Chicago, IL ( February 20, 2014 ) — Jason and Robert Colosi-McCann were together 11 years before they took the step towards parenthood. Through surrogacy and egg donation, they became parents to son Grayson in 2012. Jason and Rob will share their story on March 1st at Making Parenting Conceivable: A Gay Man's Guide to Family Building.
Hosted by Fertility Centers of Illinois and ConceiveAbilities, the free educational seminar will be led by top experts in reproductive medicine, reproductive LGBT law and psychology, as well as families who have gone through the process.
Recent U.S. Census data estimates that one-quarter of all same-sex households are raising children. Building a family as a same-sex couple is unique for gay men, which requires both a surrogate and an egg donor to achieve. With the right guidance, resources and preparation, having a family can be done with ease.
"When I see LGBT couples, they are often overwhelmed and unsure of the first step to take in this process," says Dr. Brian Kaplan of Fertility Centers of Illinois. "Rather than spend countless hours doing research, couples can walk away in one morning with the knowledge and information they need to have a family with confidence."
Jason and Robert are eager to share their path to parenthood with others.
"We knew from the beginning that we wanted a family," explains Robert. "When we saw Grayson's heartbeat on the ultrasound for the first time, we were forever changed. There is nothing in the world that compares to being a parent."
Making Parenting Conceivable: A Gay Man's Guide to Family Building:
Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
656 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60661
No cost, registration required. Register online at Eventbrite or here.
The free educational seminar will cover the following topics:
Building a Support System:
ConceiveAbilities President Nazca Fontes will explain the importance of finding experienced professionals to guide you through the process.
Psychological Considerations:
Fertility Centers of Illinois, Ariadna Cymet Lanski, Psy.D. will discuss the emotional effects on intended parents, surrogates and egg donors
Legal Implications:
Led by Julie Tavoso, an Illinois attorney specializing in third-party reproduction.
In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF ) and Embryo Creation:
Presented by Fertility Centers of Illinois physicians Brian Kaplan, M.D. and Jennifer Hirschfeld-Cytron, M.D.
Expert Panel Discussion:
Our medical, legal and mental health professionals, as well as intended parents, surrogates and egg donors will answer your questions.
Breakout Sessions:
One-on-one time to ask your questions and take the next steps toward building your own family.
Fertility Centers of Illinois isone of the leading fertility treatment practices in the United States, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in the Chicago area since 1976. FCI physicians, embryologists and support staff are stringently chosen based on educational background, medical skills and their ability to collaborate. With a team of 10 nationally and internationally recognized reproductive physicians who treat thousands of patients each year, the practice has earned a reputation for overcoming hard-to-solve fertility issues. FCI is dedicated to medical and clinical excellence and continues to invest in the latest technologies and research. FCI offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options including intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, donor egg, gestational carrier, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as well as extensive resources to address financial and emotional needs. Fostering a culture for continuous innovation has made FCI home to the annual Midwest Reproductive Symposium which attracts experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology from around the world. FCI has 10 offices conveniently located throughout the Chicagoland area ( Buffalo Grove, Chicago/River North, Crystal Lake, Glenview, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Lindenhurst, Warrenville, Oakbrook Terrace, and Orland Park ). FCI is a member of the Attain Fertility Network which provides discounted fertility treatment programs. For more information call 877.324.4483 or visit www.fcionline.com .
Since 1996, ConceiveAbilities has provided the tools and support to simplify what can be a difficult road to parenthood. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the egg donor and surrogacy agency has garnered an international reputation for their stability, professionalism, knowledge, and the highest quality pool of candidates available. With personal experience guiding their philosophy, ConceiveAbilities' dynamic team brings an unmatched level of service and support to help guide all participants through an often challenging process. A staff that includes former egg donors, gestational surrogates, and intended parents gives ConceiveAbilities the unique perspective to provide all sides of the partnership with the best resources and support to maximize the chance for success. For more information, call 877.201.7211 or visit www.conceiveabilities.com .
