The Surrogacy Journey With Fertility Source Companies

The Surrogacy Journey With Fertility Source Companies

Why Do People Need Surrogates?

There are many reasons intended parents opt for using a surrogate. Surrogacy can help many people, including those who are infertile, singles who want a baby,  the LGBTQ+ community, and people who opt for elective surrogacy.

Surrogacy for Infertility

One option, which is usually the last resort for infertility, is an assisted reproductive technology method in which IPs can have a genetically related child but have a gestational surrogate carry the baby to full term. Infertility may have a variety of underlying causes resulting in the inability to carry a pregnancy, these include:

• The absence of a uterus (such as after a hysterectomy)
• Congenital uterine structural problems (i.e., a congenital defect involving malformation of the uterus) 
• Missing ovaries or parts of the genital tract 
• Endometriosis (i.e., a disorder of the tissue that lines the uterus)
• A chronic health condition makes pregnancy dangerous
• Advanced maternal age
• Difficult past pregnancies
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Repeated implantation failure in IVF

Surrogacy for LGBTQ+ Family Building

Every family is unique, and each person’s/couple’s path to parenthood is different. Fertility Source Companies believes that everyone who wants a child should have equal access to reproductive services. We are committed to supporting LBGT+ individuals and couples in their family planning and surrogacy journeys.

Surrogacy for Single Individuals

Single men or women unable to carry a pregnancy may opt for surrogacy. If a woman produces viable eggs, but is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term, she may opt for a sperm donor (to fertilize her own eggs) and a gestational surrogate (to carry the pregnancy). In this scenario, the IP is a biological parent.

A single man who wants a baby typically needs to seek an egg donor and a surrogate. If there are no issues with infertility, the IP can use his own sperm for fertilization, and the baby will be born with his DNA.

Elective Surrogacy

Some IPs choose elective surrogacy because of career or other responsibilities. Fertility Source Companies is eager to help you navigate your gestational surrogacy experience, regardless of why you decided to work with a surrogate as part of your family planning journey.

Who Are Surrogates?

To qualify for surrogacy at Family Source Companies, candidates must be between the ages of 21-43, have delivered a child before, and be currently parenting one or more children. Surrogates must also:

• Be a U.S. citizen 
• Live in specific U.S. states 
• Be smoke-free for at least six months
• Have an excellent health history, including a standard height-to-weight ratio (BMI)
• Live in a stable household environment
• Not receiving government assistance
• Have reliable transportation

 Qualified surrogates must successfully pass our screening process, which includes: 

• Comprehensive review of previous pregnancy records by our registered nurse
• A comprehensive health screening 
• Physical exams, a uterine exam (to ensure the ability to carry a full-term pregnancy)
• Medical tests (STD testing, drug screening, a pap smear, etc.)
• Blood tests (for blood type and to screen for infectious diseases) 
• A mental health screening 
• A commitment screening 
• A criminal background check 

Note, when applicable, blood tests for infectious diseases and drug screenings are required for the surrogate’s partner/spouse.

Surrogacy Process Steps for Intended Parents

Fertility Source Companies provides the highest level of service and expertise. Our team is dedicated to providing individualized support throughout your surrogacy journey. You will be matched with a suitable gestational surrogate to carry your baby, and guided through every step of the process to become a parent, including:

• The initial application
• Screening the surrogates (via video or phone)
• Selection and matching
• The pregnancy (IVF) process
• The birth of your baby

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate’s own eggs are used to create the embryo, resulting in her being the genetic mother of the child. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created by fertilizing eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. A gestational surrogate carries the pregnancy from initial implantation to birth and is not genetically related to the baby.  

Today, traditional surrogacy is generally not practiced due to its ethical, emotional, and legal complexities. Fertility Source Companies only works with gestational surrogates.

Surrogacy Laws in the US

Gestational surrogacy is legal in most states, excluding Michigan, Nebraska, and Louisiana.  

Contracting with a gestational surrogate is medically and legally complex. There are no set federal surrogacy laws in the U.S. The laws in the state where the surrogate resides and gives birth apply to a surrogacy arrangement. Each state's statutes govern the rights of IPs who undergo assisted reproductive technology. For example, some states mandate that the surrogate is named as the legal parent at birth and the IPs must terminate the rights of the surrogate and legally adopt the baby.

The legalities can get very complex, but the primary thing to be aware of is to do your homework and employ an attorney familiar with surrogacy's legal issues. Fertility Source Companies has extensive resources available to help you navigate the legalities of contracting with a gestational surrogate.

Surrogacy for International Families

Fertility Source Companies works with intended parents worldwide, offering extensive experience in guiding IPs through the international surrogacy process. A case manager frequently makes contact via SKYPE, helping IPs select a gestational surrogate and understand costs, medical procedures, and legalities. The U.S. is popular among international families because it provides many benefits, including:

• Highly regulated medical care
• Progressive surrogacy laws
• High IVF success rates
• Favorable fertility laws
• Safe and easy return home

Learn More About Surrogacy With Fertility Source Companies

Whether you’re an intended parent or a prospective surrogate candidate, Fertility Source Companies is here to address all of your questions and concerns. Contact us today.