Everything about Surrogacy: Meaning, Surrogate, Process, Cost & More

The Benefits Of Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries a pregnancy for someone else who is unable to conceive or carry a child on their own. The earliest form of surrogacy was artificial insemination, but in the United States, traditional surrogacy using artificial insemination is no longer permitted. Most surrogacy arrangements involve the intended parent's own eggs and sperm, with embryos being created in vitro and then screened by PGS to identify genetic abnormalities before being implanted into the surrogate mother's womb.In cases where donor eggs are needed, RSMC Fertility has an elite egg bank available for use. Surrogacy has become a popular option for individuals and couples who face physical or medical limitations to natural conception, as well as for gay couples and single males who wish to become parents.

What Is The Differences between Gestational Surrogate & Traditional Surrogate 

Surrogacy can assist people in many ways. The most common form is gestational surrogacy, in which the surrogate mother carries an embryo created with the intended parent's own eggs and sperm. In the United States, sperm and egg banks have become quite advanced, making surrogacy with donor eggs or sperm a viable option for single individuals, couples with fertility issues, and gay couples who wish to become parents.

However, it is important to note that many countries do not permit same-sex couples, single parents, unwedded couples, or intended parents who require a double donor to have a baby via surrogacy.
 

People Who Can Try Surrogacy

• You’re unable to conceive because of uterine irregularities.
• You have a history of multiple failed IVF cycles without a known cause.
• You have a medical condition that could cause great risk to yourself or your baby during pregnancy.
• When used in conjunction with donor eggs, surrogacy offers single men, LGBTQ+ individuals, and couples an opportunity to become parents.

How To Find a Surrogate Mother?

At RSMC, surrogate mothers undergo a strict screening process by RSMC experts. They cannot become surrogates through referrals by relatives or friends. Not many IVF clinics in the United States have their own surrogacy institutions, but RSMC has established one of the top three fertility centers in North America based on quality control and one-stop service. Every year, more than 8,000 surrogate mothers are available to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of having a child, and matching does not require a long wait.

To ensure the success rate and health of the child, RSMC has created its own surrogate mother database. The age of the surrogate mother is usually between 21 and 37 years old, and they have given birth to at least one child of their own. They also undergo infectious disease inspections, uterine inspections, medication inspections (no drugs, smoking, or alcohol), criminal investigations, and psychological screenings. Only 4% of applicants are accepted, ensuring strict quality control.

During the pregnancy process, the surrogate mother is monitored by physicians. Our case manager provides constant communication and support by reporting detailed reports on both the baby and surrogate mother to the intended parents weekly.

Steps for Selecting Surrogate Mothers at RSMC

1. The Intended Parent Information Form

You can specify your preferred surrogate mother's race, state, and even budget limit on the form, allowing our specialists to select the most suitable surrogate for you. With a large pool of surrogate mothers to choose from, you won't have to wait long - we have new qualified surrogates from legal surrogacy states available for selection every week.

Step By Step Process For Surrogacy

1. IVF TREATMENT / Embryo Transportation

• RSMC provides access to bilingual physicians and coordinators to guide clients through the surrogacy process and help them choose the best treatment options.

• Intended parents have two choices for creating embryos: retrieve eggs and sperm in the US or transport embryos from overseas to the US.

• US lab evaluates the embryo report and only qualified embryos are shipped to the US.

• Those who choose egg or sperm donation can freeze their eggs or sperm and have them transported to the US.

• Legal egg or sperm banks can help create embryos for the intended parents to use in their surrogacy journey.

2. Surrogate Selection and Legal Matters

• Both intended parents and surrogate mothers undergo physical and mental evaluations and background checks.

• Surrogate mothers are usually between the ages of 21 and 35, have previously given birth, and are women who love children.

• Surrogate mothers can reject intended parents' requests if they do not agree with them.

• Legal and regulated third-party assisted reproduction agencies provide clear expenditure items, including compensation for surrogate mothers' wage losses during pregnancy, prenatal examination costs, and insurance for medical procedures.

• Funds are transferred to an escrow account under US law and managed by professional managers.

• Surrogate mothers' compensation is detailed and regulated by law.

• Any surplus after the process is completed will be returned to the intended parents.

3. Bring the baby home

• The process takes approximately one and a half years from the day IPs register with RSMC until they have a baby.

• The Case Management team informs IPs in advance to come to the US to receive their newborn baby.

• Babies born in the US are granted citizenship, no matter the citizenship of their parents.

• The child also enjoys US citizenship rights, such as free education from kindergarten to high school and the ability to apply for grants for college education.

• The child's citizenship is not affected even if they reside overseas after birth.

• Parents can apply for a green card for the child once they reach the age of 21.

• RSMC helps clients obtain the American passport through partners who are experienced in navigating the US passport system.

• Generally, RSMC suggests intended parents plan on going back home after 2 to 4 weeks to allow enough time for DNA testing, legal proceedings, issuance of the baby’s certificate, and application for visas or passports for the child.

Who is Involved in the Surrogacy Process?

The surrogacy process involves several key people, including your attending physician, surrogate mother, account manager, counselor, and lawyer. Each of these individuals plays an important role in guiding you through the process and ensuring that everything goes smoothly.

Initially, your counselor will assist you with the initial processes, such as scheduling physical exams and physician consultations, arranging follow-up appointments, and answering any questions you may have about the treatment. Your physician and their medical assistants will then work with you to complete the IVF treatment.

Once you have selected a suitable surrogate mother, your case manager will provide you with regular updates on the progress of both the baby and the surrogate mother. Additionally, your account manager will report to you weekly on the status of the surrogate, ensuring that you are informed every step of the way.

Overall, the surrogacy process is a collaborative effort that involves many different people working together to help you achieve your dream of having a child.

Are There Any Risks of Using a Surrogate Mother?

Starting a family through surrogacy can be a long and challenging journey, from finding a suitable surrogate mother to navigating legal and emotional challenges. As surrogacy laws and regulations vary greatly by country, it is important to understand the potential risks involved.

Medical risks are a concern for both the surrogate mother and the baby. During the pregnancy, the surrogate mother may experience health complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy-related issues. To minimize these risks, RSMC closely monitors the health of both the surrogate mother and the baby throughout the process and provides them with high-quality medical care. Even in the event of unforeseen medical risks, RSMC provides insurance that complies with U.S. government regulations to compensate for any additional expenses, thus avoiding any budget overruns for our clients.

Legal Risks

Legal risks can also arise in the surrogacy process, particularly in countries where there are no clear legal regulations. This can lead to disputes over custody and financial compensation, which can be stressful and time-consuming for all parties involved. In contrast, the United States has a well-established legal framework for surrogacy that protects the rights and interests of both intended parents and surrogate mothers. At RSMC, we work with experienced legal professionals who specialize in surrogacy law to ensure that our clients' legal rights and interests are protected throughout the surrogacy process.

Emotional Risks

Emotional risks are also a concern in surrogacy, which can be an emotionally charged process that is stressful for all parties involved. Intended parents may experience feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and guilt, while the surrogate mother may struggle with feelings of attachment to the baby and grief after giving birth. At RSMC, we hold regular group activities for our surrogates to support and encourage each other. Prior to becoming a surrogate, our candidates undergo a rigorous screening process, including having had their own children, ensuring that they receive support to make the decision to become a surrogate. RSMC is fully involved in every step of the surrogacy process, from medical care to surrogate matching, to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of our surrogates.

Financial Risks

Financial risks are also important to consider in surrogacy, as it can be an expensive process. The costs can include medical expenses, compensation for the surrogate mother, legal fees, and insurance. At RSMC, we work with our clients to develop a transparent and detailed surrogacy budget that takes into account all of the costs associated with the surrogacy process.

While surrogacy can be a wonderful way to start a family, it is important for intended parents to be aware of the potential risks involved. By working with a reputable surrogacy institution like RSMC, intended parents can receive the support and guidance they need to navigate the surrogacy process with confidence. At RSMC, we understand the importance of managing these risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of both intended parents and surrogates. We have a team of experienced medical professionals and legal experts who can guide intended parents through the surrogacy process and help to minimize potential risks.
 

What is the Cost of Surrogacy?