What is Surrogacy? Family Creations FAQs for Intended Surrogates
Q. What is surrogacy?
A. If you’re wondering what surrogacy is, you’ve come to the right place! Gestational surrogacy, which is what we offer at Family Creations, is a process where a woman carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, it’s essential that you understand all aspects of the process. Please continue reading through our FAQs and contact us with your questions.
Q. What is gestational surrogacy?
A. Gestational surrogacy takes place with a process called in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a procedure where fertilization occurs outside the woman’s body. The intended mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) are combined with the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) and then fertilized in a dish before inserting them through the carrier’s cervix into her uterus.
Q. Why Should I Become a Surrogate with Family Creations?
A. A frequently asked question we receive is, “What is the surrogacy experience like with Family Creations?” Thanks to our extensive experience as a surrogacy agency, you can be assured that every aspect of your experience will be treated with the highest degree of professionalism, sensitivity, and care. Family Creations offers the highest surrogacy payment in the field. We also (unlike many agencies) utilize the service of bonded escrow companies to hold your compensation securely before distribution. This process protects your payment as a surrogate.
We also offer around-the-clock service through direct communication with your case manager on their cell phone. Surrogates are encouraged to pick up the phone anytime a question or concern arises. We are here for you every step of the way, from the time you first begin to learn what surrogacy is until birth!
Q. Will I Be Genetically Related to the Child I Am Carrying?
A. This is a common question, and the answer is no. There are two types of surrogacy arrangements: traditional and gestational. Family Creations only works with gestational surrogates, which means you will not be related to the child you carry.
Q. What is Surrogacy Matching?
A. Family Creations believes that the surrogate and intended parent(s) must be comfortable with each other before moving forward in a match. Once you have been approved as a surrogate, intended parents can view the online profile you have created.
A meeting is arranged if a good match is anticipated by the intended parent(s). A staff member from Family Creations will be involved in these initial meetings. If you and the intended parent(s) are comfortable moving forward, then a match for surrogacy is made.
Q. What is a Surrogacy Agreement? Is it Necessary?
A. A legal agreement between the surrogate and the intended parent(s) is necessary. Once you are a match, your case manager will refer you to an attorney specializing in reproductive law. The intended parent(s) will also have legal representation. The attorney for the intended parent(s) will draft an agreement for both parties to sign.
This surrogacy agreement protects the interests of you and the parent(s). Your attorney will review the contract with you to ensure that all parties agree. All attorney fees (in addition to the pay for surrogates) are covered by the intended parent(s).
Q. What are the Surrogacy Requirements for Family Creations?
A. Wondering what is required for surrogacy? Some qualifications include the following:
- Must be between the ages of 21-39
- Must have a BMI under 32
- Must be a non-smoker and must not use drugs.
- Must have had at least one easy pregnancy with no complications.
- Must not be receiving any government assistance.
You must be amenable to carrying twins, as multiples are very common with this process.
Q. What is a Surrogacy Reduction?
A. Because of the high percentage of multiple pregnancies, surrogates must also be willing to undergo selective reduction. While women can carry twins without complication to themselves or the unborn, anything more than that can be dangerous to both the fetuses and the carriers. The decision to selectively reduce the pregnancy is not taken lightly and is carefully deliberated by the physician and parents.
Q. Will I Have Any Out-of-Pocket Expenses throughout the Process?
A. No. The intended parent(s) will cover all surrogacy-related expenses and the agreed surrogacy payment. Please see the payment schedule for more information.
Q. What is Surrogacy Health Insurance? Can I Still Be Paid to be a Surrogate if I Don’t Have Insurance?
A. If you do not have health insurance that covers surrogacy, the intended parent(s) will purchase a plan for you that does, in addition to providing you with surrogacy payment.
Q. Where Will I Go for My Prenatal Care and Delivery of the Child?
A. Once the doctor chosen by the intended parent(s) releases you from their care (usually about ten weeks into the pregnancy), you can be seen by your own OB or an OB that has been mutually agreed upon by you and the intended parent(s). You will deliver at a hospital in or near your community.
Q. How Often Will I Be in Touch with the Parents throughout the Pregnancy and After the Delivery?
A. The level of contact you desire will be discussed before you are matched. This is an extremely important factor that will determine your surrogacy experience. The amount of contact you have with parents is decided before moving forward with doctor appointments and receiving the agreed surrogacy payment.
Usually, parents want to attend all or some of your doctor’s appointments and may want to be there when their baby is born. Some parents like to go out socially with the surrogate and her family, and others prefer the process to be more of a business-like relationship.
After the delivery, parents usually want their time with the child before engaging in a relationship with their surrogate. Most parents will send yearly pictures of the child or even meet for an occasional dinner if proximity allows. Other parents are more comfortable ending the relationship after the child is delivered.
Contact Family Creations Today
After reading through our surrogacy FAQ to understand what surrogacy is like, you might want to speak with us further. We encourage you to apply to become a surrogate or contact us for more information!