After 12 years together, couple realizes dream of parenthood with sister's surrogate mother

With the help of their sister and science, a couple realizes their dream of becoming parents — Photo: Provided

Twelve years after that first meeting, the two are experiencing the beginning of a new phase: fatherhood.

The couple's daughter, Mel, isn't born yet, but she's already transformed their daily lives. The pregnancy is made possible thanks to an unexpected gesture: Magno's sister, Ana Priscila, offered to be a surrogate mother.

Fertilization was performed through in vitro fertilization, with the supervision of Dr. Maria Luisa Capriglione, in Natal.

The desire to become parents arose during the pandemic in 2020. "We needed someone to care for, to love, to welcome with a hug after a long day," said Marcelo.

"We felt we were ready to love another life. And that's how the desire to be parents was born within us — with our hearts already full, and yet, ready for more," he says.

The first attempt, however, ended in frustration. In 2023, they went to a clinic in Natal and were told by the doctor that the chances were slim.

"The way we were treated hurt. She not only dismissed our chances, but placed every possible obstacle in the way, as if she were closing the door to our dream before our eyes. We left there with heavy hearts, seriously considering shelving that deep desire and simply moving on with our lives," he recalls.

But the dream was unexpectedly rekindled within the family itself. Ana Priscila, Magno's sister, offered to be the couple's surrogate mother. The proposal came spontaneously during a conversation.

"She said it was past time for us to have our son. And when we told her about the clinic and the frustration we'd experienced, she said, 'I'll be your surrogate mother,'" Marcelo recalls.

Ana was still pregnant with her son, and the process only formally began more than a year later.

It was in this context that Marcelo met Dr. Maria Luisa Capriglione by chance. He works in interior design and went to her clinic in Natal to organize the space.

"During a conversation, I told her about our dream, and she told me she worked with IVF, human reproduction. When she heard our story, she took my hand and said, 'It's going to work out.' And from that moment on, everything began to change. We were welcomed in a way we never imagined. We were supported, embraced, and comforted," says Marcelo.

From then on, the journey took a new direction. The couple says they were welcomed by the clinic staff and felt confident moving forward with the process. Then came the in vitro fertilization process, embryo implantation, and, shortly after, pregnancy confirmation.

"Ana surprised us just five days into her pregnancy. It was a mixture of relief, joy, gratitude, and love that couldn't be contained," they say.

Since then, Magno and Marcelo have been sharing their story on social media. On their @doispaisdemel profile, they share each stage with those who also dream of starting a family.

“We realize how much lack of information and prejudice hurt and push away those who dream of becoming a father or mother,” they say.

The couple says they faced criticism and cruel comments throughout their journey, especially regarding Magno's sister's decision to be a surrogate mother.

"Many people don't understand, don't respect. They question how she could 'give up a child,' how she could 'not get attached,' how someone could carry a child for nine months and then just give up. And we're forced to listen to this kind of thing, as if all of this wasn't built with a lot of love, awareness, and generosity," she says.

Now, with Mel still in the womb, the two are already experiencing fatherhood in every detail. "This first Father's Day is an emotion we can't even put into words. I already feel like a father in a unique, genuine, inexplicable way. It's a love so great, so intense, that it surpasses anything we've ever felt before," explains Marcelo.

The couple dreams of raising children based on respect, listening, and diversity. "We want Mel to grow up knowing that true love is one that embraces, respects, and celebrates differences," they stated.

"We know it won't be easy, but we're more than ready to learn and grow alongside Mel. We want to be present parents, full of affection, who educate with respect and who are always by her side at every stage of her life," says Marcelo about his expectations for fatherhood.

For couples who share the same dream, Magno and Marcelo remind them of the importance of not giving up. "The path is difficult, but it is possible. Love, care, and respect build families. Every step is worth it," they add.

"We know the path is difficult, sometimes it seems like the whole world closes its door in your face, that looks are full of judgment, that words hurt, and that the dream is too far away. But it is possible. It is possible to build your family, it is possible to be happy, it is possible to love with all your soul, live intensely, and exist with pride in who you are," he adds.