Late last year, Camas-based surrogacy agency Surro Connections — which had operated for approximately 15 years and served families both locally and internationally — suddenly ceased operations. The closure left intended parents and surrogates scrambling, with many losing access to tens of thousands of dollars intended to compensate carriers during pregnancy and cover medical costs. The whereabouts of the agency’s founder, Megan Hall‑Greenberg, are currently unknown. Camas Post‑Record

According to investigative reporting by The New York Times, intended parents had entrusted the agency with funds totalling anywhere from $20,000 to more than $80,000, which were meant to cover surrogacy-related expenses. Yet when the agency abruptly closed, account holders were unable to retrieve their money. Many clients received notification on or around December 5, 2025, that Surro Connections had “no ability” to return funds and was shutting down operations immediately. New York Times

National coverage reveals an even broader picture: the FBI conducted searches at Hall‑Greenberg’s home in Washougal and at the Camas headquarters. Approximately 150 families may have funds held in an in‑house escrow system, with estimates ranging between $2 million and $5 million in client assets potentially at risk. Reports note Hall‑Greenberg disappeared from public view, deleting social media accounts and becoming unreachable in early December. NBC News • New York Times

Local surrogacy professionals warn of systemic risks. Michael Chally, executive director of Portland’s Northwest Surrogacy Center, called the agency’s collapse “heartbreaking” and said it underscores growing concerns about the largely unregulated nature of the surrogacy industry. He noted that Washington is generally surrogacy‑friendly—enacting the Washington Uniform Parentage Act in 2019 to permit compensated surrogacy while establishing legal parentage processes—but stressed that agencies must demonstrate sound financial practices, sufficient insurance, and transparent accounting. Camas Post‑Record

Why this matters to Cowlitz County. While Surro Connections was based in Camas, its abrupt collapse speaks volumes for local families and career professionals considering surrogacy as parents, surrogates, or supporting figures. Without regulatory guardrails or third‑party escrow safeguards, residents may face significant financial and emotional risk. Local clinics, attorneys, and surrogacy professionals must be prepared to answer questions about financial safeguards and agency accountability.

What’s next—and what to watch.

  • FBI investigation. Federal agents have reportedly secured search warrants for Hall‑Greenberg’s home and agency premises. No charges have yet been disclosed. Local records through Washington’s tribunals and the Attorney General’s office may shed light on any ongoing enforcement actions.
  • Financial recourse. Intended parents and surrogates may seek restitution via civil court, insurance claims (if applicable), or federal consumer protections. Many are already pursuing lawyers for advice.
  • Legislative oversight. This episode could catalyze renewed calls for oversight—particularly around escrow management, licensing, and bonding. Stakeholders may look to Washington’s Department of Health or Legislature to consider reforms.
  • Community guidance. Local practitioners and support networks may need to step forward to advise affected families—even now offering pro bono aid to bridge gaps for surrogates whose payments were disrupted.

Editor’s note: Columbia Countercurrent is monitoring developments in federal investigations and state regulatory responses. We are committed to helping local surrogacy participants understand their rights and options.

Sources:

Camas Post‑Record: “Camas surrogacy closes abruptly” (Staff writer Kimberly Cortez, February 12, 2026) camaspostrecord.com

The New York Times: “A Surrogacy Firm Told Parents‑to‑Be Their Money Was Safe. Suddenly, It Vanished.” (Sarah Kliff, December 10, 2025) nytimes.com

NBC News: “How a top‑tier surrogacy agency became an FBI target” (Kenzi Abou‑Sabe et al., December 18, 2025) nbcnews.com