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How to Become a Surrogate
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The decision to become a Surrogate should not be taken lightly or for financial reasons only. To be a Surrogate is much more than that.
In becoming a Surrogate you give the gift of life to parents who are unable to do so themselves Dear Prospective Surrogate: Thank you for your interest in becoming a Surrogate. Helping a childless couple become a family is a truly generous gift. I applaud you for your consideration of surrogacy. Surrogacy is an option that infertile couples are very uneasy about. They wonder how they can be sure their Surrogate will follow all her doctor’s instructions, abide by the terms in the Contract, and if she will give them their Child. The infertile couple knows this is their last chance to have a biological child of their own. The entire process of becoming a surrogate usually takes several months. You are beginning the first stage by requesting a questionnaire. The second stage will begin once I arrange an interview with you and your husband. Please remember to bring the questionnaire and pictures of you and your children. After this interview, I will begin searching for the couple who comes closest to matching the answers on your questionnaire. This step may take a few days...or a few months. Unfortunately, there in no way to predict how soon a match will be made. When a match is made, I will contact you and briefly tell you about the Intended Parents. I will send them a copy of your questionnaire. At the same time I will send you a copy of the Intended Parents’ questionnaire. If all parties agree to meet each other, arrangements will be made to meet in a neutral place--and I will attend. You are then given a few days to decide if you want to be a Surrogate for this couple. If you and they agree to work together, you and your husband will be told where to go to have HIV tests and VDRL tests administered. The Intended Parents will have the same tests run on them. You will also need to have a psychological evaluation. The psychotherapist may request your husband have one performed as well. The Intended Parents will pay for all the tests. When cycles are aligned, the doctor will perform the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). In Vitro Fertilization is a process where the Intended Mother is given doses of a fertility drug to encourage her body to release a large number of eggs (if the mother is unable to produce her own eggs, we use the eggs of a donor). These eggs are surgically removed, then fertilized with the Intended Fathers sperm (if the father’s sperm is unable to fertilize the eggs, we use donor sperm). Approximately two+ days later, the fertilized eggs (embryo’s) are placed in the Surrogate’s uterus. This is a painless procedure that takes only a few seconds. When she goes home, the Surrogate is asked to lay in bed for two to three days. After the two to three days of bed rest, the Surrogate can resume her regular activity--with no heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Two weeks later, blood tests show if the Surrogate is pregnant. During the first few months of the pregnancy, the Surrogate is given doses of Progesterone and Estradial--unusually by injection. She can give herself these shots, or she can find a friend or relative who will give them to her. The doctor will also require abstinence during these first few critical months. It is very important that you follow all of the doctor’s orders. After the confirmation of pregnancy by the IVF physician, the Surrogate can see the Obstetrician of her choice. These appointments will be paid for by the Intended Parents. The Surrogate’s fee of Twenty Two Thousand Dollars ($22,000.00) comes from a Trust Account managed, usually, by the Intended Parents’ attorney. You will be paid monthly, for a maximum of twelve months. The Surrogate is given an allowance each month for maternity clothes, phone calls, travel, and childcare, which is part of the $22,000.00 Surrogate fee. The Surrogate does not send receipts for reimbursement (except for doctor’s bills and prescriptions). Any amount you spend in excess of the allowance is your own expense. If you do not use the entire allowance, you may keep the excess. After confirmation of pregnancy, you will attend monthly support group meetings. These meetings will help you to know what to expect and how to deal with certain situations. The meetings will continue for two to three months after the birth of the Intended Parents’ Child. You will be compensated for these meetings, from the $22,000.00 Surrogate fee. If you do not attend a meeting, you will receive no compensation. This is a wonderful gift you are giving to a very grateful couple. I am sure you will find in yourself feelings you never had before! Again, thank you for you interest! |
 Submit Your Surrogate Information Online
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| Update My Surrogate Information |
 Download Surrogate Packet
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| Note: if you have trouble downloading or printing the packet please e-mail us with your name and address and we will send you out a packet. (see Questions & Comments or Contact Us) |
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TELEPHONE 619.463.9110 | FAX 619.463.3122 |
EMAIL
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