BECOMING A SURROGATE

Congratulations!  If you have made the decision to become a Surrogate or are thinking about becoming a Surrogate, you have the opportunity to help in a way that only few women can!  Infertility affects many people, not just the woman who can’t conceive a child.  Her spouse, family and friends, although supportive of her, sometimes feel completely helpless to her struggles.   Many of these women have spent years trying to conceive and have undergone many expensive infertility treatments before making the sometimes painful decision to choose surrogacy.  The decision does not come easy, mostly because they feel completely responsible or inadequate for the fact they cannot become pregnant.    We know this is not their fault and they are definitely not alone. Statistics show the numbers of women affected by and/or undergoing infertility treatment rise every year. Yet, the choice of surrogacy is still difficult and in many cases this is a couple’s last resort.   Maybe you even know someone who has had the same difficulties with becoming pregnant. The choice to help someone who has struggled with infertility realize their dream of having a child can be the most rewarding experience of your life.    Being a surrogate not only allows you to have a chance to give such a precious gift but also gives you the opportunity to contribute financially to your own family, fulfill your dreams for starting a new business or completing or starting your education.

Surrogate Criteria - Women  eligible to participate in our surrogacy program must be in great health, non-smoking/non drug-using, have had a least one child of her own without any difficulties with the pregnancy or delivery, be between 21-44 years of age, have reliable transportation, must be emotionally and financially stable and have a good support system in place.  Surrogates must be committed throughout the entire process. You will be required to maintain and attend regular appointments at the clinic/medical office (and OBGYN later), follow the medical protocol as directed by the physician, keep yourself healthy and limit any stress when possible.

Psychological Testing- One very important requirement will be your psychological testing.   You will undergo counseling, screening and/or testing with a licensed therapist/psychologist whose practical experience focuses infertility.  Ongoing support will also be available to you prior to any procedure, throughout the pregnancy and following the pregnancy.

Procedure- As a Gestational Surrogate, you will undergo an Embryo Transfer procedure using the Intended Mother’s eggs or donor eggs which have been combined with the Intended Father’s sperm or donor sperm.  The transfer procedure could be based off a “fresh” cycle or a “frozen” cycle, either way the medical protocol is similar.  The Intended Parent’s physician will evaluate the health of your uterus and fallopian tubes through tests administered by the physician’s office.  Blood work, a routine pap and physical will also be performed.   The use of medications will begin once the physician has determined you are clear to proceed.  Medications will include birth control pills to regulate your cycle and/or synchronize your cycle with the Intended Mother or Donor, Lupron, Estrogen and Progesterone may also be part of the protocol.  Some of which will be required to be injected either subcutaneous or intramuscular.    Regular monitoring of your lining and hormone levels will be performed during the medication cycle.  Once ready, the embryo(s) will be transferred to your womb and you will be required to rest for two to four days after the procedure. Within ten to fourteen days following the transfer, blood test will be administered to measure your HCG levels.  Optimally, a beta of 50 or more will determine a pregnancy has occurred.

Compensation- First time Surrogates can expect to receive total compensation ranging from $26,000-$32,000.  Experienced Surrogates may receive total compensation ranging from $28,000-$35,000.  Additionally, health and life insurance will be provided to you at no cost, assistance with child care and housekeeping, lost wages for working Surrogates, lost wages for spouses, travel expenses and other benefits including pregnancy massages.