The Gestational Surrogacy Process

Description: 

Embarking on the path to parenthood through gestational surrogacy is a profound journey. This comprehensive course, designed by the experts at Surrogacy4All, demystifies the entire process. We will guide you through each critical phase—from initial medical screenings and legal contracts to embryo transfer and the joyous moment of birth. Understand the timeline, the key players, and what to expect at every milestone as you build your family with confidence.

Target Audience: Intended Parents (IPs) exploring or beginning their gestational surrogacy journey.

Course Modules

Foundations of Gestational Surrogacy

• 1.1 What is Gestational Surrogacy?
  • Definition: A process where a woman (the Gestational Carrier) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple (the Intended Parents).
  • Key Distinction: The embryo is created via IVF using the eggs and sperm of the Intended Parents and/or donors. The Gestational Carrier has no genetic link to the baby she carries, which is a critical legal and biological distinction from traditional surrogacy.
• 1.2 The Key Players in Your Journey
  • The Intended Parents (IPs): The individuals who will become the legal parents of the child.
  • The Gestational Carrier (GC): The remarkable woman who carries the pregnancy.
  • The Egg Donor (if used): The individual who provides the eggs.
  • The Fertility Clinic: The medical team responsible for the IVF process and embryo transfer.
  • The Surrogacy Agency (Surrogacy4All): Your guide, coordinator, and support system, managing matches, screenings, and logistics.
  • The Reproductive Attorney: Essential for drafting and finalizing legal contracts to protect everyone’s rights.

Phase 1 – The Preparation & Matching Stage

• 2.1 Medical & Psychological Screening (For IPs and GC)
  • For Intended Parents: This involves infectious disease testing and creating the embryos. For IPs using their own gametes, this includes fertility assessments (semen analysis, ovarian reserve testing).
  • For Gestational Carriers: A rigorous process including a thorough medical history review, a physical exam of the uterus, psychological evaluation, and infectious disease screening to ensure she is physically and emotionally prepared for a healthy pregnancy.
• 2.2 The Legal Foundation: The Surrogacy Agreement
  • Before any medical procedures begin, a legal contract is drafted and negotiated.
  • This contract covers critical aspects: compensation, insurance, parental rights, risk allocation, and expectations for the pregnancy (e.g., communication, travel restrictions).
  • Expert Note: Independent legal counsel for both the IPs and the GC is non-negotiable and standard practice.
• 2.3 The Matching Process
  • This is the process of connecting IPs with a compatible Gestational Carrier.
  • Factors considered include shared values, communication preferences, and legal compatibility (e.g., state surrogacy laws).
  • A successful match is built on mutual respect, trust, and clear communication.

Phase 2 – The Medical Process & Embryo Transfer

• 3.1 The IVF Cycle & Embryo Creation
  • This occurs either before or during the matching process.
  • The process involves egg retrieval from the intended mother or donor, fertilization with sperm from the intended father or donor, and the development of embryos in the lab.
• 3.2 Synchronizing Cycles & Preparing the Uterus
  • The Gestational Carrier’s menstrual cycle is synchronized with the timing of the embryo transfer using estrogen and progesterone medications.
  • These medications prepare the uterine lining to be optimally receptive for embryo implantation.
• 3.3 The Embryo Transfer
  • A simple, brief procedure at the fertility clinic where a selected embryo is transferred into the Gestational Carrier’s uterus via a thin catheter.
  • This is a pivotal moment, culminating months of preparation.

Phase 3 – Pregnancy & Parenthood

• 4.1 The First Milestone: Confirmation of Pregnancy
  • Approximately 9-12 days after transfer, a blood test (beta hCG) is performed to confirm pregnancy.
  • Follow-up tests and an early ultrasound will confirm a fetal heartbeat and a viable, ongoing pregnancy.
• 4.2 Navigating the Pregnancy Journey
  • The Gestational Carrier will attend all standard prenatal appointments.
  • IPs are typically encouraged to attend key appointments (e.g., ultrasounds) and maintain open communication with their GC.
  • The surrogacy agency provides ongoing support and helps mediate communication.
• 4.3 Securing Parental Rights: Pre-Birth Orders
  • Long before the birth, your attorney will file a “Pre-Birth Order” (or similar legal document) with the court.
  • This order establishes the Intended Parents as the legal parents on the original birth certificate, bypassing the need for adoption or a custody battle post-birth.
• 4.4 The Birth & Beyond
  • A detailed birth plan is created in advance, outlining roles and preferences for the delivery room.
  • The Intended Parents are typically present for the birth and immediately assume care for their newborn.
  • The surrogacy agency and legal team ensure a smooth hospital discharge and the finalization of all legal paperwork.