Gestational Surrogacy & Egg Donation Overview

An Expert’s Guide to Gay Surrogacy: Your Path to Fatherhood

This comprehensive course, designed by leading fertility experts, provides a clear, step-by-step medical and procedural roadmap for gay men and single men pursuing parenthood through surrogacy. We will demystify the medical processes, explain the legal framework, and outline the key decisions you will make on your journey to building your family.

Detailed Course Curriculum

The Medical Fundamentals of Gay Surrogacy

“Understanding the biological components is the first step. This process involves two distinct medical pathways: one for the creation of embryos and another for the pregnancy itself.”

• 1: The Two-Woman Model: Egg Donation & Gestational Surrogacy

• Clarifying the roles: The Egg Donor (provides the genetic material) vs. The Gestational Carrier (carries the pregnancy).

• Why gestational surrogacy is the standard: The surrogate has no genetic link to the baby, simplifying legal and emotional bonds.

• The creation of the embryo in vitro (in the lab) before transfer to the surrogate.

• 2: Sperm Source & Genetic Fatherhood
  • Making the choice: Which partner will provide sperm? Or will you use a mix?
  • The critical importance of the Semen Analysis: Assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology.
  • Genetic screening for intended fathers (carrier status) to assess compatibility with the egg donor.
• 3: The Egg Donor Selection & Medical Process
  • Types of donors: Known vs. Anonymous vs. Agency-recruited.
  • The donor medical screening process: Ovarian reserve testing, infectious disease panels, and genetic carrier screening.
  • The donor’s stimulation cycle: How we safely retrieve eggs for fertilization.

The IVF Process: Creating Your Embryos

“In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the cornerstone of this journey. It’s where we create your potential embryos with precision and care.”

• 1: Fertilization & The Embryology Lab

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): The standard for fertilizing donor eggs, ensuring the highest success rate.

• Embryo development: From fertilization to the Blastocyst stage (Day 5-6).

• 2: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

• What is PGT? Screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome).

• Key benefits: Significantly increases implantation success, reduces miscarriage risk, and allows for the transfer of a single, healthy embryo.

• 3: Embryo Freezing (Vitrification)

• Why we freeze all embryos: Allows for thorough genetic testing and optimal preparation of the surrogate’s uterus.

• The safety and success rates of modern vitrification techniques.

The Surrogate: Screening & Medical Protocol

“Your gestational carrier is your partner in this journey. Her health and preparation are paramount to a successful pregnancy.”

• 1: The Surrogate Screening Process

• Medical & OB/GYN history review.

• Psychological screening and assessment.

• Infectious disease and drug testing.

• The uterine cavity evaluation (hysteroscopy or saline sonogram).

• 2: The Embryo Transfer Cycle

• Preparing the surrogate’s uterus: The medication protocol (estrogen, progesterone).

• Monitoring: Using ultrasounds and bloodwork to ensure the uterine lining is perfectly receptive.

• The transfer procedure itself: A simple, painless process of placing the embryo into the uterus.

• 3: The Pregnancy & Beyond

• The beta hCG pregnancy test and early ultrasound monitoring.

• The transition of care to her OB/GYN.

• The surrogate’s delivery plan and your role as the intended father(s).

The Legal Framework & Parental Rights

“A legally sound process is non-negotiable. Proper legal counsel ensures you return home as the legal and undisputed parents of your child.”

• 1: The Key Legal Contracts

• The Gestational Carrier Agreement: Outlining rights, responsibilities, compensation, and risks.

• The Egg Donor Agreement: Addressing rights and anonymity.

• 2: Establishing Parental Rights

• Pre-Birth Orders: The legal process of establishing your names on the birth certificate before the child is born.

• The critical importance of working with attorneys specializing in assisted reproductive technology (ART) law.

5: Financial Planning & Agency Support

Expert Insight: “A clear financial plan and a supportive agency are the backbones that allow you to focus on the emotional journey of becoming a father.”

• 1: Understanding the Cost Structure

• Breaking down the costs: Agency fees, IVF clinic costs, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and insurance.

• Planning for variable costs and unforeseen medical circumstances.

• 2: The Role of Your Surrogacy Agency

• How a premier agency like Surrogacy4All manages the process: Coordinating between the clinic, lawyers, and all parties.

• Providing vetted matches, logistical support, and emotional guidance throughout the entire journey.