We have been provided with some additional information regarding Surrogate Parenting Center of Texas and its owner, Merritt Patterson. On November 11, 2007, a Judgment was issued in favor of IVP Care, Inc. against SPCT and Patterson for $36,356.81. There is another Judgment dated November 5, 2009 for $25,084.87 against both SPCT and Patterson arising from a claim brought by Abigail Neiman, M.D., et al. I do not have any more information at the moment about the underlying nature of these claims but will update the Blog as we get the underlying pleadings.

I have also been informed that at least one egg donor with SPCT was never provided with legal counsel, was not psychologically screened nor given the opportunity to speak to a mental health professional about the ramifications of her proceeding with an egg donor cycle. These are extremely troubling accusations that are antithetical to industry guidelines. It will be interesting to learn what legal and psychological clearance documentation was provided to the IVF clinics as almost every doctor will insist upon such written documentation before starting the egg donor on medication.