Surrogacy and adoption can be incredibly fulfilling experiences, both for intended parents and gestational carriers. However, for hopeful parents considering surrogacy or adoption, legal processes and issues can be complicated and overwhelming at times, particularly as they relate to the parental rights of the surrogate or the biological parents putting a child up for adoption. What’s more, these legal labyrinths vary from state to state and from country to country, often catching aspiring parents unaware.

In this episode, Robert T. Terenzio, an international reproductive health attorney, joins host Mark P. Trolice, M.D., to discuss the legal implications for both surrogacy and adoption and how hopeful parents can navigate those challenges and protect their rights.

Tune in to discover:

  • Why Florida is an ideal state for adoption and surrogacy
  • The legal implications of traditional vs. IVF surrogacy
  • The challenges of international surrogacy
  • Special considerations for LGBTQ or nonmarried couples
  • The costs and risks involved

About Robert T. Terenzio

Robert exclusively practices in assisted reproductive technology law. The best support he provides his clients is a stable legal framework within which to pursue parentage, plentiful and transparent information on the ART processes, and unwavering support and counsel throughout their journey.

Robert is a member of the Florida and Connecticut Bar Associations, belongs to the Family Law Section of both states and the Health Law Section of the Florida Bar. Robert is also a member of the American Bar Association, Assisted Reproduction Committee. Robert is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Law, Medicine, and Ethics. Robert is a long time supporter and member of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Having a background in malpractice and risk management, Robert is a long time advocate of national standards for non-licensed professionals in the ART arena. Robert has answered the challenge of the lack of transparency in ART by speaking to physicians, nurses, allied medical personnel, attorneys and the infertile public, in both formal settings and informal meetings, within the United States, Asia, Europe, and South America. About Mark P. Trolice, M.D.

Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida and Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando responsible for the medical education of OB/GYN residents and medical students as well as Medical Endocrinology fellows. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.

He is double board certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. His current book is on the Infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.