A surrogate is a woman who carries another couple's baby to term, and once delivered, gives it to the parenting couple. A candidate for surrogacy is:
Sometimes a woman may not be physically able to carry a pregnancy to term. Her uterus may be damaged and unable to support implantation and embryonic development. She might also have health problems, such as heart disease, which would place her at risk if she were to become pregnant. Surrogacy is an option for many of these women.
A gestational surrogacy carrier cycle can be performed in one of two ways.
The first method is similar to an egg donation cycle. The gestational carrier serves as the "recipient". The couple attempting to have a child serves as the egg and sperm "donors."
Medications are used to synchronize the menstrual cycles of both women. The intended parent uses fertility medication to stimulate the development of eggs. The gestational carrier takes medication to prepare her uterus. At the appropriate time, the eggs are removed from the "donor" female, and are fertilized with her partner's sperm. The surrogate's cycle is timed to perfectly receive the embryos.
The embryos created are cultured in the laboratory and then placed into the uterus of the gestational carrier.
An alternative method uses cryopreservation of embryos. In this technique, the couple trying to have a baby goes through a standard IVF cycle. All of the embryos are cryopreserved (frozen). These embryos are then thawed and placed into the uterus of the gestational carrier after hormonal preparation.
The chance for success is dependent mostly upon the couple who are attempting to produce the child, and NOT on the carrier. It is presumed an acceptable carrier candidate has been found. The age of the female partner who provides the eggs is of utmost importance. In addition, the number of embryos transferred, the ovarian reserve, and whether fresh or frozen embryos are used are all important considerations.
Most women volunteer to be surrogates for altruistic reasons and many times may be related to the couple. The process of surrogacy is complex from both the physical and psychological standpoints. Selection of a suitable surrogate, who understands the process and its ramifications, and is supported by her family, is paramount to the success of the program. A surrogate is usually an extremely diligent and devoted person who wishes to endow a special gift to another woman, and many of these women have their own children.
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Shared Conception 5956 Sherry lane Suite 1000 Dallas, TX 75225 972-914-8770 |
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Simple Surrogacy 4925 Greenville Avenue Second Floor Dallas, TX 75602 214-673-9321 |
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Growing Generations 5900 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 550 323-965-7500 |
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Extraordinary Conceptions www.extraordinaryconceptions.com 2701 Loker Avenue West Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92010 760-438-2265 |
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The Surrogacy SOURCE www.fertilitysourcecompanies.com 24012 Calle De La Plata Suite 370 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949-872-2800 |
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Surrogate Solutions 2150 S. Central Expressway Suite 200 McKinney, TX 75070 361-772-4243 |
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Pink & Blue Surrogacy 302 E. Madison Street, Suite 1 Waterloo, WI 53594 920-478-3384 |
Once a suitable surrogate has been selected, the following steps are mandatory:
It is imperative the intended parents and surrogate sign a legal contract outlining the responsibilities and obligations of each party. Surrogacy laws vary widely between states, and a lawyer experienced in reproductive law must be consulted.
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