Busting Myths

1. Busting Myths Many LGBT couples, like heterosexual couples, dream of starting a family and experiencing parenthood. Surrogacy allows them to realize this dream. At the same time, there are quite a few “myths” surrounding surrogacy –  so we are here to ensure you have the facts on this subject.

2. Not true. Although it is not a cheap process and the costs may be high, today there are programs in several countries that offer a variety of routes at different costs. • Over the years, Tammuz family has developed unique and lower-cost itineraries tailored to parents with professional accompaniment until birth. The “safe plan” allow you to undertake surrogacy with a known and predetermined price and full transparency from the beginning. • In addition, we provide advice regarding costs, liaise with banks if necessary and assist in identifying the route that is most convenient and suitable for you. • Surrogacy costs are different in each country.The price range for surrogacy is between $71,000 – $153,000. • It is important to prepare for the costs in advance and prepare a financial plan that includes financing options such as: using savings, taking a loan, financial help from friends and family and fundraising from non-profit organizations that can help. Nowadays, international surrogacy costs are generally significantly lower than a few years ago, making the surrogacy process accessible to a wider range of people. Myth: Surrogacy is only available to rich people.. 2

3. Myth: surrogates are considered to be mothers… • Not true. The surrogacy agreement sets out in advance the rights and obligations of both parties: the intended parents and the surrogate. • Every agreement specifies that the surrogate is carrying the baby only and has no rights or demands following the birth. The law does not recognize the surrogate as a mother and there is no genetic link between the surrogate and the newborn. • In addition, the surrogates undergo a strict and comprehensive screening that verifies their suitability for the process and they are aware that they are not the mothers at any stage. 2

4. Myth: Surrogacy is a tool for exploiting women… Not true. Surrogate women choose of their own free will to help heterosexual and LGBT couples build a family. In all of Tammuz’s routes, the surrogates receive medical accompaniment and mental health support throughout the entire process. Our professional and comprehensive programs guarantee the rights of the surrogate from a medical, mental and financial point of view, including full transparency regarding payment and the terms of the agreement. There is a complete support system in place and we work with agencies and parties that ensure that the surrogacy experience is empowering and meaningful for every surrogate. In addition, on the Colombia, Argentina and Mexico routes, there is an association that protects surrogates’ rights, accompanies them and provides them with emotional and financial support throughout the journey, and afterwards. 2

5. Myth: The surrogate might keep the baby… Not true. The surrogacy process is regulated by law and managed with a contract, in which the legal parents of the baby are set out in advance. The agreement includes advance and explicit consent of the surrogate to give up parental rights over the baby. This agreement is signed between the intended parents and the surrogate before the process begins, and establishes the obligations of both parties in the presence of a qualified lawyer accompanying the surrogacy process. In addition, in all cases the surrogate has children of her own, and there is no genetic connection between her and the baby. In all 16 years of the company’s activity, there has never been a situation in which a surrogate asked to keep the baby (that’s not hers). 2

6. Myth: Babies born through surrogacy face identity issues… Not true. Children born through surrogacy have higher chances of a full life with a strong sense of identity, especially when the parents tell them how they came into the world and ensure healthy communication and provide psychological support if necessary. In addition, many studies show that there is no significant difference in the emotional and mental development of children who grow up with LGBT parents, compared to children who grow up with heterosexual parents. Myth: Individuals cannot go through a surrogacy procedure… Not true. In the last decade, more and more single men and women have undergone a surrogacy procedure and become parents. Tammuz has surrogacy routes adapted for individuals in USA, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico and Israel. 2

7. Myth: heterosexuals can undergo a surrogacy procedure only in Georgia… Not true. Tammuz has surrogacy programs for heterosexual couples in Ukraine, Georgia, USA, Colombia, Argentina and Israel. An important point: make sure that your family status (married/single/shared household) allows you to go through the process in accordance with the law in each country. Myth: People with HIV cannot undergo a surrogacy procedure… Not true. In Tammuz there are surrogacy courses adapted to HIV carriers with the help of advanced technology, which allow couples and individuals living with HIV to carry out in vitro fertilization and give birth to a completely healthy baby. In this process, the sperm will undergo a washing procedure after which the fertilization procedure is carried out. 2

8. Myth: Only in United States is it possible to undergo a surrogacy procedure… Not true. Tammuz has surrogacy routes in other countries including Georgia, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico and Israel. Myth: It’s illegal and unsafe to undergo a surrogacy procedure in Latin America… Not true. Tammuz has safe and affordable routes in Colombia, Argentina and Mexico (“Latin America”) where the surrogates go through a strict and comprehensive medical and psychological screening before entering the procedure. In addition, it is a legal and safe procedure with high success rates as in our other routes around the world. Myth: Surrogates don’t undergo professional protocol monitoring during pregnancy Not true. The surrogates in all routes undergo comprehensive tests from the beginning of the process, during pregnancy until delivery, and are updated on all parameters. All surrogates are already mothers, with a normal pregnancy and delivery history without complications. In addition, they undergo blood tests (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) gynecological tests, psychological tests, additional medical tests and a personal interview. 2

9. Myth: Egg donor profiles are often incorrect… Not true. Tammuz works with clinics that have organized reserves of hundreds of egg donors, with accessible and complete information. Each route has a different supply and variety. We will be happy to give you more information on this topic. LGBT surrogacy is a basic human right, which includes love, support and warmth.Children born to LGBT parents have the right to grow up in a loving and supportive environment. Dispelling myths about LGBT surrogacy is important – it raises awareness and encourages an open and tolerant public debate. The myths can also make it difficult for LGBT couples to start a family and cause concerns about their desire to have children through surrogacy. They also harm the rights and feelings of LGBT children, who may feel different and less legitimate than other children. 2

10. CONTACT US Tammuz family is available for you at any time for any questions. For more details, please contact us. Visit Us - www.tammuz.com Phone-0737838058 Email - info@tammuz.com 2