Surrogacy Medical Process | American Surrogacy Blog

What Is Embryo Donation?

If you’re an infertile couple, LGBT couple or a single individual, embryo donation can reduce IVF costs on your surrogacy journey.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) plays a significant role in the surrogacy medical process. You may have already attempted IVF and have no embryos left or you may be new to the process and are intimidated by the associated costs.

Through embryo donation, you can receive multiple frozen embryos for your surrogacy journey without paying for the most expensive parts of the IVF process.

Embryo donation is the process in which couples or individuals who have had success with IVF and have completed their family can choose to donate their remaining frozen embryos to other hopeful intended parents like you.

We can help you determine how embryo donation can fit into your surrogacy journey. If you want to learn more about the surrogacy medical process, contact us today.

What is Embryo Donation?

IVF and gestational surrogacy are increasingly popular family-building methods for infertile couples, LGBT couples and single individuals.

For those that do not want to cover costs of the IVF process such as egg retrieval, embryo creation, cryopreservation or an egg or sperm donor (if applicable), embryo donation allows them to receive frozen embryos donated by patients who have completed their families.

What is the Difference between Embryo Donation and Embryo Adoption?

Both embryo donation and embryo adoption are used interchangeably to refer to the same process of the donation and reception of frozen embryos. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, embryo donation is the medically and legally accurate term.

However, there may be differences in the processes used by embryo donation programs that use one term over the other.

Embryo Donation

Embryo donation is the widely accepted term for the practice of a person’s or couple’s unused frozen embryos are donated to another person or couple.

There are many fertility clinics that have an embryo donation programs, as well as embryo donation agencies. While these programs may provide matching services, embryo donation is treated as a medical process, similar to egg or sperm donation.

Embryo Adoption

Embryo adoption, sometimes referred to as “snowflake adoption” is a term coined by a Christian adoption agency to refer to the donation of frozen embryos. This term may be used by those who see the embryo as a child, or by professionals that employ similar practices used in traditional adoption in their embryo donation process, such as home studies and judicial measures.

Embryo adoption is a misnomer because state adoption laws currently apply to the post-birth placement of a living child, not an embryo. Instead, donated embryos are typically protected under property law and Food and Drug Administration regulations.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) cautions against treating embryo donation the same as adoption, as unnecessary measures like home studies and judicial intervention can lengthen the process or create restrictions.

How Much Does Embryo Donation Cost?

Receiving a frozen donor embryo costs significantly less than both the average cost of an IVF cycle.

The average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S., according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, is $12,400-$30,000.

While the cost will depend on the program you choose, receiving a donor embryo can be as low as $2,500-$4,000.

Using Embryo Donation for Surrogacy

The embryo donation process may vary depending on the clinic or agency you work with, but must follow the guidelines set in place by the Food and Drug Administration. All donors must complete FDA screening.

Many embryo donation programs facilitate anonymous donations where you will not know the identity of the donor. Some may have the option of a known or direct donation, where you receive the embryo of someone you know.

For anonymous donation, you will not have access to identifying information about the donor, but their profile will include medical history, physical characteristics, family history and background and often a photo of the donor(s).

Once you’ve found a donor match and complete any necessary paperwork, the surrogacy medical process will proceed as normal. Once your surrogate has completed a prescribe regimen of fertility medications, the donor embryo will be transferred to her uterus through a simple and minimally invasive procedure.

If you have questions about creating or receiving donor embryos for your surrogacy journey, connect with us today.

Surrogacy With Frozen Embryos [What to Know]

Frozen embryo transfers play a pivotal role in the IVF process for surrogacy, and can increase your chances of becoming a parent.

In 2021, more than 97,000 infants were born in the U.S. from more than 400,000 cycles of assisted reproductive technology. Of these cycles, 167,689 used eggs or embryos that were frozen for future use.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen embryo transfers make gestational surrogacy possible, going beyond the traditional aspects of assisted reproductive technologies.

Using frozen embryos on your IVF journey not only enhances the chances of success in the surrogacy process but also brings about several advantages for intended parents who want to grow their family.

To learn more about what freezing your embryos might look like during the surrogacy process, fill out our form.

How Does Surrogacy With Frozen Embryos Work?

In-vitro fertilization plays a pivotal role in the surrogacy medical process. There are two main phases: Embryo creation and the embryo transfer.

Embryo creation

Your fertility specialist will perform a procedure to retrieve mature eggs. These eggs will be fertilized using the intended father’s sperm to create embryos. If you do not have viable eggs or sperm, you can use donor gametes.

By creating multiple embryos at once, you increase your surrogate’s chances of becoming pregnant. Not every egg that’s retrieved will become an embryo and not every embryo is viable. With your consent, additional embryos can be frozen for future use.

If you’ve attempted IVF prior to surrogacy, you may already have frozen embryos.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Once an embryo has formed, it will be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus for implantation.

If the first transfer doesn’t take, you can use one of your additional embryos without having to repeat the egg retrieval and embryo creation process, saving you time and money.

Frozen embryos are typically stored and monitored at hospital facilities, like labs or commercial reproductive medicine centers. They can be safely preserved for 10 years and even longer.

How are Embryos Frozen?

Embryos are frozen through a process known as vitrification. This is done in two stages:

The embryo is exposed to cryoprotectant agent to the embryos, which acts like antifreeze and prevents ice crystals from forming.
The embryos are quickly placed into liquid nitrogen at -321 Fahrenheit and stored in straw-like containers.

Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfers In Surrogacy

1. Controlled Implantation and Reduced Risks

One of the key benefits is the ability to implant embryos one at a time, reducing the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. This approach not only safeguards the health of the surrogate but also minimizes potential complications during the pregnancy.

The risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is also significantly reduced, ensuring the surrogate’s well-being throughout the surrogacy journey. OHSS is a potentially life-threatening response to fertility medication resulting in fluid in a women’s abdomen and comes with the risk of blood clots getting into the lungs.

2. Increased Chances of Success:

Surrogacy with frozen embryos offers a strategic advantage by increasing the overall chances of success. In cases where the initial transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy, having additional frozen embryos allows for subsequent attempts without the need for repeated egg retrieval.

The higher success rates associated with frozen embryo transfers in surrogacy underscore the effectiveness of this method, providing you with increased confidence and optimism on your journey to parenthood.

3. Cost-Efficiency and Convenience

Storing and using frozen embryos eliminates the need for repeated egg retrieval or acquiring them from a donor. This not only reduces the financial burden but also streamlines the surrogacy process, making it more convenient.

What Happens to Unused Frozen Embryos?

Once your surrogate is pregnant with your baby, you may have leftover embryos. You have 3 options for how to handle your unused frozen embryos:

Store them for future use: If you plan on having more children, you can store your embryos for your next IVF or surrogacy journey.
Disposal: If you feel your family is complete, you can request that your remaining embryos be destroyed.
Donation: You can donate unused embryos to a hopeful couple or individual like you who is growing their family through IVF or surrogacy.

How Are Frozen Embryos Destroyed?

Typically conducted under the guidance of fertility clinics or medical professionals, the common method involves thawing the embryos to room-temperature, rendering them non-viable. The cellular material is then disposed of according to lab policy, or handed over to you for burial if your state’s laws allow.

Using Frozen Embryo Donation

If couples have leftover embryos after IVF, they can donate them to others who want to grow their family.

If you have not yet created embryos or are unable to due to medical reasons, you can choose to receive a donor embryo through a fertility clinic or agency. The process will likely vary depending on the professional you work with, but here’s what you should know:

You will have access to donor info such as medical and family history, ethnic background and physical traits.
You get to choose the donor or approve the match if a donor chooses you.
Some clinics or agencies may allow degrees of openness in the donation where you can have a contact arrangement with the donor. Others only perform closed or anonymous donations where you will have no identifying information about the donor.
An attorney can help you negotiate an agreement where the donor relinquishes their parental rights, allowing you to become the legal parents.

Whether you’ve already tried IVF or have your heart set on surrogacy, if you have frozen embryos contact us online now to begin your journey to parenthood.

What Does Alabama’s IVF Ruling Mean for Surrogacy?

The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent IVF ruling has raised questions among intended parents in the state about whether their surrogacy journey will be affected.

On February 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through IVF can be considered children under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act.

“…to all unborn children without limitation. And that includes unborn children who are not located in utero at the time they are killed.” Read more about the ruling.

Following the ruling, many fertility clinics in Alabama suspended IVF services until it is clear how the ruling would affect IVF patients, clinics and providers. Because IVF is a significant part of the surrogacy process, there have been concerns about how this ruling may affect those pursuing surrogacy in Alabama.

Below we’ll break down what you should know about IVF in Alabama following the ruling and how your journey may be affected.

This is an ongoing story that will be updated upon new developments.

The IVF Process for Surrogacy

IVF and surrogacy are both popular family building methods utilized by couples struggling with infertility, same-sex couples or single individuals who are ready to have a family.

In gestational surrogacy, a gestational carrier or surrogate carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parents. Because of the role IVF plays in the surrogacy medical process, one or both parents can be biologically related to their child.

Embryo Creation

Intended parents create their embryos using their eggs and sperm or a donor’s. This process involves retrieving multiple eggs from the intended mother, or acquiring donor eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor.

The egg retrieval portion of IVF makes up the bulk of the cost, which makes it more economical to create multiple embryos at once. If you tried conceiving through IVF before surrogacy, you may already have frozen embryos.

Embryo Transfer

One or more embryos are selected and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Since her eggs are not used, the baby does not share DNA with the surrogate.

The first transfer doesn’t always take. Being able to freeze multiple embryos increases your chances of success.

How Does the Ruling Affect IVF and Surrogacy in Alabama?

The ruling did not ban IVF in Alabama nor mention surrogacy explicitly. However, it does set a precedent that IVF providers and patients could face criminal and civil penalties if unused embryos are destroyed.

Many times after an embryo transfer is successful and the parents do not intend to have another child, the unused embryos are discarded.

In the days following the ruling, the many fertility clinics in Alabama paused IVF services out of concern that staff and patients may face criminal or civil liabilities. In an attempt to resume IVF services, Alabama legislature approved bills that would legally protect IVF providers and fertility clinics.

What Can I Do With Leftover Embryos After IVF in Alabama?

When it’s confirmed that your surrogate is pregnant with your child, there’s a chance you will have unused frozen embryos. If you feel your family is complete but you are worried about the legal implications of frozen embryo disposal, you have two options:

You have two alternative options:

Indefinite storage: You have the option of keeping your embryos frozen indefinitely. If this is the route you take, you should be aware that it can become expensive over time. Fertility clinics might have a storage fee of $500-$1,000 a year.
Donation: You can donate your unused embryos to an infertile or gay couple, or an individual who intends to use surrogacy and/or IVF to grow their family. This can be done through an agency or your fertility clinic.

How We Can Help

If you want to grow your family through surrogacy in Alabama, we can provide you with the necessary support and resources for your journey.

All of our intended parents partner with an ART attorney when creating their surrogacy contract. Your attorney will be able to advise you on matters pertaining to how to handle your unused embryos.

If you are prepared to travel for your surrogacy journey, we can connect you with a fertility clinic in a nearby state such as Florida, Georgia or Tennessee.

If you have questions about IVF in Alabama and your journey to parenthood, we’re here for you. To get the support you need, fill out our easy form or call 1-800-875-2229.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional regarding specific legal matters related to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How Embryos are Handled in Surrogacy and IVF

In IVF and surrogacy, life is created from embryos created outside of the body. Learn more about how these embryos are handled.

Surrogacy is becoming an increasingly popular way to start and grow families, and IVF is an important part of the process.

Read on to learn the details of how IVF in surrogacy works, and how embryos are handled during and after the surrogacy IVF process, or click here to get help from a surrogacy professional now.

Surrogacy IVF Process

While you can use IVF without a surrogate, IVF and surrogacy go hand in hand—surrogacy in the United States almost always uses IVF. Once you have chosen surrogacy and gotten matched with a surrogate, the medical process of surrogacy can begin.

In this medical process, your surrogate will have a final screening and begin pre-pregnancy medications, then your surrogacy medical team will help you complete the following steps:

Retrieve Gametes

To create an embryo, you will need sperm and eggs, otherwise known as gametes. Your medical team will help you retrieve these and preserve them until they are used, or you can use gametes that have been saved previously. You may be able to use your gametes, or you can use donor sperm or eggs.

Create an Embryo or Embryos

Next, your medical team will combine the gametes to form an embryo or embryos.

Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy

The surrogacy embryo transfer process comes next. During surrogacy embryo transfer, the embryo or embryos are placed in the surrogate’s uterus by a medical professional using assisted reproductive technology.

Confirm Pregnancy

After embryo transfer, your medical team will confirm pregnancy, and the rest of the exciting process can begin.

Do you Use All Gametes and Embryos in Surrogacy?

In both IVF and surrogacy, there is a possibility of having unused gametes or embryos at the end of the process.

Some families choose to freeze gametes or embryos for future use as a couple. Some others may choose to discard unused gametes and embryos. Others still may choose to donate unused gametes or embryos to another couple that is struggling with infertility.

How Do You End Up with Unused Embryos or Gametes?

It is not uncommon to have 15 or more eggs and many (possibly millions) more sperm after gamete retrieval.

As your medical team combines gametes to form an embryo, you may lose some embryos or sperm—not all gametes can become a healthy embryo.

In some cases, you may end up with only a single healthy embryo, or with no healthy embryos. In some cases, you can end up with multiple healthy embryos without using all of the gametes that were retrieved.

Can I Use All of My Embryos?

If you have multiple embryos, you may have the option to transfer all embryos at the same time, but in some cases, this may not be possible because it can result in an unsafe pregnancy of multiple embryos.

If you choose to transfer a smaller number of embryos, a healthy pregnancy may happen, resulting in unused embryos. In some cases, though, the pregnancy can be unsuccessful.

In cases of an unsuccessful pregnancy, having more embryos ready and waiting can mean you have another chance at conception with another embryo transfer.

What Happens to Unused Gametes and Embryos in Surrogacy?

Each medical provider has their own procedures for handling gametes and embryos, and some medical providers may already ask each patient what their preferences are for unused embryos or gametes and give you options.

These are some of the common options:

Discard gametes and/or embryos: Choosing to discard gametes or embryos means that they will be handled as medical waste. Processes for this option may vary among medical providers.

Freeze gametes and/or embryos: Freezing gametes or embryos can mean you have the option to have another child by IVF or surrogacy in the future.

Donate gametes and/or embryos: If you know that you will not have another cycle of IVF or another surrogate pregnancy, but you don’t want your embryos or gametes to be discarded, you can choose to donate the gametes or embryos to other individuals or couples who may want or need gametes or embryos.

This may mean that you will have another genetically related person in the world in the future, which deserves consideration.

I am Against Having Unused Embryos. Can I Still Do Surrogacy?

Some people see embryos as simply tissue, or a few cells that have divided, while others believe that life begins at conception—when the gametes meet and form an embryo—and that each embryo is a life. If this is an ethical or moral concern, both IVF and surrogacy may still be possible.

One option for those who are against having unused embryos is to do IVF or surrogacy with a donor embryo. When other couples complete IVF or surrogacy, they may freeze unused embryos and offer their embryos to other couples who are struggling with infertility. If you do this, you will help others use embryos that have already been created, and you will not create any embryos that you do not use.

Another possibility is to find a medical provider who can handle your gametes and embryos in a way that you find ethical. Each medical practice may have slightly different processes for gamete and embryo storage and usage, and you can find a medical provider who shares your concerns or is able to work with you to find a solution.

What Should I Do If I’m Concerned about Having Unused Embryos in Surrogacy?

Ultimately, this decision is yours and comes down to your personal ethical and moral convictions.

The good news is that you can always talk through this part of the process with a surrogate professional and your medical team to find a solution if you have concerns about the use of embryos in surrogacy. Get help now here.

How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?

Have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant? We explain how the surrogacy process enables you to be genetically linked to your child.

Many people have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant and the biology associated between the surrogate mother and the child. We are here to dispute any concerns you may have about the process and explain how you will share DNA with your child.

If you have specific questions, contact us today. We know the process of having a baby is an important and heartfelt journey. Your own path to becoming a parent is deeply personal and our surrogacy specialists are ready to help.

Common Myths About Surrogacy And DNA

Myth #1: The child will share DNA with the surrogate.

No, your child will not share DNA with the surrogate mother. The surrogate mother is solely carrying the embryo to term. The embryo will be created through IVF at a fertility clinic before being implanted in the surrogate.

Myth #2: Surrogacy involves intercourse.

No. Surrogacy will never involve intercourse. The father of the child and the surrogate will not have intercourse to become pregnant. The whole process of pregnancy is achieved through IVF, which will be conducted at a trusted fertility clinic.

Myth #3: The gestational surrogate will grow attached and want to keep the baby.

Your surrogate will fully understand the scope of surrogacy. While surrogacy is an emotional process, the legal process helps protect everyone’s rights throughout the surrogacy. You will not have to worry about your legal right to your child.

Surrogacy and the IVF Process

The IVF process involves taking an egg from the intended mother or egg donor, and fertilizing it with the sperm from the intended father or sperm donor. You will decide whether you are using our own egg and sperm, or whether it will be more beneficial to use a donor’s. This will be something you determine in your surrogacy plan with your surrogacy specialist.

The whole IVF process is done in three steps.

Step 1: Egg Donation – A few eggs are extracted from the intended mother or an egg donor.

Step 2: Fertilization – The eggs are then fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s in a lab to create the embryos.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer – Leading up to the step, the surrogate will take fertility drugs to prepare her body for the embryo transfer. Once an embryo has been created, it is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through a simple procedure at a fertility clinic.

Whether you are using your own egg and sperm or a donor’s will determine whether you are biologically related to your child. No matter which route you choose, your gestational surrogate will never share DNA with your child. Many people choose to go through surrogacy over other options like adoption because it means they will have a biological connection to their child. This is another topic to discuss with you surrogacy specialist as you are creating your plan.

Begin Your Journey to Parenthood

The journey to parenthood can be hard, and if you have come to surrogacy, we know you have likely been down a long road. We are ready to help you begin the surrogacy process today.

Contact a surrogacy specialist today.

5 Questions for Infertile Couples About Choosing Surrogacy

Discover how to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples and how surrogacy can be a great family-building alternative when you’re struggling with infertility.

Struggling with infertility can be an emotionally taxing and lengthy journey. After months or even years of fertility treatments without success, you may be wondering what steps to take next.

For some, surrogacy for infertile couples becomes an option when traditional methods like in-vitro fertilization haven’t worked. However, deciding to transition from infertility treatments to surrogacy is a tough choice, particularly if you still hope to experience pregnancy yourself.

You can always reach out to us now to learn more about choosing surrogacy for infertile couples. We’re always here to help you explore your options.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples. If you feel stuck and uncertain about the chances of success, you can explore remaining options, such as surrogacy or other assisted reproductive treatments. If you’re contemplating surrogacy options for infertile couples, then here are some factors to consider.

What to Know About Surrogacy for Infertile Couples

Determining whether you’re ready to shift from infertility to surrogacy varies for everyone. Each individual’s infertility journey is unique, influencing the decision to explore alternative treatments.

Often, those who choose surrogacy for infertile couples have already gone through extensive, unsuccessful fertility treatments. This prolonged effort drains their time and energy, leading to stress that can have an impact on their relationship.

If you and your partner feel drained from continuous unsuccessful attempts, you might want to reconsider your current infertility treatment strategy. If you think that you’re ready to explore other family-building alternatives, then here are some answers to the questions you may have about infertility and surrogacy.

1. If you’re infertile, can you use a surrogate?

Yes, if you’re infertile you can use a surrogate to help fulfill your dreams of becoming parents. In gestational surrogacy, the medical process involves using IVF to complete an embryo transfer. If you’re infertile then a donor’s egg or sperm may be used.

Before choosing surrogacy for infertile couples, you’ll need to consider whether your infertility treatment plan is giving you the results you need. Choosing surrogacy after infertility means putting all your focus and determination into the process.

2. Are you interested more interested in experiencing parenthood than surrogacy?

Surrogacy for infertile couples involves someone else carrying your baby for you. IVF or gamete donation can give you a chance at being pregnant while surrogacy does not. If you feel that being a parent is more important than experiencing pregnancy, you may be ready to explore surrogacy as an alternative family-building option.

3. Are you okay with someone else carrying your baby to term?

When you choose surrogacy after infertility, you may experience a loss by not being in control of your baby’s development. Although there will be a contract that will protect the rights and interests of all parties involved, you must be comfortable knowing that you can’t be there for every minute of your surrogate’s pregnancy.

But don’t worry. All surrogates are thoroughly screened to ensure that they’re emotionally and physically ready for the surrogacy process. If you’re ready to relinquish control, then surrogacy for infertile couples can be an option for you.

4. Do you have embryos leftover from your infertility treatments?

Those who choose surrogacy for infertile couples have embryos remaining from their infertility journey. Instead of taking another chance of failure with other infertility treatments, some choose to transfer an embryo to the uterus of a surrogate. Many intended parents see this as a chance to preserve their remaining embryos.

5. Do you and your partner agree on surrogacy?

This is by far one of the most important questions you should ask yourself when considering surrogacy for infertile couples. If you’re not on the same page about the process there will likely be feelings of resentment, anger and disappointment. Make sure you’re both committed to the surrogacy process before you commit to pursuing surrogacy.

Once you’ve taken these questions into account, you’ll be on the right track toward building the family you’ve always dreamed of. Your journey to parenthood can be one of the most beautiful, life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. With our help, you’ll become parents in no time.

Reach out to us today to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples. Our specialists are ready to help you begin the process.

What to Know About Insurance for Your Surrogate Pregnancy

As a surrogate, you won’t be expected to pay your medical expenses. Here’s how insurance plays in to your surrogacy journey.

Figuring out how to get your surrogate pregnancy covered by insurance isn’t easy. Although insurance for surrogate pregnancy is tricky, it’s important to know that most of your medical expenses will be covered by our surrogate compensation package.

As the dynamics of insurance policies can be complex, we’re here to do our best to help you understand how insurance for surrogate pregnancy works so that you can confidently navigate your journey.

Click here to learn more about how much surrogacy compensation you’re eligible for.

Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogate Pregnancy?

The insurance for surrogate pregnancy coverage depends on the type of insurance you have. One of the first things you should do is reach out to an American Surrogacy specialist to discuss whether your insurance covers a surrogate pregnancy.

From there, we will be able to assess whether or not your insurance is covered. Because this is all on a case-by-case basis, there’s no easy way to tell if you have coverage with your surrogate pregnancy insurance.

Who’s Insurance Pays for a Surrogate Pregnancy?

If your policy doesn’t have exclusions for surrogate pregnancy, your provider will cover your pregnancy. Even if there are exclusions, you’ll still have coverage from your health insurance for surrogate pregnancy. It’s important to remember that any out-of-pocket costs will be covered by our surrogate compensation package.

Your surrogate specialist will always be there to help you understand whether your insurance will pay for your surrogate pregnancy.

What Insurance Covers a Surrogate Pregnancy?

Insurance agencies like Blue Cross, Aetna, and Cigna may all be able to at least partially cover your surrogate expenses. As always, make sure to check with your surrogate specialist to learn more about whether your insurance covers a surrogate pregnancy or not. Also, remember that you’ll never have to pay for any expenses associated with the surrogate process.

Our competitive compensation package ensures that all your expenses will be covered and that you will receive the highest amount of compensation for the time, energy and sacrifices you make throughout the process.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance for My Surrogate Pregnancy?

If you don’t have any health insurance, the intended parents will either cover all your costs out of pocket or will get you insurance for a surrogacy pregnancy. Some surrogacy insurance companies are able to cover your medical costs. It’s always crucial to work with your surrogate specialist to understand what you can do if you don’t have insurance coverage.

Navigating the Complexities of Surrogacy Insurance

If you are considering insurance for a surrogate pregnancy, you won’t need to bear any expenses associated with the surrogacy process directly, as these costs are usually covered by surrogate compensation. surrogate compensation covers various expenses, including medical bills, prenatal care and other relevant costs.

We’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring that you embark on your surrogate journey with peace of mind. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of insurance for your surrogate pregnancy or securing the highest amount of surrogate compensation available, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to ensure that your surrogacy experience is not only fulfilling but also financially secure. With our comprehensive assistance and expertise, you can navigate the path ahead with confidence.

To speak with a specialist about the intricacies of insurance for surrogate pregnancy, contact us online now.

4 Benefits of Using a Known Egg Donor

Using a known egg donor allows you to know more about your baby’s potential genetic makeup.

The process of finding the right egg donor in your surrogacy journey can be an emotional journey. With the growing popularity of using a known egg donor, anonymous egg donors are a thing of the past.

Now that DNA tests are readily available, more intended parents are exploring the possibilities and advantages of choosing a known egg donor over an anonymous one.

Below, we dive into the four key benefits of using a known egg donor and provide guidance on how to find the perfect fit.

To learn more about the surrogacy medical process, check out this article

1. Establishing a Personal Connection

One of the most significant advantages of using a known egg donor is the potential for establishing a personal connection. This choice allows you to foster a relationship with the donor, leading to a deeper understanding of their personality, values and beliefs.

Choosing a known egg donor can foster a sense of trust and ease, creating a more emotionally supportive environment throughout the process.

2. Comprehensive Knowledge of Medical History

Understanding the medical history of the egg donor can significantly impact the health and well-being of your child. Known egg donors provide you with a comprehensive insight into their family’s medical background, including any hereditary conditions or genetic predispositions.

This can help you prepare for any potential health challenges that may arise throughout your child’s life.

3. Shared Genetic Connection

Using a known egg donor can offer the unique benefit of establishing a shared genetic connection between the donor and the child. This shared genetic link can play a vital role in the child’s sense of identity and belonging, fostering a deeper understanding of their biological roots and heritage.

By choosing a known egg donor, you can ensure that your child has the opportunity to learn about their biological origins and family medical history, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. This knowledge enables them to develop a comprehensive understanding of their identity, promoting a stronger sense of self-awareness and emotional well-being as they grow and navigate their own personal journey.

4. Openness to Future Communication

Unlike the anonymity associated with traditional egg donation, choosing a known egg donor allows for the possibility of open communication in the future.

This openness can facilitate a healthy and transparent relationship, enabling your child to have access to information about their biological origins and potentially establish a meaningful connection with the donor later in life.

How to Find a Known Egg Donor

Finding a known egg donor involves careful consideration and planning. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate the process:

Work with a fertility clinic or agency that specializes in known egg donor arrangements.
Network within your community and reach out to friends, family or acquaintances who may be willing to serve as an egg donor.
Consult with legal professionals to ensure that all aspects of the donation process, including legal agreements and rights, are thoroughly understood and documented.

The decision to use a known egg donor comes with its own set of considerations and benefits. While weighing the pros and cons of different options, you’ll want to find a suitable and trusted known egg donor who aligns with your values and aspirations for your future family.

To speak with a surrogacy specialist about the process of using a known egg donor, contact us online now to get more free information.

What Surrogate Medications Will I Take?

As a surrogate, you’ll take a variety of medications to prepare your body for pregnancy. Here’s what you can expect.

When you consider becoming a surrogate, you likely have questions about what goes into the surrogacy medical process. Gestational surrogacy is a common way of becoming pregnant and one of the important aspects of that process is the surrogate medications you’re required to take.

Whether you’re thinking about beginning your journey as a gestational surrogate or exploring options for surrogacy without medications, understanding the various medications, timelines and potential side effects can help you prepare for what to expect.

If you want to learn more about the steps in the surrogacy medical process, check out this article.

What Medications Does a Surrogate Take?

Gestational surrogacy, the most common form of surrogacy, involves the use of medications to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation. These medications typically include:

Oral Contraceptives – Often the first step, oral contraceptives are used to synchronize the menstrual cycles of the surrogate and the intended mother or egg donor.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormones – These hormones stimulate the development of multiple eggs in your ovaries.
Lupron- This surrogacy medication prevents your natural cycle from interfering with the surrogacy process by limiting the secretion of hormones that control your cycle.
Progesterone – Administered through injections, vaginal suppositories, or gels, progesterone supports the development of the uterine lining, preparing it for embryo implantation and supporting early pregnancy.
Estrogen – a vital hormone for uterine lining development is often administered as a surrogate medication to support the preparation of the uterus for embryo implantation during the gestational surrogacy process.

Surrogate Medications Timeline

The surrogate medications timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific IVF protocol used. However, a general timeline for the administration of these medications typically follows this pattern:

Preliminary Screening and Evaluation: Before starting any surrogate medications, both you and the intended parents will undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screenings.
Synchronization of Cycles: You and the intended mother or egg donor may start with oral contraceptives to synchronize your menstrual cycles.
Ovarian Stimulation: Injections are administered to stimulate the development of multiple eggs.
Egg Maturation and Retrieval: Following the administration of injections, the eggs are matured and subsequently retrieved from your ovaries.
Embryo Transfer Preparation: Progesterone supplementation begins to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer and Post-Transfer Care: After the embryo transfer, progesterone supplementation continues for about 10-12 weeks to support the early stages of pregnancy.

Potential Side Effects of Surrogacy Medications

While surrogacy medications are generally well-tolerated, they can potentially lead to certain side effects, including:

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the treatment can affect the surrogate’s mood and emotional well-being.
Physical Discomfort: Side effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness may occur due to ovarian stimulation medications.
Injection Site Reactions: Progesterone injections may lead to localized reactions at the injection site, including pain, redness, and swelling.

The side effects of surrogate medications can vary from person to person. Communicating with your healthcare provider can help manage these side effects effectively.

Learn More

Understanding the surrogate medications, the associated timelines and potential side effects can help you understand what to expect throughout the medical process. With proper guidance and support your surrogacy journey can be a positive, fulfilling experience.

Can I Be a Surrogate if My Tubes are Tied?

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes. We tell you how.

Maybe you’re done having your own children, but you want to help other intended parents achieve their goals of parenthood. While tubal ligation or having your ‘tubes tied’ can be a permanent solution to preventing you from having your own children, you can still carry an embryo to term.

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes.

To get more information about our surrogate requirements, you can contact us today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

What Does it Mean to Have Your “Tubes Tied?”

Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure performed on individuals, typically women, as a permanent method of contraception. During this procedure, a surgeon seals or blocks the fallopian tubes, which are the pathways through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

By obstructing or cutting these tubes, the procedure prevents sperm from meeting an egg, thereby making pregnancy highly unlikely. Tubal ligation is considered a highly effective and irreversible method of birth control, providing individuals with long-term reproductive control and freedom from the need for ongoing contraception. While it is a significant decision due to its permanent nature, it offers peace of mind for those seeking to end their fertility journey or prevent unintended pregnancies.

How Can I Be a Surrogate With My Tubes Tied?

While many women who choose to have their tubes tied believe they can’t get pregnant on their own again, you may still be able to carry an embryo to term. A tubal ligation just prevents your own eggs from coming down from the ovaries to the uterus. You can still have your period and ovulate through you cycle, though. Some potential surrogates who have gone through the procedure ask “can I be surrogate mother after tubal ligation,” especially those who are seriously considering getting it reversed. The answer is that you are a great candidate for surrogacy when you have your tubes tied.

4 Reasons Why Being a “Tubes-Tied” Surrogate Is Great

You have an extremely low risk of getting pregnant with your own child.
With tubal ligation, you have an almost zero chance of accidentally getting pregnant on your own. This is of course ideal if you’re choosing to become a surrogate mother.
You’re done building your family.
If you’ve made the choice to have your tubes tied, it’s likely that you are done adding to your own family. This may mean you are in a better position to help others build their own family.
You don’t have to worry about how your fertility will affect your own family planning.
Surrogacy can come with many risks, including a loss of fertility. When you choose to take your fertility into your own hands with tubal ligation, fertility loss is likely something you’ve already accepted.
You’re more likely to be emotionally ready for the process.
Due to the fact that you have gone through tubal ligation, completed your own family goals and have chosen to pursue surrogacy, you are probably a better candidate for the emotional process of surrogacy.

If you want to be a surrogate, don’t let a tubal ligation stop you from pursuing your goals. You absolutely do not need to go through getting the tubal ligation reversed to become a surrogate. If you have questions about the procedure or your condition, contact a surrogacy specialist today.