The Surrogacy State

Oregon has become a destination for people looking for in vitro fertilization and a surrogate to carry a child. On the journey, however, these parents walk a tightrope of laws and social expectations, as one situation in Israel shows.

Not allowed to use a surrogate in their home country, an Israeli couple turned to a Portland woman for help in starting a family of their own.

There are many reasons why Oregon is something of an international center for surrogacy. But for Israeli couples who are gay, there’s another reason to come here: Congregation Beth Israel in Portland.

There isn't one big reason people end up looking for surrogates in Oregon. It's more like a consequence of a lot of decisions.

Meet Mardi Palan, a hairdresser from Southeast Portland who lives with her partner and 2-year-old son. Palan is carrying twins as a surrogate for a gay couple from Israel.

A Portland woman who hopes to carry twins for a gay couple from Israel undergoes extensive medical preparations to get pregnant.