Understanding Surrogate Rights and Protections in US Surrogacy with Kristen Armstrong

What rights do surrogates have in the United States - and what should intended parents understand before starting?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with attorney Kristen Armstrong to break down surrogate rights and legal protections in US surrogacy, including contracts, autonomy, and the real decisions that shape the journey.If you’re researching:surrogacy laws in the USA and surrogate rightswhat is allowed in surrogacy contracts (US)surrogate autonomy and medical decision-makinggestational carrier rights by staterisks and responsibilities for intended parents— this episode gives you clear, experience-based insight.Kristen explains:How state laws impact surrogate rights and protections, and why choosing a surrogate-friendly state mattersWhat body autonomy means in surrogacy, including decisions around medical care, abortion, and doctor choiceCommon points of conflict in surrogacy contracts - and how to align expectations earlyWhen and how surrogates or intended parents can change their minds before pregnancyHow compensation, benefits, and overlooked financial protections are structuredThis is a practical legal discussion of US surrogacy from the surrogate’s perspective, helping intended parents better understand the framework that protects both sides.If you are considering surrogacy in the United States, this episode will help you approach the process with more clarity, respect, and confidence.About the GuestKristen Armstrong is an attorney with over 18 years of experience in healthcare law, medical tourism, and surrogacy. She represents surrogates in contracts with intended parents and in establishing parental rights, ensuring protection, clarity, and advocacy throughout the process.Learn more: https://globalhealthcarelaw.comKEY TOPICS Surrogate rights in the USA: how state laws shape protections and legal structure [00:03:09]Body autonomy in surrogacy: medical decisions, abortion, and contractual limits [00:05:49]Surrogacy contract risks: common conflicts and why shared values matter [00:08:48]Can you change your mind in surrogacy? Legal considerations before pregnancy [00:11:50]Surrogate compensation and benefits: what is included and often overlooked [00:16:41]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Why is my surrogacy taking so long - and is this normal?In this solo episode, Maria Feekes answers one of the most common and stressful questions intended parents ask: why the surrogacy process can feel slow and unpredictable, even when everything seems to be done “right.”If you’re experiencing:delays in your surrogacy journeyuncertainty around timelines and next stepsfrustration waiting for matching, medical clearance, or embryo transferquestions like “how long does surrogacy really take?”— this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical perspective.Maria walks through:What a typical surrogacy timeline looks like - and where delays most often happenWhy biological, medical, and logistical factors can slow the process, even with strong planningHow IVF and embryo transfer timing impacts the overall journeyWhy delays are often about optimizing outcomes, not because something is wrongPractical ways to cope with waiting, stress, and lack of control during fertility treatmentThis is an honest, experience-based look at surrogacy delays and timelines, designed to help you feel more grounded and informed while navigating the waiting period.If your surrogacy journey feels slow or uncertain, this episode will remind you that you are not alone - and that progress is still happening, even when it’s not visible.KEY TOPICS Why surrogacy takes so long: emotional impact of waiting and uncertainty [00:24]Surrogacy timeline vs reality: expectations vs unpredictable delays [01:10]Common causes of delays in surrogacy and IVF: medical, biological, and logistics [04:19]Why delays can improve outcomes in fertility and surrogacy [06:11]Coping with waiting in surrogacy: shifting from frustration to trust and patience [13:26]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Curious what really happens behind the scenes of an international surrogacy journey? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Damion, a determined dad navigating the complexities of embryo creation in Mexico City. Packed with surprising lessons on the science, finances, and emotional ups and downs of building a family abroad, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what hopeful parents wish they knew before they started. Whether you’re considering surrogacy or just intrigued by powerful stories of resilience, you won’t want to miss these hard-earned insights and candid moments.Damion is a corporate chef, real estate investor, and intended father navigating the intricate process of embryo creation and surrogacy. Currently based in Polanco, Mexico City, Damion brings both determination and resourcefulness to his family-building journey. Researching genetic testing, managing costs, and collaborating with medical teams across borders. His story highlights the realities and lessons learned while pursuing surrogacy internationally and the importance of persistence, preparation, and finding the right support system along the way.KEY TOPICSThe financial planning challenges of fertility journeys in Mexico vs. the US [00:03:12]Deep-diving into DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, and advanced sperm testing for embryo creation [00:05:19]Navigating global insurance coverage for fertility treatments and leveraging US benefits abroad [00:07:10]Comparing medical protocols and lab technologies between Mexican and US fertility clinics, including the use of Zymot [00:12:18]The emotional reality of setbacks, support from partners, and the power of staying proactive through uncertainty [00:20:01]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What happens when you’ve done everything right — but your path to parenthood still feels impossible?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Irina to share her deeply personal story of infertility, surrogacy across Ukraine and the United States, and building a family through uncertainty.If you’re navigating:fertility struggles and loss of controlsurrogacy in Ukraine vs USAuncertainty and emotional challenges during IVF or surrogacyquestions about resilience, timing, and trust in the process— this conversation offers both perspective and reassurance.Irina shares:How she navigated surrogacy across two countries, including Ukraine and the United StatesWhat it was like pursuing multiple paths to parenthood in parallel, especially during COVID and global uncertaintyThe emotional reality of infertility, including grief, loss of control, and managing expectationsWhat life looks like raising three young children and a teenager after surrogacyHow shifting from control to gratitude and acceptance changed her experienceHow technology and AI can support fertility journeys, from research to emotional supportThis is a powerful and honest fertility and surrogacy story, showing that even when the journey is unpredictable, it can still lead to something meaningful.If you are in the middle of your fertility or surrogacy journey, this episode will remind you that you are not alone — and that hope can take unexpected forms.About the GuestIrina is a mother of multiple children, including babies born through surrogacy, whose journey has spanned both Ukraine and the United States. She shares an honest and reflective perspective on infertility, resilience, and building a family across borders.KEY TOPICS Fertility journey and loss of control: building trust and support systems [00:02:09]Surrogacy in Ukraine vs USA: navigating multiple paths during COVID and global uncertainty [00:06:11]Life after surrogacy: raising three toddlers and a teenager [00:10:04]Letting go of perfectionism: gratitude, resilience, and meaning in fertility struggles [00:14:01]How AI and technology support fertility journeys and decision-making [00:32:02]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What is it really like to have twins through surrogacy — and should you transfer two embryos?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Stacie and Iran to share their real-life experience of having twins through surrogacy, including the emotional decision behind double embryo transfer, the risks involved, and what life looks like raising twins.If you’re researching:can you have twins through surrogacydouble embryo transfer risks and success ratesIVF twins pregnancy risks for surrogate and babiessingle vs double embryo transfer decisionwhat it’s like raising twins after surrogacy— this episode gives you both practical insight and real-life perspective.Stacie and Iran share:How they approached the decision to pursue double embryo transferThe emotional and medical considerations behind hoping for twinsHonest discussion of the risks and ethical questions surrounding twin pregnanciesWhat daily life actually looks like raising twins — from routines to the unique bond between siblingsHow they supported their older child and navigated family dynamicsTheir advice for intended parents on resilience, partnership, and self-careThis is not just about twins — it’s a real, unfiltered look at surrogacy decisions and family life after IVF, helping intended parents understand both the hope and the responsibility that comes with transferring two embryos.If you are considering surrogacy and embryo transfer options, this episode will help you think through one of the most important decisions in your journey.About the GuestsStacie and Iran are parents to three children, including twin girls born through surrogacy after years of fertility treatments and setbacks. They share an honest perspective on the realities of twin pregnancy, family dynamics, and the lessons they learned advocating for their journey.KEY TOPICS Double embryo transfer decision: emotional and medical considerations for twins [00:38]Risks of twins in surrogacy: medical, ethical, and practical realities [02:08]Raising twins after surrogacy: routines, challenges, and sibling bond [12:22]Family dynamics with twins: supporting older children and transitions [19:13]Advice for intended parents: resilience, self-care, and partnership [22:20]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What happens when your fertility journey doesn’t follow the plan you’ve worked so hard to create?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Keena to share a deeply personal story of infertility, loss, and ultimately finding hope through surrogacy.If you’re experiencing:fertility struggles and emotional ups and downsgrief after loss or failed treatmentsstress around timelines and feeling out of controlcomparison to others on their fertility journey— this conversation will resonate on a very real level.Keena shares:What it felt like to move from control and planning into uncertainty during her fertility journeyHow she navigated grief, setbacks, and emotional challenges along the wayThe shift from focusing on timelines to embracing acceptance and perspectiveThe importance of support systems, community, and sharing your storyHow resilience is built by focusing on what you can control — and letting go of what you can’tThis is a powerful and honest conversation about infertility and surrogacy, offering reassurance, perspective, and emotional support for anyone walking a similar path.If you are in the middle of your fertility or surrogacy journey, this episode will remind you that you are not alone — and that hope can take unexpected forms.About the GuestKeena shares her personal fertility and surrogacy journey, offering honest insight into the emotional challenges of loss, the pressure of timelines, and the transformation that comes with letting go of control.KEY TOPICS Letting go of control during fertility and surrogacy: why timelines create stress [06:00]Emotional challenges in infertility: grief, loss, and finding support [10:19]Gaining perspective during fertility struggles: gratitude and avoiding comparison [12:21]The importance of community in the fertility and surrogacy journey [15:30]Building resilience through acceptance and navigating uncertainty [27:37]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What is surrogacy in Mexico really like from the surrogate’s perspective?In this episode of Your Fertility Story, Maria and Anna speak with Genny, a surrogate mother in Mexico who recently carried a baby for intended parents from the United States. Genny shares her honest experience becoming a surrogate, including the fears she faced before starting the surrogacy process, the emotional highs and lows of the journey, and the important role family support played throughout the experience.This episode explores what it is really like to be a surrogate mother in Mexico, how trust is built between surrogates and intended parents, and why emotional support and communication are essential during the surrogacy journey.Whether you are considering surrogacy in Mexico, researching international surrogacy, exploring IVF and embryo transfer journeys, or wanting to better understand the surrogate experience, Genny’s story offers a rare and heartfelt look inside the process.Genny joins Your Fertility Story to discuss:Why she decided to become a surrogate motherHow she prepared emotionally for surrogacyThe importance of agency and family supportHow she explained surrogacy to her sonWhat intended parents should understand about the surrogate experienceKEY TOPICSGenny’s motivation to become a surrogate mother and help another family while supporting her own family [02:10]Overcoming fears about surrogacy and building trust through research, education, and agency support [05:52]The emotional realities of being a surrogate and the importance of family support during the surrogacy journey [11:38]How Genny explained surrogacy to her son and involved her children in the experience with honesty and openness [21:10]What makes intended parents and surrogacy agencies feel trustworthy and supportive from a surrogate’s perspective [32:11]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What does surrogacy in the USA really look like - legally, financially, and emotionally?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with leading reproductive attorney Melissa Brisman to break down surrogacy in the United States, including legal requirements, contracts, risks, and the realities intended parents should understand before starting.If you’re researching:surrogacy in USA laws by statehow surrogacy works in the United Statessurrogacy contracts and legal risks USAcost of surrogacy in USA and financial protectionsescrow and insurance in US surrogacy— this episode gives you practical, experience-based insights.Melissa shares:How surrogacy in the USA has evolved, including rapid growth, technology advances, and the expansion of agenciesThe legal structure of US surrogacy, including how state laws impact intended parentsWhat goes into surrogacy contracts, including difficult decisions and emotional considerationsWhy escrow management, insurance, and professional guidance are critical to protecting your journeyHow to build the right team and manage expectations around timelines, uncertainty, and decision-makingThis is a real-world look at surrogacy in the USA, combining legal expertise with practical advice to help intended parents avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.If you are considering surrogacy in the United States, this episode will help you understand both the opportunities and the risks before you begin.KEY TOPICS Surrogacy in the USA: growth of the industry and how the process has evolved [00:03:10]US surrogacy laws by state: legal structure and key differences [00:05:10]Surrogacy contracts in the USA: legal and emotional considerations [00:10:24]Escrow, insurance, and financial protection in US surrogacy [00:21:11]Choosing the right surrogacy team and managing expectations [00:27:55]About the GuestMelissa B. Brisman is a leading reproductive law attorney with decades of experience guiding intended parents through surrogacy in the United States and internationally. She has helped shape surrogacy law, including contributing to the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Act, and has supported thousands of families through complex legal and emotional decisions in assisted reproduction.Todays guest, Melissa B. Brisman, can be found online at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBBrismanEsq?fref=tsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissabrismanesq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaBrisman/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabrisman/X: https://twitter.com/melissabrismanTik Tok: MelissabrismanYour host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal — and who qualifies for the program?In this episode, Maria Feekes speaks with experienced attorney Oksana Lutsenko to explain surrogacy laws in Ukraine, including eligibility requirements, legal parentage, and the process of bringing your baby home after birth.If you’re researching:is surrogacy legal in Ukraine for foreignerswho qualifies for surrogacy in Ukraine (legal requirements)surrogacy laws Ukraine birth certificate parents’ rightsgenetic link requirements for Ukraine surrogacyUkraine surrogacy exit process and embassy timeline— this episode provides clear, experience-based answers.Oksana explains:How surrogacy laws in Ukraine work and why the legal framework is considered one of the most structured internationallyWho qualifies for surrogacy, including medical criteria and marriage requirements for intended parentsHow birth certificates are issued in Ukraine, with intended parents listed and no mention of the surrogateThe role of genetic link requirements in establishing legal parentageThe full exit process, including embassy procedures, documentation, and how long it takes to bring your baby homeThis is a practical legal guide to surrogacy in Ukraine, designed to help intended parents understand the process before starting their journey.If you are considering international surrogacy in Ukraine, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.KEY TOPICSSurrogacy laws in Ukraine: who qualifies and why legal clarity matters [00:02:01]Surrogacy requirements in Ukraine: medical criteria and marriage rules [00:03:09]Birth certificate in Ukraine surrogacy: parents’ rights and no surrogate listed [00:06:08]Genetic link requirement in Ukraine surrogacy and legal parentage [00:08:05]Ukraine surrogacy exit process: embassy steps and timeline to bring baby home [00:13:00]About Oksana Lutsenko:Ukrainian lawyer with more than 10 years of professional experience in the field of assisted reproductive technologies and surrogacy law. Since 2014, she has been providing legal support for international and domestic surrogacy programs, including contract drafting, parental rights documentation, coordination with clinics and agencies, and guidance on Ukrainian family and reproductive legislation. Our guest, Oksana Lutsenko, can be reached at:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oklutsenko/Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Mexican attorney Ramiro Alejandro García Flores to break down surrogacy laws in Mexico, including the real legal process, parental rights, and common mistakes that can delay or derail a journey.If you’re researching:is surrogacy legal in Mexico for foreignerssurrogacy in Mexico laws by state (Tabasco, Sinaloa, Mexico City)how parentage is established in Mexico surrogacywhat is amparo in surrogacy Mexicodo intended parents need DNA testing or travel to Mexico— this episode gives you clear, experience-based answers.Ramiro explains:How surrogacy laws in Mexico work, including differences between states and the role of Supreme Court guidanceThe amparo process and how intended parents establish legal parentage (pre-birth vs post-birth)What the new voluntary jurisdiction process means and why contract ratification before embryo transfer is criticalCommon misconceptions about DNA testing, power of attorney, and parental presence in MexicoHow procreative intent and human rights principles shape surrogacy outcomes in Mexican courtsThis is a practical, legal breakdown of surrogacy in Mexico, designed to help intended parents understand the real process - not just assumptions or outdated information.If you are considering surrogacy in Mexico, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity and confidence.KEY TOPICSSurrogacy laws in Mexico: legal foundations, state differences, and Supreme Court guidance [04:32]Amparo process explained: how legal parentage is established in Mexico (pre-birth vs post-birth) [08:36]Voluntary jurisdiction in Mexico surrogacy: why contract ratification before transfer matters [18:12]Surrogacy myths in Mexico: DNA testing, power of attorney, and travel requirements [35:26]Procreative intent and human rights in Mexican surrogacy law [49:24]About the Guest:Ramiro Alejandro García Flores has been working with surrogacy and assisted reproduction cases in Mexico for over 14 years. He personally manages the Amparo filings and court procedures for the families and oversees the legal process from preparation through the final court steps.Ramiro Alejandro García Flores, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiro-alejandro-garcía-flores-2b135593/Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/