當奧運花式滑冰冠軍劉美賢踏上冰面時，她所展現的不只是實力，更是多年來的努力、堅持，以及家人一路以來的愛與支持。

她的成長故事，也映照出現代成家方式的一種重要選擇 —- 透過代孕，許多家庭找到了屬於自己的孩子，開啟了全新的人生篇章。

根據People.com 的報導,

劉美賢和她的四位兄弟姊妹，都是由父親劉俊（Arthur Liu） 透過妊娠型代孕與卵子捐贈迎接來到這個世界。

劉俊作為一位主動選擇成為單親父親的人，帶著清晰的規劃與對家庭的期待，踏上這段旅程。最終，在代孕母親的幫助下，他實現了成家的願望，建立起自己一直嚮往的家庭。

照片來源：People.com

劉俊成為父親的歷程，以及劉美賢的成長故事，都展現了代孕如何讓不同背景、不同人生選擇的人，也能擁有屬於自己的家庭，給孩子滿滿的愛與支持。

今天的劉美賢，已成為同世代中最傑出的運動員之一。而在她的成功背後，不僅有一位全心投入的父親，也有那位讓她得以來到這個世界的代孕母親。

在許多公開報導裡，代孕母親往往不在鎂光燈下，但在像劉美賢這樣的故事中，她們扮演著關鍵角色。願意為另一個家庭懷孕生子，是一份出於信任與善意的決定，也是極為珍貴的付出。

照片來源： People.com

代孕已逐漸被視為一種成熟且可行的成家方式。無論是主動選擇單親的父母、LGBTQ+ 家庭，或其他不同背景的人，都能透過 IVF 代孕踏上成為父母的旅程。想了解 IVF 代孕適合哪些人，歡迎點此閱讀。

對準父母而言，成家的過程往往漫長又充滿不確定性。而劉美賢的故事帶來了一份安心——透過代孕誕生的孩子，從一開始就建立在清楚的選擇、堅定的承諾，以及深厚的情感連結之上。

在 SurrogateFirst，我們每天都見證這樣的故事。代孕母親不只是陪伴懷孕的角色，她們為家庭帶來新的生命，也為準父母打開成家的可能。那份勇氣與信任，不只改變一個孩子的出生，更影響著整個家庭，甚至下一代。

每一年，SurrogateFirst 都見證著一段段由勇氣、信任與非凡付出所交織而成的旅程。正是這些代孕母親的無私奉獻，幫助準父母迎接屬於他們的孩子誕生——這些真實故事與重要里程碑，都記錄在SurrogateFirst 社群之中。

當劉美賢持續在奧運舞台上發光發熱時，她的故事也默默致敬那些讓她與兄弟姊妹來到這個世界的代孕母親。這提醒我們，代孕早已成為一條成熟且值得信賴的成家之路。每一段不凡的人生背後，都有一份不平凡的付出。

想進一步了解劉美賢的故事，歡迎點此閱讀。

為何選擇 SurrogateFirst？

在 SurrogateFirst，我們不僅僅是一個配對機構 – 我們是您的最强後盾。

• 體貼、個人化的配對
• 全天候一對一支援
• 法律與醫療協調
• 透明的收費制度
• 為代孕母親 與準父母 提供 情緒支援

今天就開始您的旅程：

踏上爲人父母之旅

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When Olympic figure skating Champion Alysa Liu takes the ice, she represents years of dedication, resilience and love from the family who raised her. Her story reflects something deeply meaningful in modern family building: surrogacy as a trusted and life-changing path to parenthood.

According to a recent feature by People.com, Alysa Liu and her four siblings were welcomed by their father, Arthur Liu, through gestational surrogacy with egg donation. As a single parent by choice, Arthur pursued his dream of having children with intention and hope, ultimately building the family he envisioned through wonderful surrogates who carried his children into the world.

Photo source: People.com

Arthur Liu‘s journey to fatherhood and Alysa’s upbringing highlight how surrogacy has empowered individuals from diverse backgrounds and different preferences to create loving families.

Today, Alysa Liu stands among the most accomplished athletes of her generation and behind her success is not only a devoted father but also the surrogate who made her life possible. Surrogates are often unseen in public narratives, yet play a big role in stories like Alysa’s. Their willingness to carry a pregnancy for another family is a selfless act of compassion, trust and extraordinary giving.

Photo source: People.com

Surrogacy is increasingly recognized as an established and proven way to build a family as it creates a path to parenthood for many people including single parents by choice, LGBTQ+ and many more. Learn more about who IVF surrogacy is for here.

For intended parents, the road to family building can be long and uncertain and Alysa’s story offers a powerful reassurance that children born through surrogacy are rooted in intention, commitment and deep connection from the very beginning.

At SurrogateFirst, we see this reality everyday. Surrogates are not only partners in pregnancy. They are givers of life and a blessing to families they help. Their courage creates futures that extend far beyond birth, and generations even. Stories like Alysa Liu’s are part of a much larger tapestry of families created through surrogacy.

Each year, SurrogateFirst witnesses journeys shaped by courage, trust, and extraordinary generosity from surrogates who help intended parents welcome their children, as seen in our surrogacy stories and milestones from the SurrogateFirst community.

As Alysa Liu continues her Olympic journey, her story quietly honors the surrogates who helped bring her and her siblings into this world. It is a reminder that surrogacy has become a proven and meaningful path to starting a family. Behind extraordinary lives is an extraordinary act of giving.

Learn more about Alysa Liu’s story here.

Why SurrogateFirst?

At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than a matching agency—we’re your support system.

• Compassionate, personalized matching
• 24/7 access to dedicated case managers
• Legal and medical coordination
• Transparent pricing
• Emotional support for surrogates and for intended parents alike

Start your journey today:

AS A SURROGATE

AS INTENDED PARENT(S)

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In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both independent surrogacy and agency surrogacy, helping you make an informed decision about your journey.

What Is Independent Surrogacy?

Independent surrogacy, also known as private surrogacy, is when a surrogate and intended parents work directly with one another without the involvement of an agency. This means both parties are responsible for managing all aspects of the surrogacy process, from finding each other to handling legal, financial, and medical arrangements.

Pros of Independent Surrogacy

1. Cost Savings
   • Since no agency fees are involved, independent surrogacy can be more affordable for intended parents, which may make it appealing to them.
2. Flexibility
   • You and the intended parents can set your own terms and customize the process to meet your specific needs.
3. Direct Relationship
   • Independent surrogacy often fosters a close bond between the surrogate and the intended parents since there is direct communication throughout the journey.

Cons of Independent Surrogacy

1. Increased Responsibility
   • As an independent surrogate, you’ll need to manage every detail, from scheduling medical appointments to finding and hiring your own attorney. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially for first-time surrogates.
2. Lack of Support
   • There is no agency to provide emotional or logistical support. You may feel isolated if challenges arise.
3. Higher Risks
   • Without professional oversight, there’s a greater chance of encountering scams, mismatches, or issues with contracts and payments.

What Is Agency Surrogacy?

Agency surrogacy involves partnering with a professional surrogacy agency that manages the entire process for both the surrogate and the intended parents. The agency handles everything from matching you with intended parents to ensuring all legal, financial, and medical requirements are met.

Pros of Agency Surrogacy

1. Comprehensive Support
   • Agencies provide step-by-step guidance, making the process less stressful. You’ll have a case manager to answer questions, coordinate appointments, and offer emotional support.
2. Legal and Financial Protection
   • Agencies connect you with experienced attorneys who draft detailed contracts to protect your rights. They also manage escrow accounts, ensuring you’re compensated on time and fairly.
3. Streamlined Matching Process
   • Agencies carefully vet intended parents and match you based on shared values and preferences, ensuring a good fit.
4. Advocacy
   • Agencies advocate for you throughout the journey, addressing any concerns and resolving potential conflicts.

Cons of Agency Surrogacy

1. Higher Costs (for Intended Parents)
   • While surrogacy agencies provide valuable services, the additional fees may make the process more expensive for intended parents. However, this cost does not affect the surrogate.
2. Less Flexibility
   • Agencies follow structured guidelines, which may limit some customization options. However, these guidelines are designed to protect both surrogates and intended parents.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Path

For First-Time Surrogates

If you’re new to surrogacy, partnering with an agency is highly recommended. The process involves numerous legal, medical, and logistical steps that can be overwhelming to handle on your own. An agency provides the education, resources, and support you need to navigate your first journey with confidence.

For Experienced Surrogates

Independent surrogacy may be an option for those who have completed multiple journeys and feel comfortable managing the process independently. However, even experienced surrogates often choose agencies for the added convenience and security they provide.

Conclusion

Whether you choose independent surrogacy or agency surrogacy, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each path carefully. For first-time surrogates, working with a surrogacy agency provides the support, guidance, and protection needed to ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy journey or want to learn more about the process, contact us today. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you take the first step toward changing a family’s life forever.

About SurrogateFirst

SurrogateFirst was born from a deeply personal understanding of the surrogacy journey, rooted in our core values of endurance, transformation, hope, and the miracle of life. Our foundation is built on the profound experiences of real-life surrogates and the incredible impact their selfless acts have on countless lives.

With deep respect and unwavering transparency, we walk alongside you, crafting a personalized journey from the magical moment of matching surrogate and intended parents, through the intricacies of legal and financial planning, to the breathtaking experience of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. At SurrogateFirst, we don’t just manage a process—we nurture dreams, forge lifelong bonds, and help write the most beautiful chapters in people’s lives.

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Read more on this topic

The Current State of Surrogacy in France

State of Surrogacy in 2025: Navigating the Changes

Cost of Surrogacy in 2025

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Watch the interview originally posted on Fox 26 Houston on January 14, 2024.

Recently featured on Lunch for the Soul on FOX 26 Houston was the inspiring journey of our beloved Ashley Mareko.

As a mom from the Big Island, Ashley has brought four babies into the world as a surrogate. Her dedication to ethical surrogacy practices shines through as the Director of SurrogateFirst. Ashley’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of surrogacy and the positive impact it has on families.

Stay tuned to the SurrogateFirst blog for more updates and discussions on surrogacy-related topics. 

 

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The world of surrogacy in the United States is experiencing many changes in 2025.

New laws, shifts in medical practices, and changing demographics are all impacting the industry. Let’s break down what’s happening right now with surrogacy in the US and what it means for future intended parents and surrogates.

What’s Shaping Surrogacy in 2025?

Things are changing fast, and there are several key trends we’re seeing right now:

New Laws and How They’re Different Across the US

Recent research from SurrogateFirst shows that the laws are getting more and more complicated. It’s not the same across the board— each state has its own rules.

• “Personhood” Laws: About a third of states now have laws giving fetuses legal rights.
• IVF and Surrogacy: Some states have even made laws about “personhood” that affect IVF and surrogacy, making things more difficult.
• Cross-State Arrangements: Because the laws are so different, many people who want to become parents are looking at options in other states. This adds another layer of complexity.

These changes are often based on different political and religious views about when life begins. In 2024, there was a lot of discussion surrounding the Catholic Church’s stance. Pope Francis publicly reiterated the church’s opposition to surrogacy, describing it as a violation of a child’s dignity and an exploitation of women. While the Catholic Church’s views are not law, they do influence policy and public opinion in many areas. This has resulted in more legal and social challenges for families using assisted reproduction.

Surrogates: Still Committed to Helping Families

Despite all these changes in the law, surrogates are still very committed to helping families:

• Strong Desire to Help: 68% of surrogates say they’re just as determined to help families as ever.
• Increased Motivation: 43% feel even more motivated to help families in need due to current events.
• Few Direct Issues: Only 9% of surrogates have had problems because of recent changes in the law.
• No Major Delays: None of the surrogates said they’ve completely put off their decision to be a surrogate due to the recent rulings, indicating how committed they are.

This is reassuring because, even with all of the new challenges, the people who choose to be surrogates are still focused on helping families.

How Intended Parents Are Being Affected

The changes that are happening have also created some new challenges for people who are hoping to become parents:

• More Barriers: 30% of intended parents have said that they’ve run into more roadblocks than before.
• Higher Costs: About 50% of intended parents are struggling with increased costs.
• More Stress: Over 67% of intended parents are feeling more stressed and worried.
• Putting IVF on Hold: 18% have had to put off IVF treatments.
• Delaying Surrogacy: 20% are putting their plans to use a surrogate on hold.

It’s a difficult situation right now, as these families have to overcome new challenges that make the journey to parenthood even more difficult.

Challenges for Same-Sex Couples

The recent changes are hitting same-sex couples especially hard:

• Extreme Concern: 67% of same-sex couples are very worried about the impact on IVF and surrogacy.
• More Worried About Laws: Same-sex couples are twice as likely to be worried about new laws as heterosexual couples.
• Surrogates See Impact: 51% of surrogates believe that same-sex intended parents will be the most affected.

This is concerning because it shows how the changes are impacting specific groups. They’re facing increased difficulties while trying to achieve their dream of having a family.

The Rising Cost of Surrogacy

What It Costs Now

The financial side of surrogacy keeps changing, too:

• Rising Costs: The overall costs are predicted to increase by 20-25% by the end of 2025, making surrogacy harder to access for some. Find out more about the cost of surrogacy here.
• Insurance Problems: Insurance costs are going up, and coverage is getting worse, which can leave families to deal with more costs out-of-pocket. A guide to surrogacy insurance is available here.
• Higher Compensation: Surrogates are also getting more money to recognize the increased risks and challenges, which adds more to the overall price.
• Legal Fees: The legal stuff is getting more complicated, so that means more legal expenses.

All of these elements mean the whole process can be even more expensive for those considering surrogacy.

Employer Support

A good trend is that employers are starting to help with fertility costs:

• More Corporate Support: More companies are offering benefits for starting a family.
• Surrogacy Coverage: Some companies are even offering specific coverage for surrogacy.
• Employee Benefits: Companies are finding that these kinds of benefits help with employee satisfaction and also in attracting and retaining workers.

This growing trend shows that employers are recognizing the importance of supporting employees with family-building.

What to Keep in Mind for 2025

Here are some things to consider if you’re looking at surrogacy:

For Intended Parents

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning early and make a clear plan for your finances.
2. Know Your Laws: Research the specific laws in your state.
3. Check Your Benefits: Look into any employer benefits that might help.
4. Work With Experts: Find an agency that has lots of experience with cross-state arrangements.
5. Be Flexible: Be ready to adjust your plans if laws change.

For Surrogates

1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the specific laws in your state.
2. Choose Reputable Agencies: Work with agencies that focus on protecting surrogates.
3. Get Legal Help: Have a good legal representation that understands surrogacy.
4. Know Your Rights: Understand your medical decision-making rights.
5. Keep Talking: Have open and honest conversations with the intended parents about your concerns and expectations.

Conclusion

Surrogacy in 2025 definitely has its share of challenges, but it also shows just how strong the desire to create families is. The people acting as surrogates are still very dedicated, and there are more support systems and more awareness for those who want to become parents. If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s very important to plan carefully, do lots of research, and work with experts who can guide you through the complicated system of laws.

This article gives you a look at the current state of surrogacy in 2025, based on research and current trends. Things can change quickly, so it’s important to stay informed and to have the right people helping you to navigate this journey. You can find more updates on the latest developments of surrogacy here.

 

Read more on this topic

How much does a surrogate cost? Breakdown for Intended Parents

Surrogacy Financing: Loans, Grants, Fundraising

Surrogacy Cost Calculator & Breakdown for Parents

Surrogacy and Insurance Guide

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While most people are consumed with the task of buying the perfect gift for the holidays, some are blessing others with the ultimate Christmas gift – the gift of life, a baby!

For Heather, a first-time surrogate, her journey has been filled with joy and kindness as she carries a baby for a single parent based internationally. She recently shared her story with NBC News 15 in Baldwin County, Alabama. Now at the end of her pregnancy, Heather is excited to give this amazing Christmas gift to the baby’s father.

“It’s actually his birthday today too, so he was looking forward to having her around his birthday anyway and the holiday as well. It came together at the perfect time,” said Heather. The father arrived just in time to feel the baby moving as she heard her daddy’s voice for the very first time, before her delivery.

Holidays are a joyous time for families to reunite and celebrate. Still, for those who have struggled with infertility, the holidays can be a reminder of the longing to start families of their own. With surrogates like Heather willing to help families in need, the hope for similar Christmas miracles remains strong and alive.

SurrogateFirst is blessed to have welcomed more than 20 newborns in the last two months of 2024. We give thanks to all the surrogates for giving the ultimate gift to their intended parents and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

As we look forward to 2025, we are deeply grateful for our amazing community of surrogates, intended parents, and dedicated team members who make these miracles possible every day. Your commitment to helping create families continues to inspire us all. From our SurrogateFirst family to yours, may your holidays be filled with love, joy, and the magic of new beginnings.

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