Medical and genetic testing can feel like one of the most complex parts of a surrogacy journey. The terminology is unfamiliar, the options can be overwhelming, and the costs can add up quickly if decisions are made without clear guidance. Yet these tests play a critical role in reducing risk, avoiding unnecessary procedures, and helping intended parents move forward with greater confidence.
This webinar was created to demystify genetic and embryo testing, explain how it is used in different surrogacy pathways, and help intended parents understand where testing adds value and where it may not. Whether you are just starting out or already in the process, this session offers practical insight grounded in real experience.
Speakers
- Adam Zucchetti – Dad through domestic surrogacy and Board Member at Surrogacy Australia. Adam shares both professional and personal insight, including how genetic testing influenced his own IVF and surrogacy journey.
- Anita Fiorenza – Global Support Manager at Growing Families. Anita works closely with intended parents navigating international surrogacy and brings a practical, client-focused perspective to medical and genetic decision-making.
- Dr. Vuk Jovanovich – Medical Director of Tree of Life Fertility Center in Los Angeles. Dr Jovanovich is double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, as well as obstetrics and gynaecology, in both the United States and Europe. In this webinar, he provides an expert overview of genetic carrier screening and embryo testing in the US context.
- Guest Speaker: Veronica – A Growing Families concierge client currently on an international surrogacy journey. Veronica shares first-hand experience of genetic testing, donor screening, timelines, and decision-making from an intended parent’s point of view.
What’s covered in this webinar
- The purpose of genetic carrier screening and why it is recommended for all family-building pathways
- How expanded carrier screening works and what these panels do and do not test for
- Differences between basic, extended, and large genetic testing panels
- How genetic testing is used when selecting egg or sperm donors
- The role of embryo testing, including PGT-A and targeted testing where known risks exist
- Typical timeframes for testing and how to avoid delays
- Common misconceptions, including what it means when a donor or intended parent is a carrier
- How genetic testing can help reduce miscarriage risk and avoid unnecessary emotional and financial strain
The discussion combines medical expertise with real-world examples, making complex information easier to understand and apply.
What you’ll gain from watching
- Better understand which genetic tests are relevant to your situation
- Learn how to plan testing in a way that supports smoother donor matching and embryo creation
- Feel more confident asking the right questions of clinics, agencies, and testing providers
- Gain clarity on how testing decisions can impact timelines, costs, and outcomes
- Hear directly from intended parents who have navigated these decisions themselves
This webinar is especially valuable for intended parents considering surrogacy, donor IVF, or international programs, and for those who want to reduce avoidable risks early in the process.
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