Women who struggle to conceive naturally often turn to artificial reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). When IVF and other forms of ART’s are unsuccessful, a woman may find herself asking, “can someone have a baby for me?” Surrogacy makes it possible for women that struggle with infertility or a host of […]
Category: Surrogacy
Surrogacy involves an arrangement between intended parents and the woman (surrogate mother) who will carry the baby. Traditional surrogacy involves a woman being inseminated with the intended father’s sperm. Gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of an embryo, created through in vitro fertilization, into the woman who will be carrying the baby. She is biologically unrelated to the child she is carrying. The embryo may be the biological child of the intended parents, conceived with donor eggs or sperm or with egg and sperm unrelated to the intended parents. Because of these variables, state laws vary on whose names will appear on the birth certificate and if an adoption procedure will be needed at the time of birth.
Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate
In most cases, the surrogacy qualifications are dictated by the contracted fertility clinic or surrogacy agency. They all differ, with some being very specific and others being more flexible, especially if it is an altruistic surrogacy where a friend or family member has offered to be the surrogate. While each clinic may have different requirements, here are […]
Surrogacy Process: The Intended Parent
Application/Clinic Arrangement If the IPs or “Intended Parents” are using an agency to match them with the qualified surrogate, then they retain an agency or clinic and fill out an in-depth questionnaire and application before the initial process can begin. Medical Screening Depending on the type of surrogacy that is planned, both IPs will likely […]
Surrogacy Process: The Surrogate
Application If the surrogate is using an agency to match her with the intended parents, then the surrogate must get approved by the agency and fill out an in-depth questionnaire and application before the initial process can begin. Medical Screening Prior to being approved by an agency, the surrogate must undergo a series of medical […]
Surrogacy Laws by State
In the United States regulations and laws vary with each individual state law and not federal. For example Commercial Surrogacy may be illegal where Altruistic Surrogacy maybe legal. It is important that if you are interested in pursuing surrogacy as family building option, that you consult an attorney. Most adoption attorneys are familiar with surrogacy […]
Do’s and Don’ts When Planning a Contracted Surrogacy
Entering into a surrogacy contract can be terrifying. Your mind begins to race through all of the worst case scenarios. Before you know it you are stressed and wondering how you will survive the next 9 months. More so, it is a big commitment and partnership based on complete trust. Most likely it is putting that trust in […]