Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a family

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Mexican attorney Ramiro Alejandro García Flores to break down surrogacy laws in Mexico, including the real legal process, parental rights, and common mistakes that can delay or derail a journey.If you’re researching:is surrogacy legal in Mexico for foreignerssurrogacy in Mexico laws by state (Tabasco, Sinaloa, Mexico City)how parentage is established in Mexico surrogacywhat is amparo in surrogacy Mexicodo intended parents need DNA testing or travel to Mexico— this episode gives you clear, experience-based answers.Ramiro explains:How surrogacy laws in Mexico work, including differences between states and the role of Supreme Court guidanceThe amparo process and how intended parents establish legal parentage (pre-birth vs post-birth)What the new voluntary jurisdiction process means and why contract ratification before embryo transfer is criticalCommon misconceptions about DNA testing, power of attorney, and parental presence in MexicoHow procreative intent and human rights principles shape surrogacy outcomes in Mexican courtsThis is a practical, legal breakdown of surrogacy in Mexico, designed to help intended parents understand the real process - not just assumptions or outdated information.If you are considering surrogacy in Mexico, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity and confidence.KEY TOPICSSurrogacy laws in Mexico: legal foundations, state differences, and Supreme Court guidance [04:32]Amparo process explained: how legal parentage is established in Mexico (pre-birth vs post-birth) [08:36]Voluntary jurisdiction in Mexico surrogacy: why contract ratification before transfer matters [18:12]Surrogacy myths in Mexico: DNA testing, power of attorney, and travel requirements [35:26]Procreative intent and human rights in Mexican surrogacy law [49:24]About the Guest:Ramiro Alejandro García Flores has been working with surrogacy and assisted reproduction cases in Mexico for over 14 years. He personally manages the Amparo filings and court procedures for the families and oversees the legal process from preparation through the final court steps.Ramiro Alejandro García Flores, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiro-alejandro-garcía-flores-2b135593/Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

How does embryo transport actually work - and is it safe to ship embryos between clinics or across countries?In this episode, Maria Feekes explains embryo transport step by step, including how embryos are safely moved between fertility clinics in the USA and internationally (Mexico, Ukraine, and beyond).If you’re researching:how embryo transport works in IVFshipping embryos between clinicsembryo transport international safetycan embryos be damaged during transportIVF embryo shipping USA to Mexico or abroad— this episode gives you a clear, real-world understanding of the process.Maria walks through:How embryos, eggs, and sperm are tracked and stored inside embryology labs before transportWhat embryo transport containers actually look like (and why they are not like traditional freezers)How long embryos stay safely frozen during transport and how delays are handledThe difference between cargo vs hand-carry embryo transport, and why it mattersWhether embryos can be damaged during shipping and how risk is minimizedThe full documentation and coordination process between clinics and couriersKey regulations for embryo transport, including FDA requirements in the USA and international considerationsThis is a practical, behind-the-scenes explanation of IVF embryo transport, designed to help intended parents feel informed and confident when moving embryos between clinics or countries.If you are planning surrogacy or IVF abroad, understanding embryo transport is a critical part of protecting your future family.KEY TOPICSEmotional concerns about embryo transport: is it safe to move embryos, sperm, and eggs? [00:10]How IVF labs track and label embryos and eggs for safe transport between clinics [05:11]Embryo transport explained: liquid nitrogen tanks, hand-carry vs cargo, and shipping timelines [13:14]Embryo shipping process: paperwork, verification, and clinic-to-clinic coordination [23:03]Embryo transport regulations: FDA rules, customs, and international legal requirements [26:07]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, Maria Feekes breaks down surrogacy in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine, focusing on what intended parents are actively searching for: cost, legal parentage, safety, and timeline.If you’re researching:surrogacy in USA cost vs Mexico costis surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreignerssurrogacy in Mexico safety and legal processwhose name goes on the birth certificate in surrogacyhow long surrogacy takes step by step— this episode gives you clear, real-world answers based on experience.Maria explains:How surrogacy laws work in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine, including parental recognition and birth certificate outcomesThe real breakdown of surrogacy costs in each country, including surrogate compensation and financial protectionsWhat “safety” actually means in surrogacy: from medical care and legal frameworks to current conditions and risk considerationsSurrogacy timeline step by step, including insurance waiting periods, matching, and embryo transfer timingHow to evaluate your options and choose the right country based on legal fit, budget, comfort, and trustThis is a practical, no-fluff comparison of surrogacy in the USA vs Mexico vs Ukraine, designed to help you make a confident, informed decision before starting your journey.If you are considering surrogacy in the USA or international surrogacy, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward.KEY TOPICSLegal differences and parental recognition in USA, Mexico, and Ukraine surrogacy [03:03]Environmental and program safety questions, including military conflict consideration and insurance concerns [12:00]Comparing cost structures, surrogate compensation, and financial protections across countries [16:13]Timeline realities, insurance waiting periods, and how long the journey takes in each location [24:48]Decision-making criteria: legal fit, budget, comfort, and trust when choosing a surrogacy destination [29:10]Thinking about starting your surrogacy journey?Feel free to reach out. Maria and her team support intended parents in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine.Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Rich and Daniel, a Melbourne-based couple sharing their real experience navigating international surrogacy. From comparing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia to understanding Australia’s legal limitations, they walk through how they made one of the most important decisions of their lives.They openly discuss what it actually takes to choose a surrogacy agency, how they approached egg donor selection, and what helped them move forward with confidence—even when the process felt overwhelming.This conversation also explores the emotional side of the journey: managing expectations, building trust with a surrogate across language and distance, and staying grounded through the unpredictability of embryo development and transfer.If you’re considering surrogacy in Mexico, or trying to understand how international surrogacy works for same-sex couples, this episode gives you a clear, honest, and practical perspective from intended parents who are living it.KEY TOPICS1. Surrogacy in Mexico vs USA and Canada: How a gay couple from Australia chose their path [01:09]2. How to choose a surrogacy agency: What actually matters (trust, transparency, and flexibility) [06:03]3. Egg donor selection in surrogacy: How intended parents make this difficult decision [09:21]4. Choosing and meeting a surrogate: Managing expectations, trust, and language barriers [15:47]5. Embryo creation results explained: Expectations, milestones, and handling uncertainty [18:51]Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

What if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company's groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future.Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by genetic conditions. Now part of the team at Orchid Genetics, Maria specializes in reproductive genetics and embryo screening, helping families understand and navigate their genetic testing options. Drawing from her experience in both clinical genetics and the latest advancements in whole genome sequencing, Maria is dedicated to providing comprehensive information that empowers families to make informed choices on their fertility journeys.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Orchid Genetics' Whole Genome Screening: Orchid offers a new form of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that goes beyond traditional methods by performing whole genome sequencing on embryos. This allows for a much deeper and broader analysis than standard PGT approaches.Limitations of Standard PGT: Traditional tests like PGT-A and PGT-M have significant limitations. PGT-A only counts chromosomes (like counting books in a library), while PGT-M tests for just one specific condition (one chapter in a book), often missing many other possible genetic risks.Scope of Orchid's Testing: Orchid screens for approximately 1,200 genetic conditions, including many serious neurodevelopmental disorders, birth defects, and hereditary cancer risks—far surpassing the reach of current standard methods.Process and Accessibility: The biopsy process for Orchid's testing is identical to standard PGT, requiring no extra steps or changes from IVF clinics or embryologists. Consultation with an Orchid genetic counselor is free, and families can connect at any stage for advice and information.Cost and Value: While the cost per embryo is higher, the comprehensive insights and potential peace of mind offered by Orchid's technology can be invaluable—especially for families at risk or those who want the fullest understanding of their embryos' genetic health.Todays guest, Maria Katz, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-katz-72880bb5/Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:Website: smartpathfertilityintl.comWebsite: mariafeekes.comFacebook: facebook.com/mariafeekesInstagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes