Before You Sign a Surrogacy Contract… Watch This

Before You Sign a Surrogacy Contract… Watch This

Surrogacy contracts can feel intimidating, technical and overwhelming... but they’re one of the most important parts of the entire surrogacy journey. In this episode of "Let’s Talk Surrogacy", we’re joined by Joanna Beck Wilkinson, an attorney and founding member of Foster + Bloom, to break down what a surrogacy contract actually does, why it’s more than “just paperwork" and how it protects both the surrogate and the intended parents. Joanna walks through the biggest areas of a surrogacy contract where misunderstandings can happen, including pregnancy management, termination language and confidentiality in the age of social media. Whether you’re a first-time surrogate staring at a long contract, or an intended parent trying to understand what’s standard, what’s negotiable and what’s a red flag, this conversation will help you feel more prepared, more confident and more protected before anything is signed. Subscribe for more real conversations on surrogacy ►► bit.ly/4n6Fv3s Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Learn more or start your surrogacy journey: Website: https://www.americansurrogacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_surrogacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/american.surrogacy If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please visit: https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/surrogate_free_info?ref=asytsur If you are ready to get started as an intended parent please visit:  https://www.americansurrogacy.com/parents/parents_free_info?ref=asytip 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - What Brought Joanna to Family-Building Law 01:08 - What is a Surrogacy Contract? [Process Explained] 02:21 - Important, Underestimated Areas of a Surrogacy Contract 08:07 - How Contracts Protect Surrogates 09:36 - Contract Terms that Surprise Intended Parents 10:11 - Why Intended Parents' Attorneys Write the First Contract Draft 11:12 - Do Intended Parents Pay for the Surrogate's Attorney? 12:41 - The Contract Review & Negotiation Process 15:09 - What Does "Legal Clearance" Mean? 15:51 - Legal Clarity on Parental Rights 17:12 - Why the First Draft of a Contract Feels One-Sided 18:16 - Advocating for Yourself in the Contract Phase 19:30 - Factors of the Contract Phase's Timeline 20:41 - Costs Intended Parents are Responsible For During the Legal Phase 23:02 - Working with Surrogacy Attorneys vs. General Practice Attorneys 24:17 - Are Surrogacy Contracts Legally Enforceable? 26:18 - What are Surrogacy Contract Amendments? 27:00 - State Statutes Basics for Surrogacy Contracts 27:51 - Contract Enforceability by Jurisdiction 30:22 - What are Contract Provisions? 30:55 - American Surrogacy's Independent Program 31:30 - Risks of Independent vs. Agency-Supported Surrogacy Contracts 33:46 - Improved Outcomes with a Coordinated Legal & Agency Team 34:42 - The Emotions of Surrogacy Contracts 37:28 - The Importance of Independent Contract Reviews 38:36 - Joanna's Advice Before Signing the Contract 39:56 - Misconceptions of Surrogacy Contracts 40:33 - Where to Go for Trustworthy, Legal Guidance on Surrogacy 41:52 - Outro #LetsTalkSurrogacy #Foster+Bloom #surrogacycontracts #podcast #surrogacylaw #AmericanSurrogacy

Finally Holding Her Baby: An Intended Mother’s Moving Surrogacy Journey

Christina and her husband faced years of infertility, failed IVF transfers and unimaginable loss until one embryo and one perfect match changed everything. In this emotional episode of "Let’s Talk Surrogacy", Christina opens up about the pain, the hope and the moment she finally held her daughter in her arms. She walks us through her lowest points, why they chose American Surrogacy, what made their experience feel personal and how one match (on the very first day) brought them full circle. Whether you're an intended parent, surrogate or someone considering a different path to parenthood, Christina’s story will give you hope and perspective. Subscribe for more real conversations on surrogacy ►► bit.ly/4n6Fv3s Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Learn more or start your surrogacy journey: Website: https://www.americansurrogacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_surrogacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/american.surrogacy If you are ready to get started as an intended parent please visit:  https://www.americansurrogacy.com/parents/parents_free_info?ref=asytip If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please visit: https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/surrogate_free_info?ref=asytsur 00:00 - Intro 00:24 - The Moment Christina Knew Surrogacy was the Path 01:48 - The Emotional Journey of Infertility 05:32 - How to Navigate Others' Input about Family Building 07:52 - Christina's Advice to Overcoming Infertility Grief 11:03 - One Embryo, No Problem for American Surrogacy 13:26 - The Shift from IVF to a Surrogacy Journey  19:39 - What's the Role of a Surrogacy Specialist? 21:47 - The Different Journeys of Infertility & Surrogacy 23:22 - What Stands Out about the Embryo Creation Process? 24:50 - Did Christina Pursue Genetic Testing? 25:33 - How Embryo Results Influence a Surrogacy Timeline 27:37 - "The unknown is hard, it's scary, it's difficult." 28:35 - The Reassurance of American Surrogacy's Pre-Screening 29:47 - Why Christina Chose American Surrogacy 31:33 - The Moment Christina Found the Right Surrogate 36:17 - Overcoming Tough Talks During the Initial Surrogate Meeting 39:38 - The Joys of Matching with a Surrogate 41:18 - Christina's Advice to Intended Parents about Wait Times 44:20 - The Relationship Christina Shared with Her Surrogate 46:21 - An Early Scare the Shook Christina's Surrogacy Journey 49:46 - The Importance of Surrogacy Specialist Involvement 51:30 - The Emotions of Delivery Day 53:22 - "We cannot say how grateful we are for our surrogate." 56:47 - Christina's Reflections on her Surrogacy Journey 57:58 - Is Surrogacy the Next Step? 59:02 - Outro #LetsTalkSurrogacy #AmericanSurrogacy #surrogatejourney #ivf #embryotransfer #podcast

From Curiosity to Calling: A Surrogacy Journey That Inspired Hope

Codi, an experienced surrogate, shares her raw, real surrogacy story from her teenage calling to navigating contracts, pregnancy and emotional recovery with American Surrogacy. In this episode of "Let’s Talk Surrogacy", host Lindsay sits down with Codi, a surrogate who opens up about her unique experience carrying for another family. Codi walks us through the highs and lows of her journey including medical hurdles, emotional dynamics, postpartum healing and the beautiful bond she formed with the family she helped. Whether you're curious about becoming a surrogate, an intended parent or simply drawn to powerful human stories, this episode delivers truth, vulnerability and inspiration. Subscribe for more real conversations on surrogacy ►► bit.ly/4n6Fv3s Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Learn more or start your surrogacy journey: Website: https://www.americansurrogacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_surrogacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/american.surrogacy If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please visit: https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/surrogate_free_info?ref=asytsur If you are ready to get started as an intended parent please visit:  https://www.americansurrogacy.com/parents/parents_free_info?ref=asytip 00:00 - Intro 00:14 - What Led Codi to Consider Becoming a Surrogate? 02:35 - Her Husband’s Support & Contract Language 03:54 - Why Codi Chose American Surrogacy 07:55 - The Emotions of the Screening Process 11:49 - The Length of Codi's Journey 13:28 - Choosing & Connecting with Intended Parents 15:31 - Questions for Intended Parents 17:54 - Why They Were the Right Match 18:36 - Getting to Know the Intended Parents 22:26 - Postpartum Emotions 23:30 - Explaining Surrogacy to Your Family & Strangers 27:21 - The Embryo Transfer Process 29:55 - "[Belly shots] were overall the hardest for me." 33:58 - The Emotions of Transfer Day 35:43 - How Codi Envisioned Her Birth Plan [Using a Doula] 41:40 - How the Intended Parents Supported Codi through the Process 44:54 - The Proud Feeling Codi Shares about Surrogacy 46:08 - How Codi's Children Reacted to Surrogacy 46:54 - What Surprised Codi the Most about her Experience 50:44 - How Surrogacy Shaped Codi 52:10 - Codi's Advice to Those Considering Surrogacy 54:14 - Outro #LetsTalkSurrogacy #AmericanSurrogacy #surrogatejourney #embryotransfer #podcast

"Going Back, I Would Not Change Anything" [A Real Surrogacy Story]

In this episode of Let’s Talk Surrogacy, host Lindsay talks with Alison, a surrogate who knew she wanted to carry a child for someone else since she was 8 years old.  From a challenging mock cycle and months of injections to a high-risk pregnancy and a postpartum emergency, Alison takes us through the beautiful, emotional, and sometimes scary reality of being a surrogate, and why, despite everything, she still hopes to do it again. Subscribe for more real conversations on surrogacy ►► bit.ly/4n6Fv3s Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Learn more or start your surrogacy journey: Website: https://www.americansurrogacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_surrogacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/american.surrogacy If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please visit: https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/surrogate_free_info?ref=asytsur If you are ready to get started as an intended parent please visit:  https://www.americansurrogacy.com/parents/parents_free_info?ref=asytip 00:00 - Intro 00:47 - When Alison Knew She Wanted to Become a Surrogate 02:42 - The Importance of a Surrogacy Support Group 03:33 - Why Alison Chose Agency Surrogacy vs. Independent Surrogacy 06:38 - The Emotions of a Surrogacy Pregnancy 07:36 - What is a "Mock Cycle"? 09:43 - Surprises through the Surrogacy Process 11:33 - Alison's Surrogacy Matching Journey 17:51 - The Relationship Between Surrogate & Intended Parent 20:14 - Explaining Surrogacy to Your Children & Strangers 23:08 - Unexpected Challenges of Surrogacy  29:05 - American Surrogacy Exceeding Expectations 30:34 - How American Surrogacy Dealt with SEAM 32:39 -  Different Emotions Between Pregnancies 36:14 - What’s Next for Alison 37:43 - Alison Gives Advice to Wannabe Surrogates 40:39 - "Blood is thicker than water." 41:59 - Outro #LetsTalkSurrogacy #AmericanSurrogacy #surrogatejourney #surrogacymatch #embryotransfer #ivf #surrogacysupport #podcast

How a Surrogacy Agency Redefined Family-Building

Wade Morris, Director of Community Resources at American Surrogacy, reveals how to choose the right surrogacy agency, avoid scams and save time in this must-hear deep dive episode of "Let's Talk Surrogacy". Are you considering surrogacy and don’t know where to start? In this episode of "Let’s Talk Surrogacy", host Lindsay sits down with Wade to break down the entire process from IVF to finding a surrogate, avoiding scams, managing costs and choosing the best agency for your journey. Whether you're an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate, this episode is packed with expert guidance to help you make informed decisions. Subscribe for more real conversations on surrogacy ►► bit.ly/4n6Fv3s Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! Learn more or start your surrogacy journey: Website: https://www.americansurrogacy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/american_surrogacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/american.surrogacy If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please visit: https://www.americansurrogacy.com/surrogate/surrogate_free_info?ref=asytsur If you are ready to get started as an intended parent please visit:  https://www.americansurrogacy.com/parents/parents_free_info?ref=asytip 00:00 - Intro 0:17 - Wade's Role at American Surrogacy 00:59 - Surrogacy Basics: The Genetic Connections 02:32 - Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy Explained 03:45 - First Step for Intended Parents: Choosing a Fertility Clinic 07:02 - Good vs. Bad Surrogacy Agency: Surrogacy Screening 13:15 - The Different Types of Agency Programs 15:11 - American Surrogacy's Programs & Financial Protections 18:31 - The Hidden Pitfalls in a Surrogacy Journey 20:10 - Why American Surrogacy Matches Parents Faster 21:54 - What Surrogates Look for in Intended Parents 23:47 - BTS: American Surrogacy's Surrogate Screening Process 26:05 - Limited-Risk vs. Foundation Programs 28:42 - Do Surrogates Need Health Insurance? 29:57 - Benefits of Independent Surrogacy 30:55 - American Surrogacy's Independent Program  33:16 - Do You Need Embryos Before Working with an Agency? 34:38 - Tips for Getting to Know Your Surrogate 35:39 - The Importance of Communicating with Your Surrogate 39:20 - What Surrogacy Relationships Look Like After Birth 42:24 - Surrogate's Communication with Their Agency 43:36 - IVF, Surrogacy & Adoption Cost Breakdown 49:03 - Surrogacy Financial Planning Tips & Loan Options 50:47 - Why “No Upfront Fees” Can Be a Red Flag 52:25 - American Surrogacy's Strong Relationship with Clients 54:10 - How American Surrogacy Responded to the SEAM Fraud Case 57:48 - Family Mentality at American Surrogacy 58:36 - Surrogacy Journey Length & Working with Out-of-State Agencies 59:28 - Final Thoughts from Wade Morris #LetsTalkSurrogacy #AmericanSurrogacy #surrogacyjourney #infertilitysupport #podcast #surrogacyagency #surrogacycosts