How to become an intended parents through Gestational Surrogacy?

What is an Intended Parent(s)?

When a baby is born with the help of a surrogate or donor, the folks who raise the child are referred to as intended parents (or intended family). This term is used throughout the entire surrogacy or egg donation cycle. Once the baby is born, intended parents simply become “parents!

How to become an intended parents？

Gestational surrogacy , refers to the method of family building in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for an intended parent or parents and in which the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. Here, the child is conceived using an embryo created in vitro, using the intended parent’s or parents’ genetic material (eggs and/or sperm) and/or the genetic material of a donor or donors. The resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the gestational surrogate, who then carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby.

Traditional or genetic surrogacy, refers to the method of family building in which the surrogate is genetically related to the baby. Here, the surrogate is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or a donor. This results in her own egg being fertilized and her having a genetic connection to the child. The surrogate carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby. This form of surrogacy carries greater legal risk, especially for the intended parents.

Whether you are seeking to be a gestational carrier or you would like to grow or expand your family through surrogacy, the surrogacy process may feel like it has constantly moving parts. It is helpful to have in a list of all the steps and potential pieces of surrogacy, so that you can refer back to it from time to time. This may help participants in the process to have a sense of control, as well as to give them a framework for seeking more information from the various professionals involved.

Below is a broad outline of the potential steps involved in a gestational surrogacy:

1. Match between carrier and intended parent(s).

l  May include background checks on all parties.

l  Psychological evaluation for carrier and husband/partner.

l  Psychological evaluation for intended parent(s).

2. Choose a fertility clinic/fertility center.

l  Determine whether using donated embryos.

l  Determine whether using intended parents’ genetic material, or whether using donated sperm, eggs, or both.

l  Work with clinic to create or obtain embryos.

l  Decide what if any pre-implantation testing will be done.

3. Medical evaluation and clearance of the carrier.

4. Retain attorneys.

Intended parent(s) will be represented by an attorney, and surrogate and spouse/partner will have a different attorney.

5. Determine how the carrier’s maternity expenses will be paid.

Arrange for a review of her insurance plan, if desired.

6. Prepare and sign the surrogacy contract, and send legal clearance to fertility clinic/fertility center.

7. Carrier to undergo medical treatment to prepare for transfer.

8. Enjoy the pregnancy!

9. Coordinate with the hospital.

l  Make sure the hospital is aware of the surrogacy.

l  Provide the hospital with appropriate delegations of decision-making responsibility (e.g., power of attorney, court order, etc.).

l  Arrange for a separate room for intended parents, if available.

10. Participate in the legal process for parentage

l  Work with the attorneys, who will prepare the necessary pleadings. Each state is different.

l  Appear in court if necessary. The court hearing may be pre-birth or post-birth, depending on the court.

l  Obtain parentage order.

l  Obtain birth certificate with intended parents listed.

11. Welcome the baby

l  Immediately enroll the child on the intended parents’ insurance plan.

l  Intended Parents apply for a Social Security number for the child.

Partial Information Cited From Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys