Fighting for the desire to have children

After an odyssey through fertility clinics and adoption agencies, Regula, 52, and Thomas Körner, 50, became parents with the help of surrogate mothers. This was followed by a legal battle that led the family to a major decision.

We had been trying to become parents for almost 20 years. Reproductive medicine didn't help, nor was there much hope of adoption. When we finally received the adoption licence for the USA, the Hague Convention came into force, which severely restricts international adoptions in contracting states.

In 2008, Regula saw a film about surrogacy. Shortly afterwards, we travelled to the USA. The agency was professional and we were interviewed several times by a psychologist, who later also moderated the first interview with the surrogate mother.

We were there when our child was conceived with the help of an egg donation, were there when the embryo was transferred to the surrogate mother, travelled for every ultrasound. Felix was born in Ohio in 2010.

Thomas and Regula Körner with their sons Felix and Cedric. Both were born with the help of an egg donation and a surrogate mother.
Thomas and Regula Körner with their sons Felix and Cedric. Both were born with the help of an egg donation and a surrogate mother.

Back in Switzerland, we were overjoyed. In 2013 there was a new addition to the family: Cedric was born. Again with the help of an egg donation and a surrogate mother. When we submitted his US birth certificate to the civil registry office in Zug, the authorities balked. They refused to recognise Regula as the legal mother because she didn't give birth to Cedric.

They didn't accept Thomas as a legal parent either - despite a DNA test proving his paternity. We were threatened with criminal charges and a risk report was submitted to the KESB. Cedric was given a guardian and we had to undergo clarifications for a care placement licence. It was so humiliating.

Regula should apply for adoption - for her own son!

Thomas Körner, 50.

Thomas was later offered recognition as Cedric's legal father, but on condition that Regula applied for adoption - for her own son! We fought against this. The legal dispute continues to this day.

In 2014, Thomas was transferred to the USA by his employer - we emigrated. We were warmly welcomed in Connecticut but still sorely miss home. The children are doing well. They know where they come from. When we were watching the Christmas story, Felix once said: «Look, Mummy, even Jesus had a surrogate mother!»