What is Gestational Surrogacy Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

What is Gestational Surrogacy Process -a step-by-step guide for IPs

 

Starting the Gestational Surrogacy Process is not an easy task.  However, with our 10 years of experience in this domain, we make surrogacy possible. Let us explore how surrogacy works, with our stepwise guide.

 

Gestational surrogacy has become an increasingly popular option for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges or those unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. This comprehensive guide explores the gestational surrogacy process, providing valuable insights into its steps, legal considerations, and emotional aspects.

 

Get in touch for a Free Surrogacy Consultancy:

📲 +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)

📧 neelam@ivfconceptions.com

📮  www.ivfconceptions.com   

Understanding Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the gestational carrier) carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple (the intended parents). Unlike traditional surrogacy, in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child.

Key Points:

• The embryo is created using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm or donor gametes
• The surrogate’s eggs are not used in gestational surrogacy
• This process allows intended parents to have a genetic connection to their child

The Gestational Surrogacy Process: Step by Step

The gestational surrogacy journey involves several steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Meeting with a fertility specialist or surrogacy agency
2. Matching: Finding and selecting a suitable gestational carrier
3. Medical Screening: Comprehensive health checks for all parties involved
4. Legal Contracts: Drafting and signing surrogacy agreements
5. IVF Process: Creating embryos using intended parents’ or donor gametes
6. Embryo Transfer: Transferring the embryo to the gestational carrier
7. Pregnancy and Monitoring: Regular check-ups and prenatal care
8. Delivery and Birth: The birth of the baby and legal parentage establishment

Legal Considerations in Gestational Surrogacy

Legal aspects of gestational surrogacy vary by country and even by state within countries. It’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney specializing in reproductive law.

Legal Aspect	Description
Surrogacy Contract	Outlines rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties
Parental Rights	Establishes legal parentage for intended parents
Insurance Coverage	Addresses medical insurance for the surrogate and the baby
Compensation	Details surrogate compensation and reimbursement
Birth Certificate	Ensures intended parents are listed on the birth certificate

Always consult with a legal professional familiar with surrogacy laws in your jurisdiction.

Medical Aspects of Gestational Surrogacy

The medical process in gestational surrogacy primarily revolves around IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Here’s an overview of the key medical steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The intended mother or egg donor undergoes hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the intended mother or donor
3. Sperm Collection: Sperm is collected from the intended father or donor
4. Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory to create embryos
5. Embryo Culture: Embryos are monitored as they develop
6. Endometrial Preparation: The surrogate’s uterus is prepared for embryo transfer
7. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus
8. Pregnancy Monitoring: Regular check-ups and prenatal care throughout the pregnancy

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

Gestational surrogacy can be an emotionally complex journey for all parties involved. It’s important to consider the psychological aspects:

• For Intended Parents:
  • Coping with infertility or inability to carry a pregnancy
  • Anxiety about the surrogate’s health and pregnancy progress
  • Excitement and anticipation of becoming parents
• For Gestational Carriers:
  • Motivation to help others create a family
  • Managing emotional attachment during pregnancy
  • Balancing surrogacy with personal life and family
• For Both Parties:
  • Building a relationship based on trust and communication
  • Navigating boundaries and expectations
  • Preparing for the emotional impact of the birth and separation

Many surrogacy programs require psychological counseling for both intended parents and surrogates to address these emotional aspects.

Costs of Gestational Surrogacy

How much does gestational surrogacy cost? Gestational surrogacy can be a significant financial investment. Costs can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, location, and specific arrangements. Here’s a general breakdown of potential expenses:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range (USD)
Agency Fees	$15,000 – $30,000
Surrogate Compensation	$30,000 – $60,000
IVF and Medical Expenses	$20,000 – $40,000
Legal Fees	$5,000 – $15,000
Insurance	$15,000 – $30,000
Miscellaneous Expenses	$5,000 – $10,000
Total Estimated Cost	$90,000 – $185,000+

Note: These are rough estimates and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and location.

How to Find a Gestational Surrogate

There are several ways to find a gestational surrogate:

1. Surrogacy Agencies: Provide matching services and manage the process
2. Fertility Clinics: Some clinics have in-house surrogacy programs
3. Personal Networks: Some intended parents find surrogates through friends or family
4. Online Communities: Surrogacy support groups and forums
5. Attorneys: Reproductive law attorneys may have connections to potential surrogates

When choosing a surrogate, consider factors such as:

• Health history and lifestyle
• Emotional stability and support system
• Alignment with your values and expectations
• Previous surrogacy experience (if any)
• Geographical location

The surrogacy process takes 18 months to 24 months depending upon the individual circumstances

Outlines the surrogacy process timeline for gay intended parents:

Stage	Description of Stage	Duration
Research Phase	Explore family-building options and decide on surrogacy.	Personal timeframe
Consultation and Application	Choose a surrogacy agency, sign an agreement, and start embryo creation (if needed).	1-3 Months
Matching	The agency finds and presents potential gestational carriers. Meet and decide on a match.	3-6 Months
Medical Screening and Contracts	Carrier undergoes medical and psychological screening. Sign a surrogacy contract.	1-2 Months
Embryo Transfer	Prepare for embryo transfer. Success may take multiple attempts.	1-1.5 Months
Pregnancy	Gestational carrier’s pregnancy, approximately 40 weeks.	9-10 Months
Birth and Postpartum	Baby’s birth, establish parental rights, and the postpartum period.	1.5-3 Months

Please keep in mind that the durations mentioned in the table are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. Always consult with a reputable surrogacy agency or professional to get personalized guidance throughout the surrogacy journey.

How does surrogacy work- Stepwise process

Step #1. Contact us and let us know what your specific requirement

As soon as we hear from you and understand your exact requirements, we will suggest the program most suitable for you. We will request you provide as much information as possible such as your age, marital status, medical complication if any, citizenship, etc.

This will help us to understand and get back to you with specific details pertaining to your program. We will be sharing with you general information about your program and price list with the breakdown of cost for your specific case. If you agree to proceed, we will be assisting you further.

Step #2. Selecting an Egg Donor/Surrogate Mother

In case you need an egg donor for your program, you can access the donor database and choose the egg donor of your choice. Your case manager will help you in matching the donor profile for you. You can choose a local donor or a Caucasian donor from our partner agency.

Step #3. Screening Tests

We will provide you with a list of tests to confirm your eligibility medically. You can do these tests in your city, and send a scanned copy for review by a fertility specialist. Please note that in case, you are using an egg donor and surrogate mother, only male partners need to do Pre- IVF tests.

If you are self-cycling, then both partners will be asked to complete tests. These may include hormone level tests for self-cycles, scans for ED IVF cycles, blood types, infectious disease screens, and semen analysis.

Step #4. Sign Contracts

One of the essential requirements of the surrogacy program is to complete paperwork to ensure your rights and the surrogate rights. To save time and money, the agency/lawyer can make your specific Surrogacy Contract and email/fax/courier for your signature.

Once reviewed and signed, you can bring a signed copy with you while traveling for the IVF cycle. Please note that in case you are using an egg donor, you also need to sign a separate Egg Donor Contract.

Step #5. First payment

Once contracts are signed, the Intended Parents are required to make the first payment as per your specific price list. It is advised to discuss price and cost breakdown in advance with your case manager.

Step #6. Preparation and synchronization

As soon as we receive the first payment, tests, and preparation/synchronization of your cycle with the donor or that of your egg donor with the surrogate begin.

Generally, it takes 6 weeks to complete synchronization and start the stimulation protocol. If you are self cycling then you will receive clear instructions to start fertility medication and an elaborate schedule will be provided to you before coming for egg pick up.

Step #7. IVF and Pregnancy Tests

Once you visit a surrogacy country, you will meet the local team, doctor, donor, and surrogate. IVF specialists will discuss your program with you along with the date of egg pick up.

IVF is done and embryos are implanted in your surrogate mother’s uterus, she will be kept on luteal support for 2 weeks. A blood test is done after 2 weeks to confirm pregnancy. Once pregnancy is confirmed and the gestational sac and heartbeat are seen, you will be getting regular updates on the surrogacy progress.

How to conceive twins?

Step #8. Surrogate Pregnancy Care

Throughout her pregnancy, the surrogate is closely monitored by our IVF team. Her routine blood tests and scans, check-ups will be shared with you. If you wish, you can also have a Skype meeting with a surrogate mother. The Surrogate receives monthly compensation and the doctor closely monitors her progress in the coming months.

Step #9. Baby Birth

The estimated date of delivery is discussed with you so that you are present at the time of delivery. In case the surrogate goes into premature labor pain, you will be notified, and if a Cesarean is necessary, it will be discussed with you. Once the baby is born, the baby’s birth certificate is given, which will further initiate the process of applying for a baby passport and subsequent baby exit.

Step #10. Baby Exit Process

Once you receive a baby’s birth certificate, our surrogacy lawyer will guide and assist you with documents for the baby’s citizenship. Most countries do ask for DNA Tests for citizenship, in this case, you can pre-order the DNA kit before the baby’s birth.

Once citizenship is gained, you can apply for a baby passport and exit visa. The taking baby home process varies from country to country; our surrogacy legal team will be helping you with your country-specific protocol.

Overview of Surrogacy Timeline for Intended Parents

Table with information on countries and their surrogacy laws:

Country	Commercial Surrogacy	Altruistic Surrogacy	Surrogacy Status
Australia	Prohibited	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is legal in all jurisdictions. Commercial surrogacy is a criminal offense.
Canada	Banned	Allowed	Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. Compensation for gestational carriers is limited to approved expenses.
Colombia	Uncertain	Allowed	There are no clear rules, but altruistic surrogacy is performed and well tolerated.
Greece	Banned	Allowed	Heterosexual couples, and single females are allowed.
India	Prohibited	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is permitted for certain couples based on medical and age criteria.
Israel	Allowed	Allowed	Gestational surrogacy is legal under the Embryo Carrying Agreements Law.
Kenya	N/A	N/A	No legal regulations/laws for surrogacy in Kenya.
Mexico	Allowed	N/A	Surrogacy, along with ovum and sperm donation, has been legal since 1992.
New Zealand	N/A	Allowed	Altruistic surrogacy is legal.
Thailand	Banned	N/A	Commercial surrogacy is criminalized under the Medical Council Act.
Ukraine	Allowed	Allowed	Surrogacy and egg/sperm donation are legal and supported by liberal laws.
United Kingdom	N/A	Allowed	Surrogacy laws vary across different states/territories in the UK.
United States	Varies by state	Allowed	Surrogacy laws vary by state, some are surrogacy-friendly, while others restrict or penalize commercial surrogacy.

 

 More resources:

Advantage Of Surrogacy In the USA

5 Things To Know Before Going For Surrogacy Process

Are intended parents also screened for surrogacy?

Is Surrogacy in India For Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Allowed?

Legal Issues Related To Surrogacy In India

Now, let’s Start the Gestational Surrogacy Process With Us!

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at  IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE. Start the Gestational Surrogacy Process with us as we make parenthood possible for all!

 

Get in touch for  FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:

Mobile: +91-8800481100  ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)  

Email: ​neelam@ivfconceptions.com

Web: www.ivfconceptions.com

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately helps couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and a logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.