Giuliana and Bill Rancic: We're having a baby!

[coloradomom117]

I had no idea. I've never worked with them, and now I know I never will. I find that absolutely outrageous. I won't support *any* business that I learn has these views.

I feel the same way. I was blown away when my IFs told me that. I'll never go there. Period. That goes for Chick Fil A too...

I know in general, the GSs I've talked to that go to CCRM have had good experiences overall. I just think the restrictions they have and the extra steps they have to go through are nuts compared to the "norm". You have to absolutely perfect to be accepted there, and they don't hesitate to boot you out if something comes up along the way. They don't modify their protocol if it doesn't work or anything. Either you meet their criteria 100% or you're not good enough. I've seen transfers cancelled for linings at 8.5 (too thin) and 12 (too thick) and all sorts of stuff. I know they do that to make sure their success rate stays high, but geez! I don't care for selectivity and holier-than-thou attitudes, so that's probably why I have disdain for them (in addition to the gay thing of course).

I'm not sure which RE it was there, but there's a surro with my agency who had SIX embryos transferred last fall. Luckily she got pregnant with only one baby and is currently 33w, but still. I find that insane and about fell over when she said they transferred six. You wouldn't think a world-class clinic would be that reckless...

[cookie]

I feel when you own a clinic you can choose who you want to work with. While it may appear to be disgustingly discriminatory to some, it is a religious reason and personal choice. People have their beliefs and this is America, we can choose another clinic.

While I don't like it, ultimately I agree, Wendy. And that's why I will never choose to work with them.

I feel the same way. I was blown away when my IFs told me that. I'll never go there. Period. That goes for Chick Fil A too...

I almost put the exact same thing in my original post!

[MaCalledLa]

I feel the same way. I was blown away when my IFs told me that. I'll never go there. Period. That goes for Chick Fil A too...

I know in general, the GSs I've talked to that go to CCRM have had good experiences overall. I just think the restrictions they have and the extra steps they have to go through are nuts compared to the "norm". You have to absolutely perfect to be accepted there, and they don't hesitate to boot you out if something comes up along the way. They don't modify their protocol if it doesn't work or anything. Either you meet their criteria 100% or you're not good enough. I've seen transfers cancelled for linings at 8.5 (too thin) and 12 (too thick) and all sorts of stuff. I know they do that to make sure their success rate stays high, but geez! I don't care for selectivity and holier-than-thou attitudes, so that's probably why I have disdain for them (in addition to the gay thing of course).

I'm not sure which RE it was there, but there's a surro with my agency who had SIX embryos transferred last fall. Luckily she got pregnant with only one baby and is currently 33w, but still. I find that insane and about fell over when she said they transferred six. You wouldn't think a world-class clinic would be that reckless...

I went through surrogacy many yrs ago and before our journey, spent 2 years researching the process on websites, including this one. This is my first post and my first time back here in yrs.

I watched many "stars" go through surrogacy, but when I randomly caught "Bill and Guilliana" and their reality show highlighting their journey, I couldn't help but speak out!

I am so disturbed by the "politically correct" statements that they are throwing out to the viewers. The agency is either not telling the truth about their screening process, or they are the only agency I have heard of that actually DOES do a Psych evaluation, home study, back check and all the other things they said their surrogates had to pass to be accepted into their agency.

Coincidentally, our journey just happened to be exactly like theirs. Our surro's former IM "got prego" and she was ready, medically approved (which would save us a heap) and willing!! We never asked how she could hang up after one phone call and want to carry for us!?? How we could be matched so fast!?

I understand that this doctor in Colorado does have an extreme protocol, but I would have been grateful had we found a surrogate willing to "comply" with such a high standard for 10 months.

We were DEVASTATED with our journey. My sister was DEVASTATED with hers!
More so than not, the other IP's in our support group with our hospital had the same or similar experience. Our horrifying journey was not rare.

I realize that so many surrogates, here and all over, are amazing and unbelievably honest, but in this economy so many are not! For some, it is a phenominal gift and a way to change lives. For equally as many, it seems an easy way to survive in this horrible economy!

I am so sad that we did not have our own angel. I look at the greatest gift of all and wish I had good memories and a wonderful story to tell about their birth. I don't and it hurts!

I wish this reality show would tell both sides to surrogacy! They make it sound like butterflies and roses!

I do wish them a healthy, happy child and an easy journey. I just would like them to use their platform to TRULY educate people about the PITFALLS to surrogacy. They can be prevented!!!

[Juliana]

I went through surrogacy many yrs ago and before our journey, spent 2 years researching the process on websites, including this one. This is my first post and my first time back here in yrs.

I watched many "stars" go through surrogacy, but when I randomly caught "Bill and Guilliana" and their reality show highlighting their journey, I couldn't help but speak out!

I am so disturbed by the "politically correct" statements that they are throwing out to the viewers. The agency is either not telling the truth about their screening process, or they are the only agency I have heard of that actually DOES do a Psych evaluation, home study, back check and all the other things they said their surrogates had to pass to be accepted into their agency.

Coincidentally, our journey just happened to be exactly like theirs. Our surro's former IM "got prego" and she was ready, medically approved (which would save us a heap) and willing!! We never asked how she could hang up after one phone call and want to carry for us!?? How we could be matched so fast!?

I understand that this doctor in Colorado does have an extreme protocol, but I would have been grateful had we found a surrogate willing to "comply" with such a high standard for 10 months.

We were DEVASTATED with our journey. My sister was DEVASTATED with hers!
More so than not, the other IP's in our support group with our hospital had the same or similar experience. Our horrifying journey was not rare.

I realize that so many surrogates, here and all over, are amazing and unbelievably honest, but in this economy so many are not! For some, it is a phenominal gift and a way to change lives. For equally as many, it seems an easy way to survive in this horrible economy!

I am so sad that we did not have our own angel. I look at the greatest gift of all and wish I had good memories and a wonderful story to tell about their birth. I don't and it hurts!

I wish this reality show would tell both sides to surrogacy! They make it sound like butterflies and roses!

I do wish them a healthy, happy child and an easy journey. I just would like them to use their platform to TRULY educate people about the PITFALLS to surrogacy. They can be prevented!!!

Wow.

My response to this post is going to have to wait for me to not be on my iphone.

[LauraElizabeth]

I went through surrogacy many yrs ago and before our journey, spent 2 years researching the process on websites, including this one. This is my first post and my first time back here in yrs.

I watched many "stars" go through surrogacy, but when I randomly caught "Bill and Guilliana" and their reality show highlighting their journey, I couldn't help but speak out!

I am so disturbed by the "politically correct" statements that they are throwing out to the viewers. The agency is either not telling the truth about their screening process, or they are the only agency I have heard of that actually DOES do a Psych evaluation, home study, back check and all the other things they said their surrogates had to pass to be accepted into their agency.

Coincidentally, our journey just happened to be exactly like theirs. Our surro's former IM "got prego" and she was ready, medically approved (which would save us a heap) and willing!! We never asked how she could hang up after one phone call and want to carry for us!?? How we could be matched so fast!?

I understand that this doctor in Colorado does have an extreme protocol, but I would have been grateful had we found a surrogate willing to "comply" with such a high standard for 10 months.

We were DEVASTATED with our journey. My sister was DEVASTATED with hers!
More so than not, the other IP's in our support group with our hospital had the same or similar experience. Our horrifying journey was not rare.

I realize that so many surrogates, here and all over, are amazing and unbelievably honest, but in this economy so many are not! For some, it is a phenominal gift and a way to change lives. For equally as many, it seems an easy way to survive in this horrible economy!

I am so sad that we did not have our own angel. I look at the greatest gift of all and wish I had good memories and a wonderful story to tell about their birth. I don't and it hurts!

I wish this reality show would tell both sides to surrogacy! They make it sound like butterflies and roses!

I do wish them a healthy, happy child and an easy journey. I just would like them to use their platform to TRULY educate people about the PITFALLS to surrogacy. They can be prevented!!!

You are right in saying that surrogacy can go wrong, but I believe that their purpose is to educate the viewers and share their happiness at the same time. It is very often that surrogacy is exaggerated or that only the awful stories are picked up by the media. Normal is boring. So they are able to show how things can be normal and work out and that life can go on.

I was a surrogate that was 'ready' and happened to fall into my IPs laps. This does happen. My previous IPs backed out due to personal problems and I had already been screened and tested and already had even started Lupron.

I am sorry that you had a horrible experience, but maybe you could start a thread in the Parents Via Surrogacy section and tell of your experiences to warn others.

[2boys1princess]

I went through surrogacy many yrs ago and before our journey, spent 2 years researching the process on websites, including this one. This is my first post and my first time back here in yrs.

I watched many "stars" go through surrogacy, but when I randomly caught "Bill and Guilliana" and their reality show highlighting their journey, I couldn't help but speak out!

I am so disturbed by the "politically correct" statements that they are throwing out to the viewers. The agency is either not telling the truth about their screening process, or they are the only agency I have heard of that actually DOES do a Psych evaluation, home study, back check and all the other things they said their surrogates had to pass to be accepted into their agency.

Coincidentally, our journey just happened to be exactly like theirs. Our surro's former IM "got prego" and she was ready, medically approved (which would save us a heap) and willing!! We never asked how she could hang up after one phone call and want to carry for us!?? How we could be matched so fast!?

I understand that this doctor in Colorado does have an extreme protocol, but I would have been grateful had we found a surrogate willing to "comply" with such a high standard for 10 months.

We were DEVASTATED with our journey. My sister was DEVASTATED with hers!
More so than not, the other IP's in our support group with our hospital had the same or similar experience. Our horrifying journey was not rare.

I realize that so many surrogates, here and all over, are amazing and unbelievably honest, but in this economy so many are not! For some, it is a phenominal gift and a way to change lives. For equally as many, it seems an easy way to survive in this horrible economy!

I am so sad that we did not have our own angel. I look at the greatest gift of all and wish I had good memories and a wonderful story to tell about their birth. I don't and it hurts!

I wish this reality show would tell both sides to surrogacy! They make it sound like butterflies and roses!

I do wish them a healthy, happy child and an easy journey. I just would like them to use their platform to TRULY educate people about the PITFALLS to surrogacy. They can be prevented!!!

The media has had its fair share of negative surrogacy journeys. I'm sorry you didn't have a positive experience, but like everything else in life, one can't go into this with blinders on.

[MaCalledLa]

I agree that you can't go into surrogacy with "blinders on", but the way this reality show portrayed what agencies do, is not reality. I know now so much, when before I knew nothing about the world of surrogacy. I get that there are a few large, well run agencies who have their protocol, but so many surrogacy agencies and egg donor agencies etc., are simply owned and operated by a former surrogate or egg donor, from their own home. I can imagine that this is not known to most people and should be. We original went to an agency like this and lost money. They were NOT insured and so we lost our money. People need to know these things exist, if you plan to fairly educate them. There is so much good in the surrogacy world, but there is bad too! The difference is, I think, you can educate newbies so they don't get screwed by these phony agencies and they do have a great experience. This way, if the experience is not great, it is solely on the heads of the surro and the IP and NOT the dishonesty of the agency.

Also, I hesitated to reach out, and definitely don't want to blog about my story (in case it breaks privileges), and/or to just vent. It was so many years ago and I have my pride times three. I did have an amazing ending, but in the end, I had my last two (twins) carried by my hubbies sister. The sadness comes because I know I will have to think of a way to tell my child what happened, without telling her "what happened" and pray that she is okay with it!

I had the best intentions and would have thrown down my life for our surro, for carrying a child for us. I was just so blind sided by all of the things that came out DAYS after we signed the contract!

Ironically, my lawyer told us that people don't realize a surrogacy contract is ONLY a guideline of what the IPs and the surrogate wishes would happen. Because of Roe Versus Wade (right to life) a woman's body is only her body. It means that no matter what she signs in the contract, she can do whatever she wants. People need to know this and need to know that they can live with the different scenarios, should they occur. I mean, what if a surrogate says she will abort if there is a problem and does not. She is not responsible for that child. If she does "smoke crack", like Bill and Guillian joked about, there is no control. She will get in the same trouble, if found out, that she would if it were her own. You can't stop her.

Our surro did not have a psych veal and when we asked for hers, they quickly had one done...THOUGH the mail! How did they know it was my surrogate who checked of the silly answers to the questions?

Yes I had a frightening journey and yes, I probably need more therapy (after writing all this lol), but in the end, I really would love to see Intended parents and surrogates told the TRUTH about how BOTH get screened, what power or lack of, the contract has on the journey and I also would really hope the surrogate knows that equally to the idea that she can do with her body anything she wants, so can the IPs with their wallet and the relationship between surro and baby after the birth

It works both ways and BOTH should be educated on what really happens and not what they want us to believe happens and go into these journeys without the blinders!

[TxMom]

Both sides, IP and surrogate, have to slow down and take their time in matching. There's too much immediate matches and nightmares that follow. There are times it works out as well though. Sometimes it can just be a crap shoot, you don't know how things will go until you're in the thick of it.

I do have to agree with you that the economy seems to have brought out a lot of women that thought surrogacy was an easy way to make money. They're often offering themselves at lower comps or maybe not knowing what they're getting themselves in to because they didn't bother researching at all.

I'm sorry you did not have a positive experience. It makes me so upset to know couples/singles are struggling to become parents. This whole process is expensive and emotional.

I am still glad that there are more and more positive surrogacy stories coming to the media. There are too many horror stories told to make money and society in general has the wrong impression.

[Crystie]

I went through surrogacy many yrs ago and before our journey, spent 2 years researching the process on websites, including this one. This is my first post and my first time back here in yrs.

I watched many "stars" go through surrogacy, but when I randomly caught "Bill and Guilliana" and their reality show highlighting their journey, I couldn't help but speak out!

I am so disturbed by the "politically correct" statements that they are throwing out to the viewers. The agency is either not telling the truth about their screening process, or they are the only agency I have heard of that actually DOES do a Psych evaluation, home study, back check and all the other things they said their surrogates had to pass to be accepted into their agency.

Coincidentally, our journey just happened to be exactly like theirs. Our surro's former IM "got prego" and she was ready, medically approved (which would save us a heap) and willing!! We never asked how she could hang up after one phone call and want to carry for us!?? How we could be matched so fast!?

I understand that this doctor in Colorado does have an extreme protocol, but I would have been grateful had we found a surrogate willing to "comply" with such a high standard for 10 months.

We were DEVASTATED with our journey. My sister was DEVASTATED with hers!
More so than not, the other IP's in our support group with our hospital had the same or similar experience. Our horrifying journey was not rare.

I realize that so many surrogates, here and all over, are amazing and unbelievably honest, but in this economy so many are not! For some, it is a phenominal gift and a way to change lives. For equally as many, it seems an easy way to survive in this horrible economy!

I am so sad that we did not have our own angel. I look at the greatest gift of all and wish I had good memories and a wonderful story to tell about their birth. I don't and it hurts!

I wish this reality show would tell both sides to surrogacy! They make it sound like butterflies and roses!

I do wish them a healthy, happy child and an easy journey. I just would like them to use their platform to TRULY educate people about the PITFALLS to surrogacy. They can be prevented!!!

I had to do all of these things and more. Yes, they came to my home to meet my husband and children and do a home check. My husband and I had to have a full Psych. evaluation, not through the mail or over the phone, actually with a real psychologist in her office. I even had to have a credit check done along with the background check. I am pretty sure that they are not with my agency as I am on the east coast.

[ss23]

i just wanted to clarify that CCRM does indeed treat gay couples. i asked them straight up today, and they don't turn away gay couples.

they do have policies due to FDA regulations concerning quarantines for sperm samples (no different than they have for embryos, eggs, etc. in certain situations). a couple would have to wait the 6 month period of quarantine to make sure there were no medical issues related to the sperm- i was told this is due to the fact that the FDA considers a gay couple to fit the criteria for high-risk for STD's/AIDS/HIV (no different than a straight man or woman who gets a tattoo).

so, not all clinics use these regulations, and it may be that a gay couple would not want to wait the additional 6 months before ttc their child, and would go elsewhere. CCRM is not the only clinic that follows these regulations- its not like some excuse to keep out gay couples. they are very conservative with all of their standards and regulations... probably why some people think they are cherry picking or exclusionary.

i did not get the impression that they treat a lot of gay couples though! clearly it is something "new" to them. i was told that their RE's are fairly traditional in their experience and training, meaning, they mostly treat women and women's issues concerning infertility. it may be that they have to get up to speed with this modern "niche" in the gestational carrier/donor egg world.

also, i wanted to add that our agency absolutely screens their surrogates in every possible manner. there are some agencies that are more lax in their screening to say the least, which is a total shame, because clearly you end up with major issues.

so, just updating on this topic.

[2boys1princess]

I agree that you can't go into surrogacy with "blinders on", but the way this reality show portrayed what agencies do, is not reality. I know now so much, when before I knew nothing about the world of surrogacy. I get that there are a few large, well run agencies who have their protocol, but so many surrogacy agencies and egg donor agencies etc., are simply owned and operated by a former surrogate or egg donor, from their own home. I can imagine that this is not known to most people and should be. We original went to an agency like this and lost money. They were NOT insured and so we lost our money. People need to know these things exist, if you plan to fairly educate them. There is so much good in the surrogacy world, but there is bad too! The difference is, I think, you can educate newbies so they don't get screwed by these phony agencies and they do have a great experience. This way, if the experience is not great, it is solely on the heads of the surro and the IP and NOT the dishonesty of the agency.

Also, I hesitated to reach out, and definitely don't want to blog about my story (in case it breaks privileges), and/or to just vent. It was so many years ago and I have my pride times three. I did have an amazing ending, but in the end, I had my last two (twins) carried by my hubbies sister. The sadness comes because I know I will have to think of a way to tell my child what happened, without telling her "what happened" and pray that she is okay with it!

I had the best intentions and would have thrown down my life for our surro, for carrying a child for us. I was just so blind sided by all of the things that came out DAYS after we signed the contract!

Ironically, my lawyer told us that people don't realize a surrogacy contract is ONLY a guideline of what the IPs and the surrogate wishes would happen. Because of Roe Versus Wade (right to life) a woman's body is only her body. It means that no matter what she signs in the contract, she can do whatever she wants. People need to know this and need to know that they can live with the different scenarios, should they occur. I mean, what if a surrogate says she will abort if there is a problem and does not. She is not responsible for that child. If she does "smoke crack", like Bill and Guillian joked about, there is no control. She will get in the same trouble, if found out, that she would if it were her own. You can't stop her.

Our surro did not have a psych veal and when we asked for hers, they quickly had one done...THOUGH the mail! How did they know it was my surrogate who checked of the silly answers to the questions?

Yes I had a frightening journey and yes, I probably need more therapy (after writing all this lol), but in the end, I really would love to see Intended parents and surrogates told the TRUTH about how BOTH get screened, what power or lack of, the contract has on the journey and I also would really hope the surrogate knows that equally to the idea that she can do with her body anything she wants, so can the IPs with their wallet and the relationship between surro and baby after the birth

It works both ways and BOTH should be educated on what really happens and not what they want us to believe happens and go into these journeys without the blinders!

Hmmmm......I guess I understand what you are saying, BUT I don't feel like it is Bill and Giuliana's responsibility to warn the general public about something they have no experience with. No offense, but it sounds like you jumped in without doing your research. Had you done some research, you would not have ended up with a mail order psych evaluation and an uninsured agency.
When I made my first few phone calls to agencies, the first thing I asked was their history, years in business, etc. Also, you say that there are "a few" large, well run agencies? I can think of 10 large, well run agencies, right off the top of my head.....and that's without even giving it much thought.

[MaCalledLa]

Both sides, IP and surrogate, have to slow down and take their time in matching. There's too much immediate matches and nightmares that follow. There are times it works out as well though. Sometimes it can just be a crap shoot, you don't know how things will go until you're in the thick of it.

I do have to agree with you that the economy seems to have brought out a lot of women that thought surrogacy was an easy way to make money. They're often offering themselves at lower comps or maybe not knowing what they're getting themselves in to because they didn't bother researching at all.

I'm sorry you did not have a positive experience. It makes me so upset to know couples/singles are struggling to become parents. This whole process is expensive and emotional.

I am still glad that there are more and more positive surrogacy stories coming to the media. There are too many horror stories told to make money and society in general has the wrong impression.

I appreciate that you empathize with infertile couples. I truly thank you for understanding where I am coming from. I definitely am so incredibly grateful to my former surro for my most precious gift. I am just so upset with what she did to us during and following the surrogacy! I am also angry with the media for not giving equal "time" and truly explaining the good, the bad and the in-between! Bill and G special on surrogacy completely romanced the idea of surrogacy and what happens. Each time a person catches one of the stories about surrogacy, they seem to only get one side or seriously flawed information. They either bash the crap out of surrogates, IPs or on the flip side, turn the process into a fantasy. When we went to our agency (both), they told us about the rigorous, tightly screened process. They told us to be prepared for it to take 6-8 months. To have to fill out paperwork like crazy. To have to send proof of my infertility. To have a psych test and to have our surro psych tested. All would have blood work, including hubbies and so on and so on etc. We went to a few agencies and they all started out with the same "speech". Occasionally we would find agencies operated by former surros, IPs, etc., who would charge 1/3 the fee and tell us they would fast track us! We didn't go with them. We went with a larger agency that had a solid history. When we started, we were told they had a surrogate that was ready to go and her IPs got pregnant. They told us to talk with her. We did and the next minute we are signing contracts and no testing was done - except what the RE required!

On the flip side, I have lurked long enough over the years to hear terrible stories about IPs! I have met some over the years that truly were NOT upfront with things either. Often because they were scared. No matter the reason, it is not fair to the other party in the surrogacy.

My thinking is not exclusive! I just would like to see surrogates and IPs screened thoroughly and enough with the quick matches to save the IPs money and to match the surrogates who have been waiting and ready!