How did you first get involved in surrogacy?
I’ve always wanted children, but I gave up on the idea early on, thinking it was unrealistic. I believed adoption was the only option. And even though adoption was theoretically possible, it’s very difficult in practice for same-sex couples. Years later, I happened to come across an article about the singer Ricky Martin, who had children through surrogacy. That was the first time I became aware of surrogacy, and it reignited the dream, and possibility, of having children. Now I have two lovely little troublemakers, aged five and seven.
And you now work at Tammuz…
That’s right. When I heard they were looking for a Case Manager for Norway I knew it was the right fit. Having gone through the surrogacy journey twice, I know how intended parents feel, what questions they want answered – whether legal, financial, or practical – and the kind of support they need at each stage of the journey.
What has changed most since your first involvement in 2018?
There’s much greater transparency today. Changes in legal frameworks, particularly in the Nordics, have made surrogacy more accessible for intended parents. It’s also become far more inclusive, with more single people and LGBTQ+ couples pursuing surrogacy. There’s a stronger demand for ethical practices too. People want to know their agency is proactive in assuring the rights of surrogates, donors, healthcare staff, and intended parents. These are all areas where we excel at Tammuz.
If you could give one piece of advice to an intended parent, what would it be?
Have patience. Surrogacy is complex. It involves humans and advanced science, so delays and the unexpected can happen. You may need to choose egg or sperm donors and wait for availability, while creating embryos can take several attempts before a successful pregnancy. And then there are many months of pregnancy ahead.
I think of surrogacy as a train journey, some will make a few stops on the way to the final destination, others will make more stops. Getting there is what’s important, ethically, legally, and safely, for all involved. And that requires patience.
What is the biggest challenge intended parents face, and how do you help them through it?
Most intended parents struggle with the lack of control at different stages of the process – and that’s understandable. While we meet them in our offices, our clinics are spread across the world, and communication with donors or healthcare experts is often handled through us. Obviously, when intended parents visit clinics they meet with the medical experts. But later down the line, when they meet the surrogate, they may not speak the same language.
That’s why it’s essential to prepare them for this reality and to be there whenever they need support. We hold seminars on handling emotional and practical challenges like distance, communication, and delays. We also encourage them to build a support network of people who care. As Case Managers, we make sure we’re available when needed. I went through some tough moments during my own surrogacy journeys, so I know how important it is to have someone who understands your situation.
Why should someone choose Tammuz as their surrogacy agency?
What stands out about Tammuz is the genuine care we show for everyone involved. We’ve helped thousands of people become parents, and each one matters just as much as the next. We take the time to understand you as a person – your needs, wants, values, and goals – so we can create the best experience possible. That means matching you with the right donors, clinic, and surrogate to ensure you feel confident in every choice and supported throughout the journey to a successful birth. Then of course, as I mentioned earlier, we follow ethical surrogacy practices for the good of all those involved.
Finally, what is most rewarding about being a Case Manager?
There’s no better feeling than receiving a photo or message from a new parent with their child. It makes all the hard work worthwhile. You may have known these parents for months or a few years, been there for them through the highs and lows, and now the circle is complete. Every surrogacy journey is unique, but the common thread is love, and being part of that brings great meaning to my work.
Do you want to speak with Andreas or another Tammuz Case Worker about surrogacy? Get in touch today! Click the link to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
Meet Andreas, a dad who’s been there and now helps others with surrogacy.
After giving up on the idea of parenthood, an article about Ricky Martin reignited Andreas’s dream of having children. Today, as a father of two amazing kids and Tammuz Case Manager, he supports others in the surrogacy process, sharing his experiences to help them through the highs and lows.
He believes, surrogacy is like a train journey, some have more stops than others, but reaching the destination ethically, safely, and with love is what matters. And he’s ready to help you succeed in building a family.
