In recent weeks, an especially emotional birth took place at Hadassah Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. After years of treatments, pregnancy losses and uncertainty, Pnina Cohen and her husband are holding a newborn son. The woman who carried the pregnancy for them was a nurse at the hospital.
When Pnina learned that a rare medical condition was preventing her pregnancies from reaching full term, she refused to give up. After the birth of her oldest son, she experienced two stillbirths and five miscarriages. She tried every treatment and consultation available and continued searching for answers.
Surrogacy at Hadassah – a journey of hope
Her turning point came when she published a heartfelt post on Facebook, sharing her story and explaining that she was looking for a surrogate. Among the readers was a nurse from Hadassah Mount Scopus whose heart was moved. She contacted Pnina and offered to help. A connection formed quickly, and the journey began.
“After the birth of my eldest son, which was a natural and healthy pregnancy, I wanted a second child but went through two stillbirths and five miscarriages,” Pnina shares. “I found a medical article describing my exact condition and brought it to my doctor. That is how I reached the care of Prof. Simcha Yagel at Hadassah, and we began treatment to prevent further losses.”
When the treatments did not succeed, Prof. Yagel suggested surrogacy. The decision was not simple, but Pnina chose to continue. The surrogate, a Hadassah nurse, became a central part of the journey. “From the beginning it was clear there was a real connection. I could not have asked for anyone better.”
Throughout the pregnancy, the couple was accompanied by staff at Hadassah Mount Scopus, including social worker Tamar Atias, who works with families in surrogacy processes. Atias says she was moved to see the respectful and supportive relationship between the couple and the surrogate.
The birth took place in the delivery rooms of Hadassah Mount Scopus. Pnina then recovered in Maternity Ward B, led by head nurse Nechama Elbilia. The staff already knew the family’s story and provided sensitive, attentive care.
At the end of the journey, Pnina and her husband held their newborn son, Daniel.
“We are so grateful to the surrogate, who is a Hadassah nurse. Thanks to her, we could expand our family and give our eldest a little brother. The birth was emotional and powerful, and I am thankful to Hadassah for not giving up on me or my dream.”
