Agency profileWillow Roots Fertility Consulting

Intended parent

Miguel Pina

Doing their journey in Canada

About them

My name is Miguel. I'm 34, French and Portuguese, an engineer by training, and currently working at a digital advertising company. None of that is really what defines a Sunday for me, which is usually spent covered in flour, baking something for a large crowd!

I have wanted children for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, my mother once told me that becoming a parent was one of the most meaningful experiences of her life, and that thought never left me. Today, I feel ready to build the same kind of loving home she and my father gave me.

I'm pursuing this as a single intended parent, but I'm far from doing it alone. My father, and my sister are 100% supportive and I am surrounded by close friends who are already fighting over babysitting rights. I've taken the time to make sure I'm financially and emotionally ready, and because I would love my child to have a young father, I chose to begin this journey as soon as I had the chance to.

Their journey

Home area

14 Rue de Crussol, Paris, France

Approximate area

Journey country

Canada

Financial preparedness

I have always known I wanted to have children and I have prepared financially for this journey. I already own my apartment and have a strong network with my father and sister, and friends (including a friend who is having a child on her own too and whom I promised I would babysit!)

Embryos

Yes.

I have 6 healthy PGT-A tested embryos at Tripod in Toronto!

Clinic

Tripod Fertility Clinic

Lawyer

Michelle Flowerday

What they're looking for

Their hopes and requirements for a surrogate

Requirements

The criteria for the surrogate are the ones usually requested by the clinic:

Ages 21–43, in good overall health
BMI 35 or under
At least one prior healthy pregnancy, with no major complications
No smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drug use (including marijuana)
Stable lifestyle with a supportive partner or family
Follows medical recommendations regarding vaccination

The relationship we hope to build

I would love a surrogate that wants to keep contact and communication as the child grows. I am very much about family, may that be my parents, my sister or my future children and I want them to be able to get to know the woman that carried them. Being able to share photos of a child who is growing is an amazing gift and creates wonderful memories and I feel that the bond between a surrogate, the IPs she is helping and the children that are born out of this selfless act is very strong

Vaccination information

I will follow the doctors indications although I am very much in favor of using vaccines as they save lives. My children will get all the mandatory vaccines

Views on termination

Termination is a conversation to be had with the surrogate and the doctors and I will consider it in the following circumstances:

Medically necessary: when there are serious medical risks to the surrogate or the baby is diagnosed as non-viable

Severe disability: in the case of the baby carrying a severe disability that might cause lifelong pain or suffering

The intended parent

Miguel Pina(He/Him)

34 years old

Communicates in

English, French, and Portuguese

Occupation

Strategy Director in Tech company

Sexual orientation

Gay

Fun facts about me

With two friends from engineering school, I once created a board game that was picked up by a real publisher. We didn’t sell many copies, but the experience was incredibly rewarding and even led us to participate in a board-game competition, where we met our publisher!

I also spent an exchange semester at the University of Ottawa, which remains a very special memory. It was the only Christmas I’ve ever spent away from my family, but I was warmly welcomed by my roommate’s family and that's an experience that left a lasting impression on me! Experiencing a true snowy Canadian winter was definitely a dream come true!

Interests and hobbies

I love baking and exercising, which balance each other nicely! I hope to be able to share these passions with my child as they grow up.

I often bake on week-ends and birthdays, and can't resist a good challenge, may it be a layer cake or a special French pastry. I have practiced sports for 3 years and I love that it teaches both resilience and humility. I have just been certified as a part time sports coach and can now combine my love for exercise with singing Lady Gaga out of tune!

What friends say

“
I am a man of contrasts, and I see this as a strength I hope to pass on to my children: the idea that growing up does not mean losing our imagination and our passions, and I will push them to find their own and nurture them.
I value preparation and security, but I'm not afraid to step outside my comfort zone for the right adventure, like three weeks backpacking through the Greek islands with nothing but a 10 kg backpack.
I need my alone time but I am also the one who brings people together for New Year’s, birthdays and tea parties, and the person people call when they go through a bad break-up.
I have a hard time deciding for myself (don't sit with me in a restaurant while I pick my dish), yet I love helping others find the right apartment or go shopping with them.
I am measured and careful, but when I love, I love unconditionally.
”

Their story

Questions & answers

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