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Unlike the other reviewer, Jane, I did wind up doing one donation with this agency, but, like Jane, I too discovered agency staff in a web of lies. This was for my potential second donation. During the first donation, I saw the turnover of 4 egg donor coordinators. Weeks into my second donation, I started noticing things that did not add up, and I discovered they were lying when I was in touch with the IP's clinic coordinator. Then, I too found out that staff at ED Inc was doctoring my file, telling the IPs that my fee was non-negotiable when it was not, and so on. When confronted, staff blatantly lied to my face and began insulting me--obviously I thought I was worth more than I was, that ED Inc and the IPs did not want to contribute to the trend of highly-paid donors, etc. All lies. Thankfully, that donation did not go ahead (for reasons with the clinic), but I hope all worked out well the IPs in spite of it.

What dissapointed me the most? I brought this to the attention of the then-owner of the company, and the head of the other office in MD. Both told me they would investigate what happened (I met with both women), that they would confirm who changed my file, and so on. I never heard back from them again. They avoided all my calls.

Plus, to boot, they completely overcharged my initial IPs for my travel expenses all around.

Oooh. I think we should try to make one thead on this topic, if that works for ya'll?

SO here goes:

I just did a cycle with ED inc. I had registered with them years ago and never heard back, in the mean time I had heard bad things. The only reason I agreed was because the couple they approached me about was my ideal couple.

I only confirm what everyone else has said. Though in my cause we didn't actually catch any lies. They were proffesional, definitely, and so is the lawer that owns the company.

While I don't like them the experience was ok.I am still registered with them because I really want do my 6th and final cycle open for a simpsons couple and I don't know where else to go.

Nugget

Hi Nugget,
Ooh, starting a thread

Interesting--the lawyer now in charge of the company replaced the woman who used to own it. I thought that would make some positive changes but apparently not. Oh well. And I too micromanaged my cycle with them, even before this, because I really knew more about the process than did my coordinator.

I hear you on wanting to just do the last one, trust me, and the ease of working with someone already. But you seem to really know the deal, so why not indy, working with simpsons only? There's also this really amazing specialized agency in the DC area, run by Diane Hinson, called Creative Family Connections, I believe (last word may be wrong, I think). I had interviewed with a client they were representing, and they were amazing. Everything ED Inc was not. Just a suggestion!

Good luck!!!!!

Jen -

I am totally willing to work as an independent donor (it would be my first choice). I have looked on surromoms ., but so far I haven't seen any simpsons couples who are also independent (several postings from Circle Surrogacy on behalf of simpsons couples). It may just be that a simpsons couple who decides to do this (unlike a het couple going the ED route) are not IVF veterians and have more of a tendecy to go with an agency. Can you think of other places to look?

Nugget

Jen -

Sorry, somehow I wasn't logged in just then.

I wanted to ask about you. You also sound like a veteran. What's your story?

Nugget

Hi Nugget,
Wow, I'm impressed. Way to handle this. I'm glad that everyone can read this here re: using the lawyers to your advantage, both donors and IPs. They do not have to simply read contracts--you can use them against agencies, if need be. This was one problem I had with ED Inc after they knew I knew about the lying situation: I threatened to leave, with my IPs, and they pulled this \"well, we facilitated the match, so you cannot.\" And this was in the pre-contract review stage, so I felt I had no recourse. As it was, the donation did not go through bc of something on the IPs' end, so it did not matter. But I hear what you are saying, and I do agree too that it seems as if simpsons couples are less likely to go indy for donations. Surrogacy, yes, but less for ED. I do think you are right. Perhaps Diane at that agency can actually recruit a couple for you.

Did you post in the ads section too? I ask because, if that's you, it seems as if you are in NYC. I am as well! Let's talk via email, and I can give you my scoop: goosiegirl76@yahoo.com

Best,
Jen

Jen -

I have emailed, but I also wanted to say something here. I totally agree about lawyers. Mine is really wonderful, and totally on my side. He has been helping me to find my 6th donation. I just feel so lucky that my partner got on the web and found me a good lawyer instead of going with an EDI recommendation. I just had a gut feeling that would be bad, but I didn't realise at the time how much so.

So yeah, if anyone is reading this then definitely find your own lawyer and be willing to do what it takes.

Nugget

Nugget,

What about trying Circle Surrogacy? I was matched with a couple through the agency. I worked with Rachel - she matched me within a week of getting in my application. The couple actually traveled down from CT to Delaware to meet me, and visited me at my home (none of my other ED couples had done this - I was really excited about it.) I also had open communication with them. We emailed each other privately, as well as working with Rachel. It can't give the agency a full review because the donation didn't work out. They needed to use a GS, didn't have one lined up and wasn't sure how long it would take to find one. I was ready to cycle immediately, so we moved on with the intention that we would definitely consider working together in the future if everything fell into place. In any case, I have worked with some HORRIBLE agencies (I really need to put some reviews up), some decent ones, and a few that seem excellent. My limited experience with Circle Surrogacy was very, very positive.

MonicaMarrie -

I just read your review of circle surrogacy on the board for them. Thanks for the suggestion. Yeah, I have thought about them and still am considering it but they cap the donor fee below what I think I am worth. This gets into a whole discussion about the ethics of paying donors high fees and I hadn't wanted to start that, but there it is.

Nugget

I found the whole process of working with ED Inc to be frustrating.

I'm glad (or sad , maybe) to see that it wasn't just me. I, too, am hoping to be matched with a simpsons couple for my next cycle. I have been told Robert Nichols is good and has lots of simpsons couples, and I have spoken with him directly. He's great.

Jane -

I just looked at them and they do seem cool. Their suggested compensation is low, maybe that is MA? But they do let donors set their own so it hardly matters.

Nugget