Circle Surrogacy to Host Meetings in Sweden on U.S. Surrogacy Options for Local Couples and Singles

STOCKHOLM, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Circle Surrogacy, one of the oldest surrogate parenting agencies in the United States, announces two informational meetings, to be held on May 20, 2011 in Stockholm and on May 24, 2011 in Gothenburg. The meetings will give prospective parents an opportunity to hear expert advice about surrogate parenting options, listen to personal stories from parents, and ask questions about the various aspects -- medical, legal, financial -- of surrogate parenting.

"Many factors have reinforced the desirability of pursuing surrogacy in the United States for Swedish prospective parents," says John Weltman, Circle Surrogacy's president and a widely recognized expert in reproductive law, noting the favorable moral, legal and medical climate for surrogacy in the United States. "We are very knowledgeable of the laws in each country and in some of the most frequent destinations such as Spain, Italy, Israel, the UK, and here in Sweden, we partner with local organizations and lawyers to provide a complete solution for our clients before and after the birth."

While surrogate motherhood is not allowed in Sweden, it is legal for Swedish couples and individuals to go through the surrogacy process in the United States and return to Sweden after the birth of their children. In the United States, court decisions have reinforced the rights of intended parents who have pursued surrogacy and no US appeals court has ever ruled in favor of a woman seeking to retain custody of a child to whom she gave birth as a surrogate mother. Swedish courts have regularly confirmed the parentage of those who have had children through surrogacy abroad.

Weltman stated that Circle's staff regularly meets with prospective clients for consultations in their own countries, although many still conduct them over the phone or in Boston and New York. The agency leads all intended parents through the logistical, legal and administrative processes involved from day one until they arrive home and gain full custody of their newborns.

Advances in reproductive technology, favorable laws, growing media attention and societal acceptance have contributed to rapid growth of surrogacy in the United States as a parenting alternative for infertile couples, individuals, and the gay community. While many countries worldwide still outlaw or restrict the practice, most states in America permit compensated surrogacy.

"There is a fundamental need for reproduction alternatives like surrogacy and egg donation;" says Weltman, "these options allow a couple who remain childless try after try to be able to share their love with a child of their own. And we can make that happen."

About Circle Surrogacy

Circle Surrogacy is the oldest American surrogate-parenting agency serving clients worldwide. Since 1995, Circle Surrogacy has facilitated the birth of more than 500 babies and boasts unequaled success rates in helping clients becoming parents through egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Circle Surrogacy provides a choice of specialized clinics at locations throughout the United States as well as a large selection of egg donors, timely matching with carefully screened surrogates and a variety of flexible programs and financial options.

About John Weltman

John Weltman, president and founder, is recognized worldwide as an expert in the field of surrogacy and reproductive law, as well as gay parenting. John began his own surrogacy journey in 1991 and has two sons. He has written numerous articles in leading publications and has given lectures throughout the United States and Europe on various legal topics related to surrogacy. John holds degrees from Yale, Oxford and the University of Virginia.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Ramirez, +1-617-439-9900, pramirez@circlesurrogacy.com

Related Links

-- Circle Surrogacy homepage: http://www.circlesurrogacy.com

-- Information on the Sweden meetings: http://www.circlesurrogacy.com/en/component/k2/item/173-sweden-group-meetings-may-2011

-- Information for Swedish couples pursuing surrogacy in the United States: http://www.circlesurrogacy.com/index.php/en/international/svenska