Comparing IVF and Surrogacy in Thailand and the US: Why RSMC?

Thailand attracted a large number of intended parents from Taiwan due to its location and low cost. But since 2015, commercial surrogacy and surrogacy between non-family-related individuals have been banned and are now only legal for heterosexual Thai couples under certain circumstances. This means that most foreign couples, singles and same-sex couples are unable to legally use surrogates in Thailand.

As a result, black markets emerged. There have been numerous media reports of “egg farms” where cross-border criminals lure Thai women out of the country to harvest their eggs, or cases like Baby Gammy, in which a surrogate baby with Down's Syndrome was abandoned by the intended parents. These incidents reveal not only Thailand's underdeveloped laws, but its lack of protection of human rights. Even though some clinics advertise third-generation IVF technology, the actual quality and screening criteria are not regulated by the national healthcare system, leaving gender selection and embryo health screening in a gray area.

In contrast to Thailand, the United States has had a holistic reproductive legal system since the 1970s, including surrogacy, sperm and egg donors, embryo screening, and diverse fertility options, all of which are legally protected. Heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and singles who have a legitimate need can start the journey in a legal manner.

In terms of parental rights, the US also has a Pre-Birth Order that allows intended parents to obtain legal parental rights before the baby is born, so that there will be no disputes over custody. Made by the attorney, the surrogacy agreement is legally binding to ensure that the parental rights go to the intended parents instead of the surrogate.

Transparency: Stable Protection for Surrogates and Egg Donors

The key to what makes U.S. reproductive healthcare a globally trusted system is its highly transparency and protection mechanisms for all participants, including surrogates and egg donors. At RSMC, surrogates are required to pass a physical examination, psychological assessment and personal background check, and must have experience in delivering healthy babies naturally. With about 8,000 surrogate applicants each year, the final acceptance rate is only about 4%. These surrogates are provided with medical insurance and living allowance and they're free to make personal choices. This way they are respected physically and mentally along the journey.

Also, RSMC takes egg donor screening seriously: the screening process is fully compliant with FDA standards, and all donors are required to undergo screening for genetic and infectious diseases, and to sign a legal agreement renouncing any future claims of parental rights. Donor privacy is also highly protected, and information will not be disclosed or leaked out. This institutional protection is all the more valuable and reassuring when compared to the unregulated egg sources or the lack of information transparency.

RSMC enjoys the largest embryo lab in Southern California, fully utilizing the Time-lapse Embryo Monitoring System with PGT-A chromosome screening technology and AI-assisted embryo evaluation. This way chromosomally intact and well-developed embryos are selected, witnessing a high success rate of pregnancy and a reduced risk of miscarriage. These techniques are performed by RSMC's lab team that has been certified by CAP to ensure precise procedures and reliable results.

According to RSMC's clinical statistics, the average pregnancy rate is over 80%, and it can reach over 87% using egg donors. This is not only a result of our advanced techniques, but the efforts of professional team work.

Why RSMC?

RSMC is not only a legal fertility clinic in the US, but an integrated group for families around the world, including a self-operated egg bank and surrogate agency. Surrogates and egg donors must go through multiple screening tests by physicians, ensuring they are physically and mentally qualified. Especially for Asian clients, RSMC has the largest Asian egg donor database in the US, which allows Asian clients to accurately match egg donors of similar appearance and genetics.

RSMC also offers a Chinese service team of medical consultants and experienced case managers. From fertility solution planning and coordination to legal and post-birth arrangements, all can be accomplished remotely, making it easy to go though the entire process even if you are unable to travel to the US. RSMC is a clinic that intended parents can fully trust, and it brings hope by helping you fulfill your dream of parenthood. Learn more, please contact us at Line / wechat: rsmctw(whatsapp: +1 858-342-6046).