Webinar – SurrogateFirst https://surrogatefirst.com Helping families, one blessing at a time Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:42:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://surrogatefirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/surrogatefirst_favicon_2_32x32.webp Webinar – SurrogateFirst https://surrogatefirst.com 32 32 Asia 2026 Assisted Reproduction Seminar https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/asia-2026-assisted-reproduction-seminar/ Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:56:34 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.com/?p=5658

The Road to family life Amidst a changing landscape:

In recent years, international family-building has been influenced by changing global policies, legal frameworks, and geopolitical uncertainties. For many intended parents, especially those exploring overseas assisted reproduction, navigating this landscape can feel complex and overwhelming.

To help address these concerns, SurrogateFirst was honored to collaborate with Taiwan Tongjia Hui (同家會) to host an online webinar. The webinar was conducted primarily in Chinese and designed for intended parents in Taiwan who are exploring options such as egg donation, IVF, and U.S. surrogacy as part of their journey to parenthood.

Through this session, we aimed to provide a clearer overview of the surrogacy process, discuss practical considerations when planning a U.S. surrogacy journey, and highlight the key risks and safeguards that intended parents should understand before beginning.

Community Support for LGBTQ+ Families

  • Tongjia Hui has more than 20 years of experience serving the community
  • The organization provides educational resources, online seminars, and community events
  • Help families access reliable information and connect with supportive networks

Overview of the U.S. Surrogacy Process

  • The process includes preparation, egg donation, matching with a surrogate, medical procedures, pregnancy, and birth
  • From initial planning to delivery, the full process typically takes around 25 months

Understanding the Cost of Surrogacy

  • Financial planning is a key part of preparing for surrogacy
  • Typical U.S. surrogacy budgets generally range from approximately US$230,000 to US$300,000
  • Major cost components usually include:
    • Egg donation
    • Fertility treatments and medical procedures
    • Surrogate compensation
    • Legal and administrative services

Choosing the Right Egg Donor and Professional Team

  • Selecting the right egg donor, fertility clinic, and surrogacy agency is an important decision
  • Egg donors should have strong reproductive health and ovarian function
  • Intended parents are encouraged to work with experienced physicians and well-established agencies
  • Transparency, experience, and clear communication are key factors when choosing a team

Understanding U.S. Surrogacy Laws

  • Surrogacy laws vary significantly across different U.S. states
  • It is important to confirm that the chosen state permits and regulates surrogacy arrangements
  • Working with experienced legal professionals helps ensure:
    • Proper legal documentation
    • Clear establishment of parental rights
    • Protection for all parties involved

Birth Documentation and Returning Home

  • After birth, the baby’s birth certificate is typically issued within 1–2 weeks
  • Intended parents must then apply for a U.S. passport for the baby
  • Once documentation is completed, families can return to Taiwan or their country of residence

Still have questions or want to learn more about surrogacy?

If you have more questions about these topics, feel free to get in touch with us, or join us in Taipei at the W Hotel on April 10-11 2026. All the info available here (+ free tickets with our SurrogateFirst code).

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]]> MHP: Supporting the Individual and Group Relationship in Surrogacy https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/mhp-supporting-the-individual-and-group-relationship-in-surrogacy-surrogatefirst-webinar/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.com/?p=3295

About our guests

Join us for an insightful webinar presented by SurrogateFirst featuring our esteemed guest speaker, Joey Guzman-Kuffel, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Founder of Counseling With Joey & Associates.

In this session, Joey will delve into the critical role mental health professionals play in fostering healthy relationships between Gestational Carriers (GCs) and Intended Parents (IPs). Topics will include common challenges in building these relationships, the importance of healthy boundaries, and practical tips for IPs and GCs at the beginning of their journey.

Key Questions to be Addressed:

    • What are the most common reasons GCs/IPs struggle with building their relationship?
    • What should surrogates know about IPs when building their relationship? – What should IPs know about GCs when building their relationship?
    • Why are boundaries important, and what are some healthy boundaries? – What tips do you have for IPs/GCs starting out in the surrogacy process?
    • How should IPs/GCs address a struggling relationship?
    • Insights from an IP perspective on building relationships

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for both IPs and GCs to gain valuable insights and practical advice to enhance their surrogacy experience.

Watch the webinar here

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]]> Top 10 Questions You Should Ask An Agency https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/top-10-questions-you-should-ask-an-agency-surrogatefirst-webinar/ Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.com/?p=3305

About this week’s webinar

Are you considering surrogacy and feeling overwhelmed by the many agencies available? Join us for an informative webinar presented by SurrogateFirst, where we will guide you through the essential questions you need to ask when choosing a surrogacy agency. This session aims to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your surrogacy journey. Choosing the right surrogacy agency is a critical step in your journey, and we are here to ensure you make an informed choice. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered by experts in the field.

The key takeaways 

  1. How many surrogacies has the agency facilitated in the past year?

    Shows agency size, experience, and coordinator workload. Helps gauge support quality and matching speed.

  2. How long does it take to match?

    Understand screening timelines for surrogates and average match times for intended parents.

  3. What is the recommended surrogate benefit package?

    Clarifies base compensation, included benefits, and transparency for fair expectations and budgeting.

  4. What are the agency’s recommended qualifications?

    Reveals how closely they follow ASRM guidelines and whether they prioritize safety over profit.

  5. Is someone available 24/7 for emergencies?

    Ensures urgent issues—medical, legal, or logistical—can be addressed promptly.

  6. Is your staff experienced as surrogates, intended parents, or fertility professionals?

    Brings empathy, understanding, and relevant support during challenges.

  7. How and why was your agency started?

    Gives insight into the agency’s mission, values, and heart behind the business.

  8. How are you different from other agencies?

    Highlights unique processes, philosophy, or support offerings that could affect your journey.

  9. What do your fees cover and what’s extra?

    Prevents surprises—clarifies exactly what is included in the agency’s fee structure.

  10. How do you handle conflicts or mismatches after a match is made?

    Shows readiness to resolve issues respectfully, with clear steps if relationships or expectations shift.

Watch the full webinar here

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]]> Webinar Celebration: Military Spouse Appreciation Day https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/military-spouse-appreciation-day-surrogatefirst-webinar/ Fri, 10 May 2024 10:43:00 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.com/?p=3308

About our hosts

A SurrogateFirst a special Webinar for Military Spouse Appreciation Day featuring our very own Case Manager/Surrogates- Karina, Stephanie & Zyul. This heartfelt event is dedicated to the courageous military spouses who have embarked on the deeply rewarding journey of surrogacy while supporting their partners in service.

Top Takeaways – Military Spouse Appreciation Webinar

  1. Celebrating Military Spouses – Honoring the resilience, sacrifice, and community spirit of spouses who serve in their own unique way.

  2. Why Surrogacy Appeals to Military Spouses – Offers purpose, flexibility, and the ability to help another family while still supporting your own.

  3. Benefits of Military Life – Strong community support, financial stability, healthcare, and opportunities for growth despite frequent moves.

  4. Challenges They Overcome – Relocation every few years, rebuilding support systems, balancing childcare with career goals, and adapting to new environments.

  5. Advice for Military Spouses Considering Surrogacy – Do thorough research, talk openly with your partner, assess your readiness, and trust the process.

  6. Timing Matters – Start your surrogacy journey when you’re settled at a duty station for at least a year to ensure stability through pregnancy.

    Watch the full webinar here

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    ]]>         Chinese Surrogacy: Cost Breakdown, In-Details https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/chinese-surrogacy-cost-breakdown-webinar-2/ Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:39:07 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=729

    Are you a Chinese or Taiwanese potential intended parent and doing research about your upcoming surrogacy journey?

    Our team has a wide array of international surrogacy experience and have deep partnerships with surrogacy firms in Taiwan and China.

    In the below, our co-founder, Lina, breaks down the top expenses you should be prepared for as you approach your own journey.

    Whether you are interested in egg donation, fees for doctor consultations and medicine, or just have general cost questions about starting a family through surrogacy, this webinar is for you.

    Some of the key points covered in the seminar

    • Egg Donation
    • Doctor Fee & Medicine
    • The Surrogacy Journey

    Watch the webinar

     

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    ]]>         Surrogacy Escrow Fund Webinar with Denise Steele of SeedTrust Escrow https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/surrogacy-escrow-fund-webinar-with-denise-steele-of-seedtrust-escrow-2/ Tue, 17 May 2022 01:37:05 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=718

    This week’s webinar

    Having escrow set up to protect the surrogate and the intended parents is extremely important! Find out why and so much more in this week’s surrogacy webinar!

    About our guest

    Our SurrogateFirst team is proud to introduce you to Denise Steele of SeedTrust Escrow – a major partner for the intended parents and gestational surrogates who work with us! As the leading technology-enabled escrow fund manager for third-party reproductive journeys that utilize surrogacy and egg donation, Denise of the SeedTrust team walks through the surrogacy escrow process and what to expect.

    The key points from the webinar

    Why independent, well-managed escrow protects intended parents, surrogates, and agencies.

    1. Independent, specialized escrow is critical

      Use a neutral third party even in family/friend matches. SEEDS Trust is fully independent (no agency or law firm ownership), providing neutrality and security.

    2. Strong financial safeguards

      SEEDS Trust maintains a $40M bond on surrogacy funds—far above typical providers—to help protect client money in all scenarios.

    3. Managing vs. holding escrow

      Managing = verify every disbursement against the contract, check receipts, prevent duplicates. Holding = simple pass-through, less oversight, higher risk.

    4. Full transparency, real-time access

      24/7 online portal for IPs, surrogates, and agencies to track all transactions; multilingual support for international clients.

    5. Contract clarity before funding

      Open escrow early; if the direct agreement isn’t signed yet, manage against the agency agreement. Define complex items (e.g., lost wages gross/net, proof of employment) with third-party reproduction attorneys.

    6. Dispute handling & off-contract items

      Payments pause if a request isn’t covered by the contract. Escrow consults all parties and proceeds only with written approval or attorney guidance.

    7. Fast, reliable payments

      Typical turnaround is within 2 business days after approval (fastest via direct deposit). International transfers may take longer due to receiving banks.

    8. Specialization over convenience

      Keep roles separate: agencies coordinate, attorneys draft/review, escrow manages funds. Avoid in-house escrow when possible to reduce liability and strengthen safeguards.

    Watch the full webinar

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    ]]>         Surrogate Selection: Tips for Your Family with Dr Parc (SDFC) https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/surrogate-selection-webinar-tips-for-your-family-with-dr-park-of-sdfc-2/ Wed, 27 Apr 2022 12:12:04 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=715

    The surrogacy selection process can be daunting.

    • Where do you start your search?
    • Which qualities should you seek in selecting a surrogate that you can trust with carrying your future child?
    • Is in vitro fertilization a safe procedure for you and the surrogate?

    Introducing our guest

    We are honored to have Dr. Susanna Park from San Diego Fertility Center (SDFC) join us in our latest surrogacy webinar, who shares the top tips from a medical perspective in selecting a surrogate for your journey.

    Our host, Jeffrey Hu, Founder of SurrogateFirst, will also share his tips from an agencies perspective!

    The key points of the webinar

    1. Basic Surrogate Criteria – ASRM guidelines include age 21–45, at least one uncomplicated pregnancy, ≤5 deliveries, ≤3 C-sections, stable family life, and BMI preferably under 30–32.

    2. Thorough Medical & Psychological Screening – Includes medical and obstetric history review, infection and drug screening, uterine evaluation (saline sonogram), and psychological assessments for both surrogate and intended parents.

    3. Risks of Double Embryo Transfer – Higher risk of complications (premature birth, high blood pressure, diabetes, C-section) and potential for selective reduction if embryos split into triplets.

    4. Red Flags in Medical History – Recurrent pregnancy complications (e.g., high blood pressure, severe preterm birth) may limit eligibility, especially for twin pregnancies.

    5. Failed Transfers & Miscarriages – One miscarriage is not disqualifying; repeated failures with high-quality embryos may warrant switching surrogates.

    6. Agency Pre-Qualification Advantage – Matching only after full medical record review avoids emotional attachment to surrogates who may later be deemed medically unsuitable.

    7. Managing Expectations – Clear agreements on compensation, contact frequency, and sensitive issues like termination stance prevent misunderstandings during the journey.

    8. Support Networks Matter – Strong agency, family, and medical support systems help ensure a healthy, positive experience for surrogates and intended parents.

    Watch the full webinar here

    This webinar provides intended parents with a strong knowledge foundation to assist them in their path to building family.

     

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    ]]>         Potential RISKS to Your Surrogacy? https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/potential-risks-to-your-surrogacy-surrogacy-webinar-2/ Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:16:32 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=699

    Ashley’s Insights about what can go wrong when becoming a surrogate

    Ashley Mareko, our wonderful three-time surrogate and Surrogacy Coordinator, shares her insights into the potential risks to being a surrogate.

    surrogacy risks webinar

    Although surrogacy is usually a safe and smooth process for all involved it is important to also understand the reality of the potential downsides. 

    During this surrogacy webinar, Ashley shares her experiences on the physical impact the medical process of IVF and pregnancy can have on your health. 

    She also shares the most common mental health and emotional issues that surrogates face and what surrogacy support networks are available. 

    Lastly, she shares how to protect your finances from potential risks in discussing how compensation is funded and what fees you may (or may not) have responsibility.

    Watch the full webinar below

     

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    ]]>         Intended Parents Webinar: Finding the RIGHT Surrogacy Agency https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/intended-parents-webinar-selecting-the-right-surrogacy-agency-2/ Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:02:14 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=697

    What this webinar is about

    Intended parents are faced with the difficult task of researching surrogacy agencies with which to work alongside their families’ journeys. We hope to provide guidance and insight from experienced IP’s to share there tips on selecting an agency best suited for your needs and budget.

    Intended Parent Perspectives: Selecting a Surrogacy Agency Agency & Staff History – who are they and what are their core values?

    • Support – is staff available 24/7 for emergencies? What the level of support to IP & surrogate?
    • Red Flags: why in-house lawyers and escrow are potential Red Flags?
    • Screening Requirements – pre-qualification, why this is key!
    • Cost Saving Tips – where to save and where not to skimp!
    • Our webinar discussion will start off by discussing these key factors and move onto Q&A from the webinar audience.

    Here is summary of the webinar

    These items were covered in the second session but not (or only lightly) in the first.

    Agency Leadership & Accessibility

    • Founders are intended parents with personal surrogacy experience (multiple countries).
    • 24/7 contact: after-hours calls can route directly to founders if coordinators are unavailable.
    • Encourages knowing who the founders are and how to reach them.

    Agency Story & Motivation

    • Why SurrogateFirst was created: raise screening standards and reliability across the journey.
    • Response to industry gaps (e.g., poor vetting, agencies disappearing post-signing).
    • Commitment to a high ethical standard for both IPs and surrogates.

    Financial Structure & Safeguards

    • No match, no fee policy detailed: no deposit until medical records are approved and a match meeting is completed.
    • Typical match timeline shared (about 4–6 weeks) and why.
    • Clarity on when agency fees are due (before/after profile, etc.).
    • Discussion of average surrogacy costs for budgeting.
    • Guidance on escrow funding levels (e.g., 100–200% of estimated costs to cover contingencies).

    OB/GYN & Hospital Choice

    • When IPs may choose OB/hospital vs. using the surrogate’s established providers.
    • Recommendation to deliver at hospitals with at least a Level II or III NICU.

    Agency Agreement Review

    • Strong directive to read the agency agreement thoroughly before signing.
    • Specific clauses to check: rematch fees, surrogate withdrawal, pause policies, agency responsibilities.
    • Have an independent attorney review the agreement.

    Cost & Referral Ethics

    • Agency states it receives no kickbacks from clinics, attorneys, escrow, or insurance providers.
    • Referrals are based on quality and prior positive experiences, not compensation.

    Escrow & Reimbursement Transparency

    • IPs should review escrow receipts and reconcile expenses.
    • Both escrow company and agency monitor reimbursements, but IP due diligence is still encouraged.

    Check out the full interview

    Our Ashley Mareko  answers some of the top questions asked about how intended parents should go about selecting a surrogacy agency:

    Have any questions? Reach out to our surrogacy team at any time.

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    ]]>         Surrogacy Webinar: Top 5 Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency https://surrogatefirst.com/webinar/surrogacy-webinar-top-5-questions-to-ask-a-surrogacy-agency-2/ Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:29:50 +0000 https://surrogatefirst.wpenginepowered.com/?p=695

    Experienced surrogates share their Top 5 ‘must ask’ questions when selecting a surrogacy agency.

    You don’t want to miss this interesting discussion about evaluating what type of agency is right for you. 

    1. Agency & Staff History –  who are they and what are their core values?  
    2. Support & Availability – is someone always available for emergencies? 
    3. Red Flags – in-house lawyers and escrow? Why are these potential Red Flags?  
    4. Screening Requirements – why pre-qualification is a must!   
    5. Compensation & Benefits – transparency and what items are clearly stated in agreement? 

    These are just some of the key questions of many more that should be asked and verified about any agency or provider that you consider to partner with. Surrogacy journeys can take up to 12-18 months to complete so selecting a strong and competent partner is crucial. Check out this informative surrogacy webinar in its entirety below!

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