A Complete Surrogacy Process Guide

Understanding the Gestational & Traditional Surrogacy Process

Dear Potential Carrier,

Thank you for your desire to be a part of this wonderful journey. Many couples and individuals see the option of the Surrogacy journey as the best and, in many cases, the only option for them to become parents and have a genetic link to a child.

There are Two Types of Surrogacy:

1. Traditional Surrogacy

2. Gestational Surrogacy

In Traditional Surrogacy, A Surrogate has donated her eggs and therefore has a biological link to the child she is carrying for the Intended Parents. In this case, the Surrogate is artificially inseminated with the Intended father's sperm.

In Gestational Surrogacy, a Surrogate has no biological link to a child, and she is not genetically related to the child she will be carrying for the Intended Parents. The Embryo is created via In Vitro Fertilization using the Intended father's sperm and the Intended mother's or Egg donor's eggs. Once fertilization occurs, the Embryo will be transferred to the Gestational Carrier's uterus, and hopefully, the journey begins. Medical details and risks of all procedures should be discussed with Reproductive Endocrinologist who specializes in and performs such procedures.

What Are the Steps Involved in the Gestational Surrogacy Process?

To determine if you qualify to be a Surrogate, you must first register with us, complete an in-depth application, and schedule a phone and in-person consultation with one of our coordinators. Once you are approved to be a part of our program, we will show your profile to a potential couple or an individual and share their profile with you. We will only match you with the couple or an individual based on your preferences. When both parties finalize the match, a legal agreement will be drafted, the contract signed, and your medical and psychological screening will begin. Sometimes, the medical and psychological screening will be performed before a match.

- As a candidate, you must be between the ages of 21-42,

- Have at least one child,

- Live in the state where gestational surrogacy is permitted;

- Have had positive prior pregnancies,

- Not smoke or use any recreational drugs,

- Not abuse alcohol,

- Have a healthy BMI,

- Not have a criminal record (a full criminal background check will be performed as part of screening on you and your partner),

- Not receiving government assistance;

- Be physically and emotionally healthy

- And most of all: love being pregnant and have a strong desire to help someone else become parents.

When you are cleared by a medical team and a physician of Intended parents to move forward, you will start preparing for an embryo transfer.

If travel to the Intended Parent's clinic is necessary, all such expenses will be paid for you and your companion by the Intended Parents. Our agency will make all your travel arrangements, and we will do everything possible to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Once pregnant, you will be under the care of your OB/GYN, which is local to you, until your delivery. Remember, from the day you join our program until long after your delivery. We will be side by side with you and provide all necessary guidance and counseling throughout the process.

You will always feel a part of our family. You will establish a wonderful relationship with your Intended Parents and have as much contact as you and their desire. Your exceptional surrogate mother compensation package will be discussed and negotiated long before you sign a legal contract with the Intended parents. Our agency will ensure that you will be compensated promptly. If you want to receive more detailed information or become a surrogate mother, don't hesitate to contact our office via phone, email, or apply online. We are very grateful for your desire to join our wonderful program and become a part of our family.

A Guide To Complete Surrogacy Process

Surrogacy is still a confusing subject when a couple or individual wishing to be parents is given the option. It requires clarity, patience, and commitment to go through the procedure. If you are a woman looking for a surrogate mother or wanting to become a surrogate, you may have many questions regarding the entire procedure. Having the correct information and knowledge before you step into this life-changing process benefits you and everyone connected.

Before you begin your surrogacy journey, here is your complete surrogacy guide-

What is Surrogacy?

A medical procedure where a woman, a surrogate mother, carries the pregnancy to the complete term and delivers a baby for another individual or couple, intended parents, is called surrogacy. The entire procedure can take anywhere from a year to two and can be affected by multiple determining factors.

How to Decide if Surrogacy is the Right Choice for You?

Becoming a surrogate mother or parent through surrogacy can be a lengthy and emotional journey that requires a lot of commitment throughout the entire procedure from both parties. Deciding whether surrogacy is the choice for you is crucial for both the prospective surrogate and the intended parents, as it can change and impact your life. You can gain knowledge through online resources, meet various fertility and surrogacy agencies, and talk to doctors and surrogacy attorneys to make a well-informed decision.

For prospective surrogates- As a woman who wants to carry someone else’s child, you must undergo various emotional and physical changes. While becoming a surrogate mother is a soul-fulfilling decision, it does come with a package. You will undergo medical, psychological, and legal evaluations before and during the procedure. However, it is also financially beneficial and can significantly affect your life. 

For prospective intended parents- As an individual or couple choosing surrogacy to expand their family, you should be well informed about your emotional and financial status as this procedure requires investment. Bringing a child into your home will change your life forever. Unless you are sure you are ready to become parents and take responsibility for it, talk to someone about the pros and cons to make the right decision.

Who Uses Surrogates?

You may choose surrogacy for many reasons, like being a same-sex couple, being a single parent, and having medical conditions that make pregnancy challenging, like severe heart disease or hysterectomy to remove your uterus. You will also need a surrogate if you cannot adopt a child due to age or marital status.

How to Find a Surrogate?

You can find a surrogate through a surrogacy agency or independently. In both cases, you will need a surrogacy attorney to help you through the legal aspects of the procedure, which can be tricky and lengthy.

How to Choose a Surrogate?

If you work with a surrogacy agency, they will ensure you get the most suitable match according to your preferences. Some regulations used by most agencies to select a surrogate are-

- Should be 21 years or more in age.

- Should have her children.

- Should pass all the medical and psychological assessments.

- Should sign a contract with role and responsibilities before, during, and after pregnancy.

What Does the Gestational Surrogacy Process Involve?

Once you have decided that surrogacy is the right choice, you can contact your preferred surrogacy agency and fertility clinic to begin your journey. The gestational surrogacy process will involve-

Preparing for Surrogacy: The first step will be to discuss your preferences about the procedure with your surrogacy agency. For prospective surrogates, this means giving details about their expectations from the intended parents, how much closeness they are comfortable with, and the type of relationship they will have with the child post-birth.

For intended parents, preparation will require a sperm or egg donor, matching services, a surrogacy agency, and other goals for surrogacy.

Finding a Match: Next, your surrogacy agency will find suitable surrogates and intended parents for you based on the initial planning discussions.

Completing Legal Requirements: Your surrogacy attorneys will discuss several aspects of the procedure with you and plan a contract for each party separately. These will involve the risks, rights, compensation, and others.

Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Process: Medical procedures for fertilization will begin after signing the contracts. The surrogate will be given medications to improve pregnancy chances, and the donors will get medications to improve their sperm and eggs. When eggs and sperm are fertilized through IVF, the embryo will be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus to complete the term.

Delivering the Baby: The final step will be delivering the baby at the end of the nine-month term.

What are the Legal Issues With Surrogacy?

Surrogacy laws are different in every state. It is advised to take help from your surrogacy agency and attorney to know complete details about surrogacy laws in your area.

Need More Details About the Surrogacy Process?

If you wish to learn more about the surrogacy process in New York, visit Rite Options Clinic. You can also fill out our pre-registration form, after which our staff will contact you. You can contact us for more information if you have any questions regarding the procedure.