Journey to Parenthood: How NM’s Surrogacy Benefits Helped Ryan Become a Father
Since he was a child, Ryan, underwriting consultant, always knew that he wanted to be a dad.
When the time came for him and his husband to start their family, the couple knew they had options. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, they came to the decision that surrogacy would be the best path for them.
However, they quickly realized how challenging this pathway would be.
Financial Support for Growing His Family
After doing their own research about the high costs involved with surrogacy, Ryan knew that he and his husband wouldn’t be able to do this on their own. Luckily, the chance to receive financial assistance came in 2021, after NM announced that surrogacy benefits would be available to employees.
By covering 90% of the egg donor cost and providing financial support with legal fees, their dream of becoming a family was starting to look more real. Through an egg donor bank and after finding a wonderful surrogate, Ryan and his husband were one step closer to bringing their new child into the world.
Using Northwestern Mutual’s Benefits to Enjoy Fatherhood
On February 5, 2023, their daughter Sage was finally born, and Ryan’s dream of having a family of his own had been fulfilled.
Eager to spend time with his daughter and ease into the journey of fatherhood, Ryan became deeply grateful for the additional benefits that were provided even after Sage was born. At NM, we provide eligible employees with 12 consecutive weeks of 100% paid parental leave to ensure that parents have the time to put the care and well-being of their family first.
“It doesn't just stop at the surrogacy, it was the flexibility, the paternity leave that was so amazing.” says Ryan. "I can't thank NM enough for giving us this gift. I feel incredibly supported and grateful to be part of a company that values family and inclusivity.”
Providing surrogacy benefits is just one of the many ways that Northwestern Mutual supports employees as their families continue to grow and prosper. For more information on our benefits, visit our culture page.