The American Stork: empowering LGBTQ parenthood, bridging gaps and fostering love
BY VICTOR MELAMED
In the summer of 2020, amidst the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Marlon Morales encountered a pivotal moment. Following five years of dedicated service at a prestigious surrogacy agency, he faced an unexpected turn of events when he found himself unexpectedly let go, which would eventually lead to the inception of a remarkable venture.
In 2021, Morales embarked on a brief stint with another surrogacy agency, a period that, although underpaid, proved invaluable. During this time, he discovered unwavering inspiration in Jonathan Menendez, his partner, who encouraged him to harness his extensive fertility and assisted reproductive technology expertise. This newfound motivation ignited the spark to become an entrepreneur, pursue his dreams, and embrace limitless possibilities.
Their journey was intertwined with a heartwarming love story between Morales and Menendez, two individuals deeply committed to each other and the shared dream of building a family. From the beginning, they believed profoundly that children symbolize love, stability, and transformation—priceless gifts meant to be shared with the world.
Their initial mission was to find a surrogate, leading to the creation of The American Stork, a digital platform designed to inspire women to consider surrogacy. Their path eventually led to a successful pregnancy, culminating in the arrival of their son, Jovani, in July 2023.
However, The American Stork’s purpose extended beyond their personal journey. It evolved into a mission to make fertility services and surrogacy accessible and affordable. “We firmly believe that surrogacy should not be limited to the wealthy,” they declared, taking concrete steps to expand their family and extend a helping hand to others.
Their aim is clear: to empower anyone with dreams of parenthood, regardless of their financial status. As Jovani approaches six months, they are already matched with another surrogate and planning for a sibling to be born later this year.
Marlon Morales: ”My fertility coaching method is distinctive for its unique, holistic, and personalized approach, with special consideration for BIPOC communities.”
On September 29, 2021, The American Stork Inc. was officially established, with Jonathan Menendez and Marlon Morales sharing equal ownership. The company benefits from the guidance of an advisory board of five active members, steering its path forward.
Morales emphasizes, “I am a fertility coach and a father through surrogacy, dedicated to providing personalized assistance and unwavering support to individuals and couples, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, as they embark on their own journeys of expanding their families. With The American Stork, my mission is to nurture love, cultivate meaningful connections, and champion fertility justice. This venture, driven by passion, goes beyond mere business; it’s about sharing the happiness, love, and growth we’ve experienced in expanding our family.”
The American Stork stands as a BIPOC-led company dedicated to bridging service gaps in communities of color and aiding families in expanding through independent surrogacy. Beyond business, this endeavor is about fostering love, forging meaningful connections, and embarking on a transformative journey rooted in fertility justice. Through coaching and empowerment, Morales and Menendez are committed to helping families grow, just as their own family has.
In addition to Morales’ role as a fertility coach, he offers comprehensive guidance on navigating the complexities of conception through assisted reproductive technologies. He simplifies the overwhelming world of fertility information, providing tailored strategies to enhance the odds of pregnancy while offering unwavering emotional support throughout the journey. Understanding available treatments, making informed choices, and maintaining motivation amid challenges are central to his approach.
Morales recognizes the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to fertility. He helps demystify infertility, including social infertility, which disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals. Marlon, with his LGBTQ+ experience, guides clients through various fertility treatments, including IVF, IUI, and HIV+ biological parenting. Partnering with an informed coach can help LGBTQ+ individuals navigate barriers to fertility treatment, collaborate with necessary professionals like donors, surrogates, and attorneys, and ultimately achieve their family-building goals.
Morales emphasizes, “My fertility coaching method is distinctive for its unique, holistic, and personalized approach, with special consideration for BIPOC communities. I understand that financial means should not limit one’s family expansion path. Therefore, I thoroughly address financial aspects and always welcome individuals, regardless of their ability to pay for reproductive health services. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of my practice. I do not discriminate based on current family structures or circumstances. I have created a safe, non-judgmental environment that encourages discussions about various family-building options, including third-party assisted reproduction methods such as egg and sperm donation and surrogacy. I also promote a dialogue inclusive of non-traditional relationship structures, sex-positive self-expression, and fetish and kink dynamics. All these elements contribute to a comprehensive approach that distinguishes my fertility coaching services.”
For more info visit: www.theamericanstork.com.
