.   

So, 2 copies of everything, with cover pages or "flags" as to what each item is.  Submit ASAP.   If anyone is granted a year long medical visa, please let us know.   BLS reps INSISTED that there is now only a 6 month avail for medical. 

As always, best surrogacy wishes to all.   The road to start may be a little rocky, but it's still worth it in the end.   Sharing info helps everyone.

Kim

www.completesurrogacysolutions.com

One of my favorite parts of my job....

Getting to spent time with my clients' pregnant surrogates!  We always ask the surrogate mothers for their levels of comfort prior to my meeting or photographing them, so far all the surrogates here in Thailand have been excited to meet me, and the other surrogates in the room also visit with me as well.  Through a translator, and through body and a sort of sign language, we communicate about morning sickness, weight gain, and about the gift they are giving to others.   Ms P., photographed here with me today, is carrying twins in Bangkok for one of my US clients.   All is well, aside from some morning sickness, a great ultrasound, which of course I was able to video to send to my Intended Parent (with Ms. P's permission).   This is an important part of the process for me personally, and I am respectful of their personal wishes.  Visiting with these special women, treating them to something special when I see them every 3 months, and letting them know how much we all care about them -  It's an amazing feeling.   I have 4 more surrogates to meet on this trip, and I can't wait!   I will see all of the surrogates for my clients again in both Delhi and Thailand in January/February.  

Positives in Bangkok!!!

Some nice strong betas coming from All IVF Center and Dr. Pisit in Bangkok!  It's exciting especially on first tries when going with a new clinic, and a new country.

(One negative from a dear friend for whom I was so hopeful that this was going to be THE cycle.  She's been trying for a while, but this was her first donor cycle in BKK.   Her time is coming, I know it, but it still hurts to post the successes of others when I know that she is suffering.  You know who you are, and you WILL get there, I feel it, and I'll be celebrating your positive very soon.)

Gearing up for the November trip to Bangkok and Delhi, have a group cycle coordinated, and it will hopefully be as successful as the first cycles with Eggspecting.com donors.  I will be in Bangkok for a few weeks getting the ground work established, meeting with Embassies and attorneys to assist with exit processes for various countries.   I'll post the findings, I know many are anxious to hear exactly what the process will entail, and this I shall gladly provide.  

I have many heterosexual couples starting cycles with Dr. Bakshi in India as well, from the US, Canada, and Brazil.   I anticipate many happy successes with Dr. Bakshi's "inclusive prenatal package".   We've tried to eliminate many of the extra line-item charges, and do include any necessary surrogate hospitalization, medication, delivery and multiple tries in the package.  A realistic, no surprises package is a very nice reassurance for those considering going to India.  

India still has the plus of allowing the intended mother to appear on the birth certificate. In Thailand, the surrogate mother appears.  I'm hopeful that I will have a better understanding of how to navigate that issue upon my return from the trip next month.  It would be nice to offer workable solutions in both countries for all of my clients.  I fear that India will remain closed to singles/and or gay clients, so I will work to make Bangkok as streamlined as possible.  

India produces so many healthy beautiful children and helps an equal amount of surrogates and their own families each year.  I hope that the government and doctors are able to find a balance to keep the industry safe and thriving.

Stay tuned for more information on the next group cycle, set for February in BKK and potentially in India for those considering Caucasian egg donors. Solo cycles available too with Caucasian, Indian and Thai donors each month.  

Kim

"They are wrong" - words of wisdom

It's not always easy being the International Surrogacy advocate in the US surrounded by so many domestic agencies, many of whom are adamantly opposed to surrogacy in India and Thailand.  As I walk around ASRM this week, I'm learning that some of this is motivated by financial concerns in general competition for clients, but some is really lack of education about the safe opportunities that do exist in some clinics abroad.  I maintain the belief that there are more people interested in surrogacy than we can even collectively assist - there are enough clients to go around, and it's our job as facilitators to provide the very best information for positive outcomes, considering the budgetary and time constraints that many of us have, particularly here in the US.  This often means heading overseas, and I want to help those people who are brave enough to do what it is they personally need to do to get to family within the bounds of ethics and laws. This comes with a degree of needing and developing some pretty thick skin and strong conviction.

I had the enormous pleasure of meeting a woman at Men Having Babies last week who made an immediate impact on my life and my outlook - Dr. Ann Keissling of the Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation.  Dr. Keissling, among many other things, has developed a program called SPAR for Special Program of Assisted Reproduction to assist men with special needs, including HIV who wish to become fathers.   Of course being a pioneer in something as controversial as AIDS and HIV, not to mention combined with family building, comes with a lot of criticism, a lot of "no's", and the need for tenacity and a fundamental belief in what you are doing is absolutely the right thing.   Dr. Keissling has such tenacity and core belief system - she KNOWS she is right.  I asked her how she has handled the negativity she's encountered over her long and distinguished career.  She told me that one must move forward with the belief that he/she is right, and others are just wrong.  Period.   That simple.  I had never thought of it that way, and as I made my way back from the Boston Convention center after a rather strong discussion with a domestic agency really opposed to what I am personally doing - I kept repeating Ann's words in my head, "They are wrong".  And, they are!

No one said this was going to be easy, and I accept that.   But I know I'm doing the right thing, I am digging in to find the best ways to handle legal situations, clinic choices, ethical considerations, etc.  I know that I am able to help people, and I know that I am being honest in my approach.   It's going to come with negative words about me, and I'm finding those words to be, simply, "WRONG".   So, thank you Dr. Keissling for that philosophy - you have made my journey as I weed through all that is international surrogacy abroad so much easier.   I have made many changes these past several months and have come to many realizations, the most important being: if one shoe doesn't fit, it's simply the wrong size and move to the shoe that does fit.  It might take a couple of tries along the way, and it might not be Jimmy Choo, but it's important that you know that you are comfortable with your selection, and that your feet and toes aren't going to have blisters at the end of a long night.  JC might be the right fit for some, I'm not disparaging Choo, but if it's not fitting, check out the TOMS.
Kim

For MORE information on options for the SPAR program for HIV+ people interested in family building, click http://sementesting.org/

San Francisco Chronicle article on Surrogacy in India

THIS is powerful reporting.  This is the good, the bad, and everything in between, no mincing of words, no prejudice from one side or the other - just reporting "how it is".

This article gives you insight into the importance of education prior to undertaking surrogacy abroad - it's not a journey for everyone.  And, in my own opinion, feel that it is more prudent to do this in one of the bigger cities with a bit more modern facilities and access to Embassies and FRRO.

You WILL have a c-section in India 99% of the time, you will have many questions, there will be barriers in communication along the way, but if you're working with a facilitator, like me, you do have more answers, or should anyway.  Why do clinics shy away from this?  On surrogate housing, Dr. Patel uses a dorm like setting because her clinic is rural and many of the women would have to travel too far for appointments and this gives the physicians and nurses, social workers access to them.  Other physicians in larger cities believe in allowing the surrogate to live in her own home with supplies provided, and rents paid, others have smaller homes where there are only 2 surrogates per room.    With Dr. Bakshi, the Intended Parents have a choice in where the surrogate lives.

It is heart wrenching to see the photo of the surrogate in this story struggling with pain after her c-section, trying to clothe her daughter.  Why is someone not assisting with this?  I do believe that c-sections are actually better for the surrogates themselves.  The process of laboring for hours and hours combined with the actual pushing out of a life is so very emotional and I think creates a bigger bond between the surrogate and the baby she is carrying.   As a woman who has had 24 hours of labor, followed by and emergency c-section, and then what we refer to in our home as a "drive through baby" scheduled c-section, I'll take the C-section over labor ANY day.   The first week is tough, the incision burns like crazy, but I would imagine vaginal tearing would hurt just as much, and could also create more bladder issues for the surrogate moving forward.   I would hope that the proper medications are given to the surrogates to assist with their pain.  It is cruel to consider otherwise, and the article doesn't state if she is medicated or not.

Some in the industry may consider this story to be negative, but I think this is actually a great piece on what surrogacy looks like in rural India.  And, the process worked! And usually does.   Two families profoundly impacted positively.   None of us can imagine being excited over an essential hole in the ground as a bathroom, but this is now something that this family has that they did not have before.   $50.00 a month salary for the husband.   $7,000 + for 10 months of family separation, train rides, inconveniences and great commitment from this generous woman.   Which gives that family a greater chance at a future?  For SOMETHING?

I am sure this will cause some stir among the naysayers, but I think that this piece is tremendous.  India surrogacy http://www.sfchronicle.com/local/bayarea/item/India-surrogacy-23858.php