Agency Spotlight: Delivering Family Dreams Through Surrogacy and Egg Donation
Growing Generations. It’s more than just a name, it’s our vision and daily mission. That’s why our motto is, “We Deliver: Passion. Dreams. Possibility.”
We strive to create families first and then help them grow. Through egg donation and surrogacy, we’re helping to create families of choice. Our clients are people who realize that love, not solely DNA, is what makes a family.
Recently, we were honored to be featured by Weelunk.com. Their article summarized what we do beautifully. In an industry that once catered primarily to heterosexual couples, we’re proud to help intended parents from all walks of life realize their dream of parenthood. From heterosexual couples to homosexual couples, single intended parents, and even certain individuals diagnosed with HIV, we believe that the path to parenthood shouldn’t be barred based on sexual preference, marital status, age, or health concerns.
And our staff? Our staff is filled with some of the most selfless, loving, and motivated people we know. Highlighting a few of our 35 staff members, the article showcased how our staff helps intended parents realize their dream of having a family, all while tirelessly serving the communities in which we live.
Specifically, the article featured Senior Surrogate Admissions Specialist Lisa Wippler. A three-time surrogate herself, Lisa is also a two-time egg donor and former Marine. Working remotely from her home in Georgia, Lisa shares her thoughts on love, life, and assisted reproduction in the Weelunk article. Here’s a peek at what she had to say.
What led you to decide to be an egg donor and a surrogate?
In 1995, my husband was an active-duty Marine, and we were relocated to California. I purchased a Mothers Magazine to see if I could connect with other moms in the area. There was an ad needing surrogate mothers and donors. I never knew there was such a need. It sparked a conversation with my husband and me what it would be like for us if I had not been able to have our sons. I decided to call the agency to get more information. It seemed amazing to be able to help people become parents. That led to a surrogacy in 1996, two egg donations in 1997, another surrogacy in 1998 and my final one in 2002. It was a community of women and families [that] I was and am still so happy to be a part of.
What was the difference in your experience between being an egg donor and a surrogate?
Surrogacy is more personal and rewarding for me. You get to follow it to the end and see what you have helped create. However, it also is a very long commitment and affects your entire family. Egg donation is gratifying knowing you are still contributing to making families without the longer commitment.
What was it about the experience that made you want to do it again?
My first surrogacy was extremely rewarding. I thought I was going into this to help create a family, but I got so much out of it. The mom was such strong woman and watching her go through the process with grace taught me a lot about myself. In the delivery room, the father was standing by my head to be respectful. My husband reached across my body to the dad and said, “Come down here Dad, you only get one chance to see your son be born.” When the mom held her son to her chest for the first time, I felt It was a moment that will forever be etched in my heart and soul. That is the spirit of surrogacy.
In the interview, Lisa goes on to get very real about her experiences and how her personal views on same-sex parenting have evolved as a result. To read more about Lisa, her role at Growing Generations, and how her personal life experiences have shaped her career and compassion towards those she helps today, clickhere.
Posted by Dr. Kim Bergman in News on 06/06/18
Kim Bergman, PhD, a licensed psychologist of 26 years, has specialized in the area of gay and lesbian parenting, parenting by choice and third party assisted reproduction for over two decades. Dr. Bergman has created a comprehensive psychological screening, support and monitoring process for Intended Parents, Surrogates and Donors. She is the co-owner of Fertility Counseling Services and Growing Generations and is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Psychological Association, the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association, and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. She is on the national Emeritus board of the Family Equality Council. Dr. Bergman writes, teaches and speaks extensively on parenting by choice. Along with co-authors, she published “Gay Men Who Become Fathers via Surrogacy: The Transition to Parenthood” (Journal of GLBT Family Studies, April 2010). Dr. Bergman’s is the author of the upcoming book, Your Future Family: An Essential Guide to Assisted Reproduction (Red Wheel Press 2019). Dr. Bergman created her own family using third party assisted reproduction and she lives with her wife of 35 years. Her two daughters are in college.