, , ,

Misconceptions about Surrogacy

Let’s talk about surrogacy – it’s an amazing option for parents who are unable to carry a child on their own. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about surrogacy that are perpetuated by the media. So, let’s try to set the record straight!

One of the biggest myths about surrogacy is that surrogates do it for the money. While compensation is a factor, most women who choose to become surrogates do so because they genuinely enjoy being pregnant and want to help others become parents. It’s unfair to assume that surrogates are only doing it for financial gain or because they’re poor and uneducated.

Some people worry that surrogates might change their minds and want to keep the baby. However, this is extremely rare. Surrogates go through a rigorous screening process, including psychological testing and legal contracts, to ensure that they understand the terms of the arrangement and that any biological rights they may have are terminated. So, while it’s understandable to worry about this, it’s very unlikely to happen. While surrogates do care for the baby they’re carrying, they understand that they’re simply helping another couple become parents. It’s important to remember that surrogates aren’t “giving up” the baby – they’re giving the baby back to its intended parents.

Finally, some people believe that the baby will be genetically related to the surrogate. This may have been true in the past, but now gestational surrogacy allows for the intended mother’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm (or donor eggs and/or sperm) to be used to create an embryo, which is then implanted in the surrogate. This means that the surrogate is simply carrying the intended parents’ biological child and is not genetically related to the baby.

Surrogacy can be an incredible option for intended parents who are unable to carry a child on their own. While there are myths and misconceptions out there, it’s important to remember that surrogates are doing this out of a desire to help others become parents, and that the process is carefully regulated to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.

,

What to expect during your Surrogacy Journey

Are you thinking of becoming a surrogate? We believe that this journey is all about bringing happiness to someone else’s life and fulfilling their dreams of becoming parents. So, if you share this passion, we would love to work with you!

As a surrogate, we’ll need you to be responsible and mature since we’ll rely on you to make doctor appointments, take medication as instructed, and understand and accept the risks of pregnancy, both physical and emotional. But, let’s not forget that you’ll be undergoing one of the most amazing journeys and helping another couple achieve their dreams.

FINDING YOUR MATCH

The first step to becoming a surrogate is to complete our online application. Once we review it, a member of our team will contact you to set up an interview and go over your qualifications. We’ll answer any questions you may have and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. If you’re ready to proceed, we’ll help you create a profile that will be presented to couples who are looking for their perfect match.

We put a lot of effort into finding the right match for you and the Intended Parents. Once we identify a potential match, we’ll set up a time for you to speak and/or meet in person after we complete a background check on all parties. We hope to connect you with a family that shares your vision of the pregnancy.

TESTING
Once a match is confirmed, we’ll initiate all medical and psychological testing required by the Intended Parents IVF Clinic. This will include traveling to the Intended Parents’ clinic and undergoing a physical and Pap smear, infectious disease testing, a hysteroscopy, and a psychological evaluation and personality inventory.

LEGAL
The attorney representing the Intended Parents will draft a legal agreement that will clearly lay out all the fine details of your surrogacy arrangement. We’ll provide you with an attorney to go over the contract with you and assist with negotiating any changes.

CYCLE

Once we have medical and legal clearance to proceed, the clinic will design a calendar that will detail what medications to take and when to take them. You’ll take medications for a few weeks prior to the embryo transfer and then typically through the first trimester to maintain healthy hormone levels for the baby’s development.

You’ll take a pregnancy test approximately ten days following the transfer. If positive, you’ll likely have a few additional blood tests over the next few weeks to confirm that the hormone levels are rising appropriately. There will typically be an ultrasound about a month following transfer to confirm pregnancy.

During your first trimester, your pregnancy will be monitored by the Fertility Clinic. Once you near the end of the first trimester, your care will transfer to your own physician, and your pregnancy care will continue just the same as your previous pregnancies.

THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY

Your compensation is typically initiated once the pregnancy is confirmed and will continue throughout your pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, you and the Intended Parents can enjoy as much communication as you wish. You may choose to have parents join you at appointments, or you can provide updates directly to them to see how everything is going. As you near the end of the pregnancy, arrangements will be made for the parents to join you at the hospital for the arrival of their baby!

Becoming a surrogate is an amazing gift, and one that will change your life! We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we hope you’ll join us on this incredible journey.

BECOME A SURROGATE
,

How do I know if being a surrogate is right for me?

Deciding whether to become a surrogate is a personal decision that requires careful consideration! Many Surrogates say that once they started to seriously consider being a surrogate for another family, they couldn’t get the thought out of their head. It was a calling- one they felt they had to answer.

We’d love to provide you with additional information on what it means to be a Surrogate, so that you can make an informed decision if Surrogacy is right for you.  

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

  1. Your own health: You should be in good health, have a BMI within the recommended range, and have had at least one successful uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery.
  2. The process: You should be aware of the surrogacy process, including the medications, procedures, and potential risks and benefits.
  3. Emotional and psychological considerations: Being a surrogate can be emotionally and psychologically demanding. It’s important to consider how you might feel about the process and the potential emotional impact on you and your family.
  4. Legal and ethical considerations: You should be aware of the legal and ethical considerations of surrogacy, including your rights and responsibilities as a surrogate.
  5. Your motivation: It’s important to consider why you want to become a surrogate. Some surrogates may be motivated by a desire to help others, while others may be motivated by financial compensation. Oftentimes it is a combination of both – you are compensated for your involvement in this incredible journey!
  6. Your support system: It’s important to have a strong support system in place, including a supportive partner, friends, and family members.
  7. The intended parents: It’s important to have good communication and relationship with the intended parents. We will do our best to match you with Intended Parents that share the same expectations on what this looks like during (and after!) the pregnancy.

It’s also important to talk with your partner, friends, and family members before making a decision. It’s also important to keep in mind that you should never feel pressured to be a surrogate!

BECOME A SURROGATE