There are two types of surrogacy arrangements: Traditional and Gestational. In a traditional surrogacy, a woman becomes pregnant using her own egg whereas, in gestational surrogacy, the surrogate becomes pregnant through assisted reproductive technology and carries a child that is not genetically related to her.
At Surrogate Steps, we specialize exclusively in gestational carrier arrangements; therefore, your child will be genetically related to you, and never to the surrogate carrying the baby.
In addition to finding the right surrogate match, it’s important that that your reproductive law and legal planning needs are being met. Our consultants work closely with national and international law firms to ensure legal protection of your parental rights.
The attorneys we work with specialize in drafting, negotiating and obtaining various contracts, court orders, and birth certificates concerning assisted reproductive technology law, including gestational carrier agreements, parenting agreements, reviews of insurance coverage and healthcare options, and birth orders and birth certificates.
We recognize that this is a life-changing experience for all involved. That’s why Surrogate Steps works with you at every step, navigating the process, answering your questions, providing resources and referrals, and ensuring your comfort.
Here are the steps you can expect to take during your surrogacy journey:
1. Screening process: We pre-screen all potential surrogates, ensuring they have met the mandatory requirements set by our agency, completed an interview, and obtained medical clearance. We also review all surrogates’ medical records and insurance policies before qualifying them as pre-screened.
2. Matching process: We provide you with the pre-screened profiles that are the best match for your family. Once you’ve selected a surrogate, we facilitate a phone conference and in-person meeting to confirm that match, and then work with other professionals to obtain the necessary medical, psychological and background clearances.
3. Medical screening: The surrogate and her partner undergo medical testing in order to proceed with the surrogacy.
4. Legal agreement: Our in-house counsel works with our national and international partners to protect your parental rights and interests, and with the surrogate’s independent representation to craft an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.
5. Escrow account:: We assist you in establishing a fully insured and bonded escrow account, managed and supervised by our in-house attorneys, which will be used to compensate and reimburse the surrogate in accordance with your agreement.
6. Embryo transfer: Our team works with your fertility clinic and pharmacists to ensure the surrogate understands her medical instructions and receives her medications. We also assist the surrogate with coordinating medical appointments. Then, in accordance with your clinic’s medical plan, the surrogate receives the embryo transfer.
7. Pregnancy confirmation: Approximately 10 days after the embryo transfer, the surrogate will undergo blood tests to confirm a pregnancy. Once confirmed, and approximately 4 weeks after the transfer, your baby will have its first ultrasound to confirm a heartbeat.
8. Pregnancy: We provide continued support throughout the pregnancy. If stipulated in your agreement, you may attend doctor visits and ultrasound appointments with the surrogate.
9. Birth order: We continue to work with you to ensure that your parental rights are properly established and protected.
10. Your baby is here:: This is the joyous moment you’ve been waiting for. We coordinate with the hospital to provide you with a separate room in which to spend private time with your baby. Once cleared for discharge, your baby will come home with you!
Every surrogacy journey is unique and many factors are considered, so there are variations in the costs and compensations involved. Our consultants will review all fees and factors with you so that you are fully prepared for your journey. In general, intended parents should estimate a cost between $80,000 and $120,000 for surrogacy.
