The Surrogacy Journey
- Home
- Parents
- Surrogacy Information
- The Surrogacy Journey
We'll guide you through your surrogacy journey, step-by-step
You’ve been informed by your doctor that you’ll need the assistance of a gestational surrogate, or perhaps you have known for a long time you would need one. Now, the question is: What do I do? Where do I begin? How do I find a surrogate mother?
We have taken the complex process of surrogacy and provided an easy-to-follow roadmap to help you successfully navigate your journey.
Phase 1: Consultation
Schedule a Free Consultation
One hour long in person, phone or video conference to discuss our program and understand all your needs.
Register
Complete the IP Questionnaire for surrogacy.
We need to get to know you. We will ask you about your dreams, challenges and expectation so we can best help you.
Ask Questions
We will review your questionnaire and answer all your questions so you better understand the process and what we do to help you every step of the way.
Factors to Consider:
-
Have you created a budget?
For many the biggest hurdle to surrogacy is the cost. We can assist you in providing a surrogate expense breakdown so that you can create a realistic budget for your surrogacy journey. -
Have you selected your IVF clinic yet?
If not, we can assist you in selecting a clinic that offers the services you need. -
Will you need to use donor eggs or donor sperm?
Family Inceptions has a fabulous egg donor program with many women who are willing to help you in your desire to have a child. We can assist you in locating the right donor for you.
Phase 2: Matchmaking
Sign Agency Agreement
To begin, we have you sign a retainer agreement and make an initial payment.
Making a Match
When matching you to a surrogate, our process is deeper than just selecting a surrogate from a database. Because we don’t match an individual with intended parents just for the sake of matching, we look for surrogates who share similar desires for the journey you are embarking on together.
Match Meeting
Part 1. Once both parties are interested, we will facilitate a phone meeting between you and the potential surrogate.
Part 2. Provided the phone meeting goes well, we will then schedule a face-to-face meeting at a neutral location.
Factors to Consider:
Our surrogates must:
- Be between the ages of 23-40
- Have delivered a baby and is currently or has raised at least one healthy child
- Not have had prior pregnancy complications with no more than two C-sections
- Live in a stable and healthy environment
- Not receiving any form of government assistance
- Clear our criminal background checks
- Not be a smoker or drug user
Phase 3: Screenings
Medical Screening
Once your surrogate is selected, she’s required to complete screening before you can actually begin treatment. Your clinic determines the surrogate’s screening protocol. A typical surrogate screening will entail a physical and pelvic examination, drug and nicotine testing, and infectious disease testing.
Psychological Screening
A typical psych screening is a 3-part process. Part 1: The intended parents. Part 2: The surrogate and her spouse/partner and Part 3. The Group (Intended parents and surrogate and her spouse/partner)
Legal Contracts
Once the surrogate has been screened, received medical and psychological clearance, all parties will be required to have a Surrogate/Intended Parent agreement. The agreement establishes parental rights, financial responsibility, confidentiality and privacy.
Factors to Consider:
Family Inceptions works with a licensed, bonded and insured escrow company who manages all aspects of the funds related to the surrogate’s compensation and expenses.
Phase 4: Surrogate Prep
Cycle Schedule
Your clinic will provide a cycle schedule, which will outline in detail the next steps to complete the medical processes required for transfer.
Surrogate Preparation
What Method?
This will vary depending on whether you are using fresh eggs (from the intended mother/egg donor) or frozen embryos.
Transfer
Your clinic will provide the date for the transfer. You have the choice to be present with your surrogate.
SurroniqueTM Surrogacy Wellness Program
We believe there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for your baby. That is why it is imperative you work with qualified surrogates. It is also why we created Surronique™ - the most thoughtfully crafted surrogate wellness program. Created by surrogates for surrogates. Surronique™ exceeds the expectations for surrogate wellness with the highest care.
Phase 5: Baby Prep
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an Exciting Time
For many intended parents, pregnancy is one of the most exciting and memorable times in their lives, and many sit in on ultrasounds, feel the baby kick, and attend doctor appointments.
Parentage Order
How/When your parental rights will be established will depend on if your child will be born in a pre-birth or post birth state.
Delivery
Many surrogates want to share this experience with you. It will be a decision that collectivity you will make together.
How Involved Will You Be?
The degree of involvement varies from case to case, and is worked out between you and your surrogate upon matching.