Choosing Surrogacy Agency Amidst COVID -19 Outbreak is not easy, but thoughtful action can make it possible!
A surrogacy agency is one that looks after all the aspects of the surrogacy process. Or we can say, a surrogacy agency, for those beginning the surrogacy cycle is widely known as a one-stop shop. This is because, usually, this type of specialist offers all or most of the services you need to complete your gestational surrogacy process. But choosing a surrogacy agency amidst COVID -19 needs more attention and in this article, we will touch on some FAQs of the intended parents.
Surrogacy agency helps to ease out your burden both administrative, legal, and emotional. It makes you concentrate on what is more important for you – bringing your child home.
A surrogacy agency’s services range from matching the surrogate to the intended parents to legal complications to the delivery of the child by the surrogate. It also seamlessly navigates between the intended parents, surrogate mother, medical team, and legal team to have a hassle-free surrogacy journey.
But there are many questions in the mind of the parents during this COVID- 19 outbreak. So, this article will simply address some of the frequently asked questions about the surrogacy agency amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
#1. Will the surrogacy agency accept my application during the COVID- 19 pandemics?
Yes, the surrogacy agency will surely accept your application amid the COVID -19 outbreak. On average the intended parents have to be associated with the surrogacy agency for about 15 to 20 months. Some intended parents are lucky enough to complete it in a shorter time and some are not so they take more time to complete their surrogacy journey.
So, the process of starting the procedure and finding the surrogate is done after the initial formalities are completed which would take around 3 to 4 months. So, if you start right now to send your request and set up a consultation, it might take 3-4 months to start the actual process.
However, if you are already working with the agency or IVF clinic and asking for services like IVF, IUI, and embryo transfer, the agency may avoid these services as per the guidelines by ESHRE and ASRM.
But starting a procedure won’t require breaking any rule of law. So, you can initiate a surrogacy application procedure during this COVID- 19 outbreak. Matter of fact, it is a perfect time to do research and make an informed decision about your surrogacy journey.
#2. Will the agency allow me to be a surrogate during COVID- 19 pandemic?
If you want to be a surrogate, you will be welcome by any surrogacy agency at any time. You can start your initial applications and go for the screenings during this outbreak.
A standard surrogate journey timeline can range from 12-16 months anywhere from application to birth. If you were to fill in an application now, get all the paperwork in, and be put on the matching list, matching will take 1 to 3 months on average.
Another choice may be to complete your application, perform all the tasks of your application and medical history, and apply to be “on hold”. So, you can initiate your application again, when the world settles a bit more.
However, the agency will not transfer the embryo or perform any IVF and IUI during the COVID – 19 epidemic.
So, getting familiar with the process of becoming a surrogate mother, doing research and joining the support group and applying is the best thing to do now.
#3. What is the impact of the COVID – 19 on surrogacy agencies?
The economic health of the surrogacy agency you chose is a very real issue that should be addressed by intended parents when selecting a surrogacy agency.
Even though, if it is not backed by a large group of investors, it should have a sound financial background. If you are choosing a new agency, then COVID -19 can affect its presence.
As it would be a new agency it will not have the experience of how to overcome political upheavals, natural calamities, pandemics, and man-made casualties.
Hence, there is a chance that the agency may run out of business and shut down due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Those who find themselves to be a surrogate or become a parent through surrogacy should look for an organization that has a stable foundation, a large client base, and a reliable method. Such characteristics tend to be associated with good clinic relationships and more seasoned organizations.
So, the experience and credibility of the surrogacy agency are important. They should be available to you and provide an update on any situation.
#4. Can I meet the surrogacy agency amid the COVID -19 outbreak?
Most countries are doing mandatory lockdown and it depends on your state if any sort of movement is allowed.
But, if there is no lockdown, it is 100 percent of your personal decision. Meeting an organization does not commit to an entity. If you are contemplating surrogacy to expand your family–and all your work has been completed–now is an appropriate time to meet with a surrogacy agency.
It may help to look at a timeline of the surrogacy process: a typical journey will take 15-20 months on average. A surrogate matching process accounts for 3 to 5 months, and expected parents can expect another 2 to 3 months before an embryo transfer takes place. The agency will also not allow the first transition to take place until at least 5 to 8 months after you entered the surrogacy program with the agency.
So, even if you join now, you will have a chance to reschedule the transfers and if the situation normalizes later this year then you will have an edge over the others as you can go for the transfer without any potential delays.
#5. Is virtual consultation an option during the COVID -19 outbreak?
Yes, it is the most recommended thing to do now.
Although on normal days, the representative of a surrogacy agency can come to meet you or you can visit them. But this is not possible under the current travel ban across the globe.
So, if needed, most agencies across the USA or outside the USA, prefer to do Video appointments as per the Intended Parent’s convenience.
After all, the most important advantage of the virtual appointment will be you will be consulting with the consultant at your comfort level – from your home. You will have the opportunity to speak to many surrogacy consultants and understand what each has to offer to you.
More resources on this surrogacy topic:
Tips to choose a surrogacy agency?
4 Cheapest countries for surrogacy
How does surrogacy work? A complete guide for parents
Conclusion
Choosing Surrogacy Agency Amidst COVID -19 Outbreak means, intended parents need to deal with lots of uncertainty. This going to make already tough gestational surrogacy, more time-consuming, demanding, and may be more costly.
As I read somewhere, it is not time to get pregnant, but to educate and prepare yourself for the forthcoming pregnancy- self or via surrogate mother. So, spend your days doing research and choosing the best surrogacy agency locally or going for international surrogacy agencies.
Since 2010, we are assisting and guiding would-be parents in their family building with IVF or surrogacy process globally. We offer affordable yet legally secure surrogacy services in multiple surrogacy destinations.
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.