After years of dreaming about becoming a father, Shaun Resnik made history in March 2022 by welcoming his son, Eli, becoming a single dad through surrogacy. As a gay man pursuing parenthood alone, Resnik knew the journey would be full of challenges—but his determination never wavered. Inspired by the deep bond he shared with his own parents, he was eager to create that same connection with a child of his own, making every obstacle along the way feel worthwhile.
Resnik began his path to fatherhood by joining local surrogacy Facebook groups, where he eventually connected with Carla Pincombe. At first, Pincombe was helping another couple, but over months of shared support and conversations, a strong friendship developed between her and Resnik. After facing three setbacks with other potential surrogates, Pincombe agreed to carry his baby. Next came the search for an egg donor, and Resnik found Bree, a generous mother of two who agreed to help make his dream a reality.
Navigating Australia’s strict Victorian Fertility regulations posed another hurdle. Mandatory interviews examined everything from financial stability to social support, ensuring the surrogate, her children, and the future baby would all be safe. Resnik described the process as exhaustive, “with nothing off the table,” yet he persevered, determined to follow the process ethically and responsibly. After years of patience, he was finally approved to move forward.
The long journey culminated with Eli’s birth in March 2022, filling Resnik’s life with joy beyond measure. Since then, he’s fully immersed himself in fatherhood, discovering that every sleepless night and challenge was worth it. Along the way, he also found a partner to share parenting with, completing his vision of a loving, full household. Today, their home is lively, with a baby, two dogs, and a supportive partner—a dream realized through perseverance and hope.
Now, Resnik shares his story to inspire others. His advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t wait to get your ducks in a line, there are no ducks!” He encourages prospective parents to “make your own magic” and reminds them that surrogacy is a “marathon, not a sprint.” Shaun Resnik’s journey stands as a testament to patience, determination, and the belief that dreams of family can come true—even against the odds.
