Erik & Oksana

Medical Information:

General Health:

We are both in good general health, however, Oksana has lost her uterus and ovaries due to endometrial cancer in 2015. She is now in good health.

Fertility Information:

We have two embryos that were created through IVF attempts prior to the cancer diagnosis. They are not PGS tested. We are using our own embryos. It is not possible to produce further eggs and we do not seek to use donor eggs.

Fertility Clinic:

Victory Reproductive Care, in Windsor, ON.

Why are you looking for a Surrogate?

Having kids has always been an important aspect of our life. However, until now, we were not able to conceive naturally and due to endometrial cancer and subsequent removal of uterus and ovaries, using a Surrogate is the only way to deliver our existing embryos, and our only chance to have our own biological kids.

Tell us about your family & loved ones.

Our parents are very positive. Erik comes from a big family with four siblings. Grandchildren by Erik's siblings have been and will be very welcome. Oksana's parents also know that this is our only option, and will be very happy. Our siblings all know about our long-standing dream to have kids and will share our joy of making our dream come true through surrogacy. Our friends and co-workers are also very positive and encouraging.

Would you like to attend appointments with your Surrogate?

If possible we would like to be part of the journey as much as we can and would like to participate virtually whenever possible.

What are your thoughts on termination of a pregnancy due to genetic abnormalities or complications related to the pregnancy?

In case of severe abnormalities and complications we would prefer termination.

If the Surrogate becomes pregnant with multiples, how would you feel? How do you feel about the possibility of selective reduction being recommended due to a multiple pregnancy?

We would be delighted to have multiples!
Regarding selective reduction we will have to look at the specific situation and make that decision with medical best practices in mind.

Are you vaccinated for Covid-19? Do you have a preference for a Surrogate to have been vaccinated for Covid-19?

We are both vaccinated and would strongly prefer the Surrogate to be vaccinated as well.

What kind of relationship do you want to have with your Surrogate during the pregnancy?

We would like to be in close contact if possible. Ideally we would like to receive updates several times per week.

Do you want to be in the delivery room when your child is born?

Erik would prefer to be present, if acceptable for the Surrogate. Oksana definitely wants to be in the delivery room during childbirth.

What kind of relationship do you hope to have with your Surrogate after the birth of your child?

Hopefully, the Surrogate can become part of our extended family. We hope to keep contact and visit each other, maybe once per year.

Would you be open to a home birth?

No. The risk of insufficient medical care in case of complications is too high.

Are you open to midwifery care?

We would prefer obstetric care.

Would you like your Surrogate to provide breastmilk?

We know how important the initial breastmilk is with all the vital nutrients for a baby after birth and we'd be very open to this if our Surrogate is.

What will you tell the child about the Surrogate, and the circumstances of their birth? If your child asks to meet the Surrogate, how will you feel?

We will tell our child that she has an additional mom that helped her/him to be born. We will be happy to connect our child with the Surrogate. However, ideally we would already be in contact from early on.

If the transfer is unsuccessful, will you want to try again? If so, how soon after?

We would like to try give our other embryo a chance soon afterwards.

If this surrogacy journey is successful, would you want to complete a sibling journey? What do you envision that looking like? (timeline, same Surrogate etc.)

Yes! As soon as possible.

What are your plans for childcare once the child is born?

We will do most of the care ourselves. In Austria parental leave is guaranteed by law up to four years.

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

In the past year, we have remodeled and renovated our house, so most of the weekends were spent with home improvement. Occasionally, we go on a short trip, e.g. to Italy or Croatia to visit the sea. We like to relax at home and enjoy our beautiful garden, going to a nearby lake, meeting with friends or going on a hike/stroll.

What are some of your interests/ activities?

We are both interested in science, technology and history. Erik likes to tinker with the computer or home improvement projects. Oksana enjoys revamping the garden and rents a small farm plot that she tills by hand. She also enjoys painting acrylic, creative crafting or going for a swim.

Other fun facts:

We have two cats: Elsa a white Main-Coon and Fridi a ginger-haired Eurpoean Shorthair. We like to spend time together cuddling and playing. We have taken them from the animal shelter. They were very frightened in the beginning. By now they feel at home and we enjoy their trust and friendship.

Erik’s favourite foods include bread, pizza, meat, milk and milk products. While Oksana loves vegetables, fruit and exotic food.

We like to take vacations at the sea in cities with historical significance. Erik drives an electric unicycle. Oksana will take on any task no matter what, e.g. concreting-in a granite lawn edge in the garden herself.

“Erik is rather cautious and ponderous, while Oksana is rather outgoing and active. We complement each other quite well. Honesty and fairness are core values for us. We would rather cook at home than eating out. We hope to have a good and meaningful life and discover new things together. We think that having kids is an important part of this.”