Unfortunately, terrible people exist and they take advantage of others to their own gain. In 2013, we discovered that the owner of SurroGenesis, Tonya Collins, is one such person. Sadly, there will never be true justice for the defrauded Intended Parents, Gestational Surrogates, and other professionals involved. The involved Intended Parents experienced a tragedy that is absolutely reprehensible. Collins stole so much more than just their money; through her actions she bankrupted more than their life-savings, but also their hopes and dreams.
MODESTO — A woman who ran a Modesto surrogacy agency has pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud after bilking would-be parents out of millions of dollars, authorities said. Tonya Ann Collins, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court in Fresno, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
She could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced in May.
Court documents show that from November 2006 through March 2009, Collins carried out a scheme to defraud prospective parents, surrogates and banks through her company, SurroGenesis, and the associated Michael Charles Independent Financial Holding Group.
https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article3149582.html
As unfortunate and saddening as this story is, it is a cautionary tale that Intended Parents and Gestational Surrogates are well advised to research agencies prior to any engagement. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is a good place to start that reveals how we think about surrogacy and how we do business. You can also find detailed information about our Intended Parent’s Journey and Surrogate Mother’s Journey.
In 2021, Reproductive Alliance gathered together industry professionals within third-party reproduction to uplift the industry and create well-established standards that protect the interests of Intended Parents as well as other parties involved.