Our Family Coalition & Men Having Babies present:
2019 SF Surrogacy Conference, Jan 12-13
Full conference program
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Registration: 8:00-9:00 AM
Planning your journey: 9:00-10:30 AM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
We will open our session with introductions and a comparison of surrogacy with other parenting options. We will then provide the first part of our comprehensive surrogacy workshop that was developed based on the accumulated knowledge of hundreds of gay men who have already gone through the process.
Topics covered will include:
Topics covered will include:
- Basic terminology, types and components of typical surrogacy arrangements.
- Typical sequence and timeline for gestational surrogacy journeys.
- Legal considerations in the USA and Canada.
- Major decisions regarding IVF, egg donation and surrogacy options.
- Considering your family vision, financial constraints, risk tolerance and ethical preferences.
Coffee Break: 10:30 AM -11:00 AM
Personal stories panel: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
Moderator: Shelly Marsh, former surrogate and MHB’s marketing manager
Panelists include:
JC Gallego lori
JC and Joseph have been together for 16 years. They met in New York in 2002 and moved to California in 2003. They both have always wanted to start a family and in 2016 they began their surrogacy journey. On November of 2017, their dreams officially became a reality when Preston was born. Becoming a parent has been the most important event of their lives and they cherish the precious privilege they have been granted. They eventually plan on expanding their family and having a sibling journey.
Jimmy Nguyen
Jimmy and his partner Michael met in Los Angeles, have been together for 13 years and married in 2017. They recently completed a hybrid US/Canada journey with a US-based IVF clinic and Canadian surrogate, which resulted in the birth of their son, Jon-Pierre (JP). The family stayed in British Columbia for 4 weeks before returning to Los Angeles. Prior to starting the journey, the couple hoped to find a surrogate whom they can form a life-long friendship and bond and be considered a part of the family. They achieved that goal and have maintained a close relationship with their surrogate and her family.
Kelvin Tranphuoc
Kelvin and Yves have been together for over 6 years and recently married in August 2018. After attending a Men Having Babies conference in 2017, Kelvin and Yves decided to get serious about building their family. By the end of the year, they matched with their surrogate, Alyssa, by working with Same Love Surrogacy. They did their first (and only) double embryo transfer in January of 2018 and were blessed with boy/girl twins nine months later.
Alyssa Skog
Alyssa is 31 and completed her first surrogate journey in September. She delivered beautiful twin babies and help complete a family. She has been with her now husband for 10 years and they have a three year old daughter and two german shepherds. Alyssa had such an incredible experience with her first surrogacy that she can’t wait to do it again!
Jamie Hughes
Jamie is a two-time surrogate, one of which was for a gay couple in San Francisco. She is currently working on her third which is a sibling journey. She has been married to her husband for over 12 years and has two beautiful girls, Savannah who is 10 and Sierra who is 5. Being able to help families in such an unique way has given her the most rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Brian Bumbery
Brian and Billy have been together for 15 years. They started their surrogacy journey in 2013 and in August 2015 had their first child, a boy Hardy, thanks to the most incredible surrogate and her family. Their second child Tallulah was brought into this world thanks to the same surrogate in January 2018. The best parts of being a parent for them are the daily lessons they learn not only about their children but about themselves. Their gratitude is beyond words for being able to go through this more than once, and not only were they blessed with two kids, but they also got an extended modern family that they will cherish for the rest of their lives
JC Gallego lori
JC and Joseph have been together for 16 years. They met in New York in 2002 and moved to California in 2003. They both have always wanted to start a family and in 2016 they began their surrogacy journey. On November of 2017, their dreams officially became a reality when Preston was born. Becoming a parent has been the most important event of their lives and they cherish the precious privilege they have been granted. They eventually plan on expanding their family and having a sibling journey.
Jimmy Nguyen
Jimmy and his partner Michael met in Los Angeles, have been together for 13 years and married in 2017. They recently completed a hybrid US/Canada journey with a US-based IVF clinic and Canadian surrogate, which resulted in the birth of their son, Jon-Pierre (JP). The family stayed in British Columbia for 4 weeks before returning to Los Angeles. Prior to starting the journey, the couple hoped to find a surrogate whom they can form a life-long friendship and bond and be considered a part of the family. They achieved that goal and have maintained a close relationship with their surrogate and her family.
Kelvin Tranphuoc
Kelvin and Yves have been together for over 6 years and recently married in August 2018. After attending a Men Having Babies conference in 2017, Kelvin and Yves decided to get serious about building their family. By the end of the year, they matched with their surrogate, Alyssa, by working with Same Love Surrogacy. They did their first (and only) double embryo transfer in January of 2018 and were blessed with boy/girl twins nine months later.
Alyssa Skog
Alyssa is 31 and completed her first surrogate journey in September. She delivered beautiful twin babies and help complete a family. She has been with her now husband for 10 years and they have a three year old daughter and two german shepherds. Alyssa had such an incredible experience with her first surrogacy that she can’t wait to do it again!
Jamie Hughes
Jamie is a two-time surrogate, one of which was for a gay couple in San Francisco. She is currently working on her third which is a sibling journey. She has been married to her husband for over 12 years and has two beautiful girls, Savannah who is 10 and Sierra who is 5. Being able to help families in such an unique way has given her the most rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Brian Bumbery
Brian and Billy have been together for 15 years. They started their surrogacy journey in 2013 and in August 2015 had their first child, a boy Hardy, thanks to the most incredible surrogate and her family. Their second child Tallulah was brought into this world thanks to the same surrogate in January 2018. The best parts of being a parent for them are the daily lessons they learn not only about their children but about themselves. Their gratitude is beyond words for being able to go through this more than once, and not only were they blessed with two kids, but they also got an extended modern family that they will cherish for the rest of their lives
JC and Joseph with Preston
Jimmy and Michael with their son Jon-Pierre.
Kelvin and Yves with their surrogate Alyssa and twin children.
Lunch / Gay Parenting Expo / Book Fair: 12:15 - 1:45 PM (Crystal Ballroom, 11th Floor)
“Legal Clinic”: 1:00 - 7:00 PM (Board Room, 3rd Floor)
Several legal experts will be available throughout the day for 20 minute private sessions. This is an opportunity to ask questions and receive general guidance on specific legal issues relevant to various circumstances. However note these sessions are not meant to provide formal legal services or serve as substitute for such. Sign up during registration, or throughout the day, as long as sessions are still available.
- Michelle Keeyes, Esq.
/ Reproductive Law Center
- Chris Jackson, Esq.
/ Shorebreak Law
- Cindy Wasser, LLP
/ Hope Springs Fertility Law, Canada
- Deb Wald, Esq.
/ Wald Law
- Michelle Keeyes, Esq.
/ Reproductive Law Center
- Chris Jackson, Esq.
/ Shorebreak Law
- Cindy Wasser, LLP
/ Hope Springs Fertility Law, Canada
- Deb Wald, Esq.
/ Wald Law
Picking providers, budgeting and financial assistance: 1:45-2:45 PM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
On the second part of our workshop we will provide peer advice on selecting service providers, cost saving tips, and resources for financial support. Topics covered will include:
- Where to start (agency, clinic, surrogate or donor).
- Selecting an agency and clinic.
- Estimated costs, and factors that affect costs.
- Cost saving best practices.
- Financial help through the Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP).
Break: 2:45 -3:00 PM
Breakout sessions - come meet the sponsors: 3:00 - 5:00 PM (Various rooms - see table)
Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in up to 7 introductory group consultations with the various providers. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know these agencies and clinics more closely. Most sessions will be 18 minutes long (plus 2-3 minutes switch time), and the last two are only 8 minutes each. They take place simultaneously in 4 meeting rooms on the 10th and 11th floors. The Gay Parenting Expo will also continue to be available during this period.
10th Floor: Commandants Room
10th Floor: Regimental Room
10th Floor: Heritage Room
11th Floor: Crystal Lounge
3:00 - 3:18 PM
Susanna Park, MD
Said T. Daneshmand, MD, FACOG
Said T. Daneshmand, MD, FACOG
Kristen Hanson
Kim Bergman, PhD
Mousa Shamonki, MD
3:20 - 3:38 PM
Susanna Park, MD
Said T. Daneshmand, MD, FACOG
Said T. Daneshmand, MD, FACOG
Steven Snyder, Esq.
Kim Bergman, PhD
Shahin Ghadir, MD
3:40 - 3:58 PM
Guy Ringler, MD
Jay Cook-Wong, RN
Nir Keren
John Norian, MD
4:00 - 4:18 PM
John Hesla, MD
Amanda Hurliman, MD
Amanda Hurliman, MD
Sam Chally
Nir Keren
Eldon Schriock, MD
4:20 - 4:38 PM
Jerald Goldstein, MD
Ashim Kumar, MD
Isiah Harris, MD
Megan Hall
4:40 - 4:48 PM
Fertility SOURCE Companies
Donna Raidy
Donna Raidy
Building Families, Inc.
Randi Caporale
Randi Caporale
Hope Springs Fertility Law
Cindy Wasser, LLP
Cindy Wasser, LLP
Tarnoff Law
Shelley Tarnoff, Esq.
Shelley Tarnoff, Esq.
4:50 - 4:58 PM
Los Angeles Reproductive Center
Nurit Winkler, MD
Nurit Winkler, MD
All Families Surrogacy
Carey Flamer-Powell
Carey Flamer-Powell
Heart to Hands Surrogacy
Adrienne Black
Adrienne Black
Genesis Group
Lisa Chiya
Lisa Chiya
Private consultations with service providers: 3:00 -7:00 PM (various rooms, please check with participating providers for more details)
Several clinics and agencies will be available in offices for private consultations with prospective parents that wish to explore the options they offer in more depth. Prospective parents may request to coordinate consultations in advance using this form. Consultation slots may also be available last minute for those who want to first hear the providers during the breakout sessions.
A mindful look at surrogacy - Attitudes and Ethics: 5:00-6:00 PM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
In this session we will examine how we feel about surrogacy: the meanings and significance people tend to attribute to surrogacy in their lives, with a special focus on surrogates’ perspective. We will look at questions such as:
Moderator: Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB Executive Director / Founder
Speakers / Panelists:
- What are the dominant social perceptions of surrogacy in the U.S. and Canada?
- How do surrogates understand their experiences?
- What are the roots for concerns about exploitation and commodification in surrogacy?
- What are the experiences of children born via surrogacy?
Moderator: Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB Executive Director / Founder
Speakers / Panelists:
- Kim Bergman, PhD / Growing Generations
- Corinna Guerzoni, PhD / Western Fertility
- Michelle Pine / MHB Board Member, surrogate
Life After Birth: 5:00-6:00 PM (Regimental Room, 10th Floor)
Resources and Family Support Services with Our Family Coalition.
Facilitator: Jeannette Page, Family Programs Coordinator at Our Family Coalition
Facilitator: Jeannette Page, Family Programs Coordinator at Our Family Coalition
Break / Light Supper & Expo: 6:00-7:00 PM
Free admission - open to members of the LGBT community
7:00 PM - Teen Panel: Surrogacy children of gay dads share their stories (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
Moderator: Michelle Pine, surrogate and MHB board member
Panelists (shown below with their families, left to right):
- Kevin, 19 years old
- Emily, 19 years old
- Tomer, 18 years old
8:00 PM - Happy Hour
Join us at the hotel’s Crystal Lounge to close the evening with a social gathering. This casual time will be a great opportunity to discuss the information from the day’s sessions as well as network with other parents, intended parents and professionals. Sponsored by California Fertility Partners.
- Refreshments will be served.
- Registered attendees receive a coupon for one free drink.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Registration: 8:30-9:00 AM (10th Floor Foyer)
Expert Panel: Medical Aspects of Surrogacy 9:00 -10:30 AM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
The medical screening of future fathers, egg donors and surrogates, the creation of optimal embryos, and the IVF process.
Moderator: Said Daneshmand, MD / SDFC
Panelists:
- John Norian, MD
/ HRC Fertility
- Guy Ringler, MD
/ California Fertility Partners
- Shanin Ghadir, MD
/ Southern California Reproductive Center
- Mousa Shamonki, MD
/ Fertility & Surgical Associates
- Amanda Hurliman, MD
/ ORM Fertility
Moderator: Said Daneshmand, MD / SDFC
Panelists:
- John Norian, MD
/ HRC Fertility
- Guy Ringler, MD
/ California Fertility Partners
- Shanin Ghadir, MD
/ Southern California Reproductive Center
- Mousa Shamonki, MD
/ Fertility & Surgical Associates
- Amanda Hurliman, MD
/ ORM Fertility
Private consultations with service providers: 9:00 AM -1:00 PM (various rooms, please check with participating providers for more details)
Several clinics and agencies will be available in offices for private consultations with prospective parents that wish to explore the options they offer in more depth. Prospective parents may request to coordinate consultations in advance using this form. Consultation slots may also be available last minute for those who want to first hear the providers during the breakout sessions.
Coffee break: 10:30-10:45 AM
Expert Panel: Budgeting and Insurance 10:45-11:45 AM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
Moderator: Ron Poole-Dayan / MHB board
Panelists:
- Nir Keren
/ Create Fertility Centre, Canada
- Virginia Hart
/ ART Risk
- Steve Snyder, Esq.
/ IARC
- Carey Flamer-Powell
/ All Families Surrogacy
Q&A Sessions
Q&A Sessions- 11:45 AM -12:45 PM (Commandants Room, 10th Floor)
Legal Experts: Legal status of surrogacy across the USA and Canada, contracts, securing parentage rights
Panelists:
- Michelle Keeyes, Esq.
/ Reproductive Law Center
- Chris Jackson, Esq.
/ Shorebreak Law
- Cindy Wasser, LLP
/ Hope Springs Fertility Law, Canada
- Deb Wald, Esq.
/ Wald Law
Budgeting & Financial Assistance: cost saving best practices, the Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP)
Panelists:
- Ron Poole-Dayan
/ MHB - Executive Director
- Lisa Schuster
/ MHB - GPAP Program Manager
Panelists:
- Michelle Keeyes, Esq.
/ Reproductive Law Center
- Chris Jackson, Esq.
/ Shorebreak Law
- Cindy Wasser, LLP
/ Hope Springs Fertility Law, Canada
- Deb Wald, Esq.
/ Wald Law
Budgeting & Financial Assistance: cost saving best practices, the Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP)
Panelists:
- Ron Poole-Dayan
/ MHB - Executive Director
- Lisa Schuster
/ MHB - GPAP Program Manager