Interview With An Intended Parent

Jamie Hurley, CEO of Lobeline Communications, a prestigious PR firm with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto, knows this better than most. His path to fatherhood has taken more than a decade, spanned multiple attempts, and tested his patience at every turn.

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: his commitment to becoming a parent. We sat down with Jamie, one half of an incredible intended parent duo, to talk about his history with Simple Surrogacy. We talked about where he is in the process today, and what he wants other intended parents to know before they begin their own journeys.

What It Means to Be an Intended Parent: Jamie’s Story

Jamie first came to Simple Surrogacy’s surrogate program thirteen years ago with his partner, hoping to start their family through surrogacy. The journey involved multiple transfers with two different surrogates. Unfortunately, none of the attempts resulted in a successful pregnancy.

It was a difficult chapter, but Jamie emphasizes that the agency never stopped advocating for them.

“Simple Surrogacy was amazing every step of the way,” Jamie told us. “They stood with us through the entire experience and kept fighting to get us to the next stage. If they hadn’t kept fighting, we wouldn’t be here today waiting for our children to come.”

Now he is back, and things are looking considerably more hopeful.

How Did You Decide on Simple Surrogacy as Your Agency?

Jamie’s answer was direct. Having been through the process before, he had a clear basis for comparison, and his loyalty to the agency came entirely from lived experience.

“There is no better, more experienced agency and team out there when it comes to surrogacy,” he said. “Each member of the team is personally involved in the community in some way, either as an egg donor, a surrogate themselves, or having grown their own family via surrogacy.

Where Are You Currently at in Your Process as an Intended Parent?

The current journey has not been without its complications either. Jamie and his partner initially matched with a surrogate a few months ago, but ran into an insurance issue. Certain insurance policies carry exclusions that specifically cover surrogacy, which is a reality many intended parents encounter along the way.

“There will be bumps along the way,” Jamie acknowledged, “but in the end you have to believe it will all work out for the best.”

Fortunately, they were rematched quickly. Since a double embryo transfer often requires six to nine months of matching time, the speed of the rematch was a significant positive step.

Their new surrogate has now passed all screening and is awaiting her on-site medical check-up before the next steps begin.

Is Your Surrogate in the Same State?

Jamie and his partner do not live in Texas, but their surrogate is based in Austin. The agency’s Texas Advantage makes finding a surrogate within the state an attractive option and simplifies the logistics considerably. All check-ups and the transfer itself will be conducted on-site in Dallas.

The couple plans to travel for all major milestones, including the transfer and ultrasounds. Jamie also shared that they want to go beyond the basics in supporting their surrogate whenever possible.

“We intend to assist with further items, such as providing healthy meals for our surrogate, should she desire, even from a distance when we’re not present in the state.”

Their egg donor is also located in Texas, though in a different city. She has previously donated, and another couple is currently carrying twins conceived with her eggs, which Jamie says only adds to his excitement about the upcoming double embryo transfer.

How Involved Will Your Surrogate and Egg Donor Be in Your Children’s Lives?

This is something Jamie and his partner have considered carefully. They matched with their egg donor over a year and a half ago, well before their surrogate match, and she has already expressed interest in meeting the children and being part of their lives.

“We want our egg donor and surrogate to be in contact with the children,” Jamie said. “We also plan on being very transparent about the fact that they were born via surrogate. There is nothing wrong with it, and we hope it will show them how much we love them.”

It is a refreshingly open approach, and one that Jamie hopes helps chip away at the stigma still surrounding surrogacy.

The Journey During a Global Pandemic

At the time of the interview, the Omicron variant was adding another layer of complexity to an already involved process. Jamie noted that the pandemic caused a nationwide shortage of surrogates, largely because potential surrogates with young children of their own could not commit to extended hospital stays. Travel disruptions added further complications for a couple coordinating cross-state appointments.

“I actually have to travel a lot for my company, so I’m very familiar with all of the protocols,” Jamie said, “but no familiarity is going to help when there’s a shortage of flights.”

Despite it all, his experience with the agency remained positive.

How Has Your Experience With Simple Surrogacy Been Overall?

“They’ve been amazing,” Jamie said without hesitation. “They’ve helped guide us throughout the entire process.”

His decision to return to Simple Surrogacy as an intended parent after an unsuccessful first journey is perhaps the strongest endorsement the agency could receive. He came back not because it was the easiest option, but because the care and dedication he experienced the first time left a lasting impression.

One Last Question: What Do You Wish You Had Known Going In?

Jamie’s advice is grounded and honest.

“Patience is key, and you absolutely cannot rush the process. Trust your agency. There is nobody more experienced in the industry. It is a waiting game.”

He also offered a piece of wisdom that applies to anyone embarking on this journey:

“Do not get your hopes up too high. Nothing is certain. But trust the process, and what is meant to be will always happen.”

Ready to Begin Your Own Journey Toward Parenthood?

Jamie’s story is a reminder that the path to parenthood through surrogacy is rarely linear, but still deeply meaningful. Whether starting as an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate or egg donor, support is available at every step.

Reach out to us today and let your story begin.

FAQs

What happens if a surrogate match falls through during the process?

Rematching is a normal part of the surrogacy journey. At Simple Surrogacy, unlimited free rematching is included for all clients. Depending on the transfer type, finding a new match typically takes between six and nine months, though timelines can vary.

Can intended parents be present at medical appointments during the surrogacy process?

Yes. Intended parents are encouraged to attend key appointments such as the embryo transfer and ultrasounds. Travel arrangements depend on the location, but we actively encourage and help coordinate being present at major milestones.

How open can the relationship be between intended parents and the surrogate or egg donor?

The level of contact is agreed upon by all parties beforehand. Some intended parents maintain ongoing relationships with their surrogate and egg donor, including introducing them to the children as they grow. Preferences are discussed and documented during the matching process.