The MHB Advocacy and Research Forums (ARFs) are an opportunity to look at the social, ethical, legal and empirical aspects of surrogacy and LGBT parenting. This program addresses the proposition that gestational carriers in the USA and Canada are often misrepresented by the media, pop culture and political discourse. It can be argued that they are affected by myths and misconceptions even more than the prospective parents or the children they help bring to this world. The Forum will facilitate a discussion about what we know from experience and research on the actual motivations and life circumstances of surrogates, and how they feel about the way they are portrayed.

Meet the Forum's presenters, dozens of surrogacy professionals, community activists, and prospective parents.

MHB's staff and board members will provide an overview of surrogacy for gay men, including terminology, timeline, professional services, and suggestions for a smooth journey.

Legal considerations for surrogacy in the USA and abroad. In this session we will also review MHB’s Guidelines for Safe, Legal and Ethical Surrogacy Abroad

Moderator: Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB - Executive Director
Panelists:
- Lori Meyers, Esq., Meyers & O'Hara
- Kim Surratt, Esq., Surratt Law Practice
- Deborah Wald, Esq., The Wald Law Group

An overview of online resources, support groups and other guidance MHB offers to prospective gay fathers, suggestions on how to effectively gather information and select surrogacy providers, and insight on how to make the process more affordable with discounts and financial assistance.

Let the interaction begin! In the expo look for providers’ logos at their tables then double-click to join their table and speak with them.

Expo interaction: Note that you may see other people already at a provider's table, but as long as there is room, feel free to join. You can listen to the conversation and chime in when your turn comes. If you are not yet ready to have a conversation with providers, but do want to view their information, please visit floor 2 where tables will be unstaffed, but the whiteboards will still be on display.

The medical screening of future fathers, egg donors and surrogates, the creation of optimal embryos, and the IVF process. The panel is sponsored by HRC Fertility.

Moderator: Guy Ringler, MD, California Fertility Partners
Panelists:
- Said Daneshmand, MD,San Diego Fertility Center
- John Norian, MD, HRC Fertility
- Daniel Skora, MD, Fertility Specialists of Texas
- Ashim Kumar, MD, Western Fertility Institute
- Nurit Winkler, MD, Los Angeles Reproductive Center

A closer look at medical insurance and surrogate compensation packages. The panel is sponsored by ART Risk.

Moderator: Lisa Schuster, GPAP Program Director
Panelists:
- Diane Hinson, Esq., Creative Family Connections
- Virginia Hart, ART Risk Insurance and Financial Solutions
- Brad Spencer, Same Love Surrogacy

An overview on opportunities to receive coverage of surrogacy related medical costs as part of employee benefits or state-mandated insurance. The panel is offered in collaboration with RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association.

Presenters:
- Betsy Campbell, RESOLVE
- Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB - Executive Director

One last opportunity to get advice and connect with the many surrogacy professionals that are here to help! In the expo look for providers’ logos at their tables then double-click to join their table and speak with them.

Expo interaction: Note that you may see other people already at a provider's table, but as long as there is room, feel free to join. You can listen to the conversation and chime in when your turn comes. If you are not yet ready to have a conversation with providers, but do want to view their information, please visit floor 2 where tables will be unstaffed, but the whiteboards will still be on display.

Short and long term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on surrogacy. The panel is sponsored by Reproductive Centers of America.

Panelists:
- Amanda Hurliman, MD,ORM Fertility
- Mousa Shamonki, MD, Fertility & Surgical Associates of California
- Sam Chally, Northwest Surrogacy Center
- Jeff Hu, SurrogateFirst

Panelists:
- Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB - Executive Director
- Lisa Schuster, MHB - GPAP Program Director