a note from john
John Weltman,
CS's President
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Dear friends,
Welcome to another edition of our newsletter for friends and families of Circle Surrogacy. In our previous edition I mentioned three confirmed pregnancies of twins in one month as an example of our steady growth. Indeed the number of babies born in our program is reflecting this trend as you can see in our new "Surrogate Update" page. We typically have 3-4 monthly transfers now,
with a large rate of pregnancies with multiples, so five or more new babies each month
are fast becoming the norm.
The media interest in our agency is also continuing, and we included some of these stories here. An interview I gave to the Gay Parenting Show has turned out to be a comprehensive overview of our agency's philosophy and "everything you wanted to know about surrogacy". It was also an opportunity for me to discuss how important it is for us to make sure surrogates are recognized for their amazing contribution and are treated with respect and
gratitude. I always say that
surrogacy is not just about delivering a baby to your door step - it is as much about people and relationships. Our goal as an agency is both high success rates and positive experience all around. Our motto is responsiveness, personal touch, honesty and openness.
Reflecting this attitude is the wonderful personal story of Minette, our surrogate who recently carried twins for a gay couple in our program, and a poem written by Mary, another of our surrogates, to her intended parents.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and keep these emails and baby pictures coming!
John.
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A poem written by a surrogate to her intended parents
"Was not
so long ago, we were existing in our lives unconnected,
Until
last fall, when an event in my life changed and we met so
unexpected.
You
needed a miracle from God and I’m so honored, he chose me,
To
carry your child, your love, your life’s dreams you see..."
 read the entire poem...
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 Considering parenthood? Center Kids in NY has a monthly program called "Planning Biological Parenthood for Gay Men". The group provides an opportunity to discuss the various aspects of surrogacy and egg donation faced by gay men. The group is also an opportunity to get together with other men considering fatherhood, share information, provide mutual
support,
and to build a network of gay dads. Special events and similar groups are also available in other regions. For information email Ron.
Already parents? A group of NY gay parents have been organizing for summer /fall picnics. for information and to get on the list email Nick.
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IN THE NEWS
John Weltman at The Gay Parenting Show: "Everything you wanted to know about surrogacy"
In a May interview John speaks about the current and future state of the agency and surrogacy in general. He also provides many interesting statistics (did you know that only one in thirty women applying to become surrogates end up being accepted?), costs breakdown and other financial information. The story includes a summary of the interview and a link for downloading or listening to the podcast.
go to story...
A Video about the personal story of a surrogate from Texas who carried twins for a gay couple
Minette, a Circle Surrogacy surrogate spoke in April to a group of prospective parents at NYC's Center Kids. Her moving story was captured in this video, and it is a rare opportunity to gain insight into surrogacy from the carrier's perspective. Her experience, personality and eloquence resulted in the entire room periodically moving from tears to laughter, while learning so much in the
process. This video is highly recommended to anyone considering surrogacy, those already involved with a
surrogate or who have worked with one in the past.
go to story...
Boston's Bay Windows features John Weltman: "Surrogacy expert to set sail on Rosie's cruise"
 The Bay Windows reported about R Family Vacations' invitation for John to speak to prospective parents aboard this summer's Alaska cruise. "Weltman will share both his personal story and tips about the legal, medical, financial and emotional aspects of surrogacy in a workshop to be held during the cruise... R Family Vacations cruises, which have been heavily promoted by Rosie O’Donnell,
include many workshops on LGBT family issues in addition to top-notch Broadway entertainment and family-friendly activities."
FEATURES
Surrogacy Update
We are pleased to introduce this new feature, with recent deliveries and pregnancies, as well as current and upcoming cycles. To insure privacy we only report surrogates' first names and initials. We also include some birth announcements from couples who gave us permission to post their pictures. Please send us yours to include in future editions!
go to story...
IVF Maximizes Parenthood Choices for Gay Men
Second article: Choosing an Egg Donor
 By Dr. Doyle, Connecticut Fertility Associates
Medical advances have widened the range of options for gay couples to build their families. In addition to adoption, gay couples can now consider ovum, also known as egg, donation and surrogacy as paths to follow to achieve parenthood. In the previous issue I focused on crucial decisions intended parents face during the creation and development of embryos. In the second article in this series I am focusing on choices involved in selecting egg donors.
go to article...
Meet the Staff: NORMA FAJARDO-HUARD
Program Coordinator
I am fortunate to have personally experienced this process as an egg donor and know first hand the commitment and dedication needed for this wonderful process. I will work closely with the egg donors and carriers to ensure their journey with Circle runs smoothly. I will be their contact throughout the process, I will also be the liaison between donors and carriers and the fertility centers. I have over eight years of coordination and finance experience in various medical settings and will work
closely with client's to ensure accuracy of their accountings. I look forward to working with John and helping clients of Circle reach their goal of becoming parents.
About Circle Surrogacy:
Since 1995, Circle Surrogacy has helped bring to the world almost 200 babies. Its dedicated staff of professionals is made up of lawyers, social workers, parents through surrogacy, surrogates and past clients. Circle Surrogacy provides a choice of specialized clinics at locations throughout the country, a large selection of egg donors, swift matching with carefully screened surrogates, and a variety of flexible programs and financial options to suit its clients’ unique family choices.
John Weltman, owner, founder is a Yale graduate and a nationally recognized expert in the field of reproductive law, including surrogacy and gay parenting.
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