What criteria are used to assess the suitability of egg donors and surrogates? What screening tests are used? What aspects affect success rates? What are the differences between IVF clinic-screened donors, agency donors and friends or relatives as donors?

Dr Said Daneshmand, San Diego Fertility Center, California, USA

How does the altruistic Canadian surrogacy model work for foreigners? What availability is there of egg donors and surrogates? How are surrogates motivated to carry? How are they supported? What concierge services are available?

Nir Keren, Babies Come True, Canada

Do I need a lawyer for domestic surrogacy or egg donation? Does my surrogate need a lawyer? Can we write our own agreement? Are these legally binding? What expenses can our surrogate be re-imbursed? How is this monitored? Who appears on the birth certificate? How does transfer of parentage work? Do I need legal support for international arrangements?

Cassandra Kalpaxis, Kalpaxis Law

Are there tests than can check sperm quality? What if quality is poor? Can I still make embryos? If  undertaking surrogacy, can we create embryos before having matched with a surrogate? What counselling requirements do clinics have in relation to donors and surrogates?

Dr Nick Lolatgis, Centre for Infertility Solutions, Vic

Local parents who recently completed surrogacy or egg donation in Australia, USA, Canada, Ukraine or Georgia share their experiences, the ups and downs

Moderator: Sam Everingham

Panelists: Linda Wood (mum via Georgia; Adam Sloan (gay dad via Australia); Nick Stathopoulos (Dad via Greece) Helen Gazis (mum via US) Robyn Renyard (mum via Canada)

Georgia has become a tried and proven destination for affordable egg donor and surrogacy programs for heterosexual married couples with a medical indication. Australians have experience with a wide range of Georgia providers. But what makes a good provider? What are the exit processes? What are the possible add-on costs?

Naia Adamia, Be Parent, Georgia

With state and international border travel rules in constant flux, this session details the latest options about travelling internationally for Donor IVF or surrogacy. Are economy return flights available?  When will incoming flight caps change? Do I still need a Travel Exemption? Am I eligible for home quarantine? Delivered by one agent who has now worked with dozens of Australian IPs to get them in and out of Australia safely during lockdowns

Penni Mason, Bayview Travel, Victoria