How to Become a Surrogate Mother? - Physician's Surrogacy

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Considering Surrogacy? Get the Answers You Need
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• There are many couples who are unable to conceive
  or carry a child but that doesnt stop them from
  starting their family. Such couples and
  individuals now have several viable options that
  give them the chance to have a child. One option
  is a surrogate mother. 

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What is a Surrogate Mother?

• A surrogate mother is a woman who carries a
  pregnancy for another couple or individual.
  Surrogacy also provides a great option for those
  with certain medical conditions that make
  pregnancy or giving birth impossible or dangerous
  for both the mother and the child. Some of the
  conditions that may make getting a surrogate
  mother necessary include
• Malformation or a complete absence of a womb
• Recurrent loss of pregnancy or miscarriages  
• Multiple IVF treatment failures

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Types of Surrogacy

• There are two types of surrogacy traditional
  surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.
• Traditional Surrogacy  As the name suggests, it
  is a traditional approach towards surrogacy. Here
  the surrogates own eggs are fertilized by the
  intended fathers sperm. Intrauterine
  Insemination (IUI) or Artificial Insemination is
  usually used in traditional surrogacy to achieve
  fertilization. 
• Gestational Surrogacy  This type of surrogacy is
  also sometimes referred as host surrogacy, since
  the embryo transferred into the surrogates womb
  is created using the Intended Parents eggs and
  sperm. The embryo may also be created using
  donated eggs and the intended fathers sperm. In
  this case, IVF is used to create the embryo.  

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How to Become A Surrogate Mother?

• No matter how surrogacy is arranged, through an
  agency or privately, its important to remember
  that there are not only physical and emotional
  demands, but legal aspects as well.  
• Working with an agency is usually the more
  beneficial option. They can guide, assist, and
  support both the surrogate and the Intended
  Parents.  A reputable surrogacy agency will
  always make sure that both parties get all the
  help and support they need and fulfill everyones
  requests. This usually includes legal support as
  well.

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If you choose to use an agency, such
as Physicians Surrogacy, they will provide the
prospective surrogate with details of the process
and an application form to fill, then they will
find a couple who is looking to have a child
through surrogacy.

• First, a prospective surrogate needs to check and
  make sure she eligible in her state.  Surrogacy
  laws vary from state to state to protect not only
  the surrogate, but the Intended Parents as well.
  There are additional criteria which the agency
  will go over with you. This may include age and
  overall health. Along with these basic
  requirements, there are some additional
  qualifications that must be met. 
• Next, any potential surrogate needs to fill out a
  detailed application. The application will have
  questions about your health so they should be
  answered truthfully. Most applications will also
  require the applicant to verify that she
  understands the standards she will have to follow
  and maintain throughout the pregnancy.

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• To get accepted as a surrogate, a woman must
  undergo a stringent screening process. This
  includes medical and psychological testing to
  ensure that her physical and mental health is
  stable enough to carry a pregnancy. This test
  will also ensure that theres no risk of
  transferring diseases such as hepatitis and HIV
  to the child.
• The applicant should also know her compensation
  rights well. The compensation amount for every
  gestational carrier varies from agency to agency.
  It is prudent to note that agencies may pay
  higher compensation to someone who has previously
  been a surrogate. 
• The next step is to wait for a potential match. 
  Once a potential match has been made, a meeting
  will be scheduled between the surrogate and
  Intended Parents. This will help each party get
  to know each other and ensure there is a mutual
  agreement to work together.  

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• After the match has been made, a contract will be
  signed with clear guidelines for each party. 
  Another advantage of working with an agency is
  that they will work with legal experts to make
  sure that the contract written protects the
  rights of everyone involved. Physicians
  Surrogacy will provide a lawyer for both the
  surrogate and Intended Parents. If you have any
  special requests, please make sure they are known
  before signing the contract.

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Gestational Surrogacy The Overall Process

• Surrogacy with a gestational carrier is the
  preferred option for most couples and
  individuals.  Here, the surrogate mother does not
  have a genetic connection to the baby she
  carries. Since her eggs are not used, the baby
  will not be biologically related to her. It is
  difficult for some women to become a surrogate
  for a close friend or relative as the
  relationship may become difficult to manage now
  and in the future. 
• Once a successful pregnancy is achieved after the
  embryo transfer, the agency will provide
  continued support for both parties throughout the
  whole journey.   This ensures that everyones
  needs are being met and that both parties will
  feel supported and respected. 

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Surrogacy and The Legal Aspects

• There are several legal considerations that need
  to be addressed. This requires putting all legal
  requirements that are a part of the surrogacy
  arrangement into a contract. Some agencies, such
  as Physicians Surrogacy, will provide legal
  counsel. This way a surrogate can ask questions
  and ensure that she understands all of the terms
  in the contract.  
• Legal issues involved in surrogacy can be
  complicated, hence it is advisable for surrogates
  to seek legal advice before making any decisions.
  Always remember that the surrogacy agreement
  cannot be enforced, even if the contract has been
  signed.

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Legal Obligations

• A surrogates legal obligations will depend upon
  the contract and may include
• A requirement to attend all pregnancy check-ups
  and seek medical support immediately if any
  problems occur. She will avoid any sort of
  reckless behavior that could put the babys life
  in danger
• After the baby is born, full parental rights will
  be given to the Intended Parents.  A surrogate
  needs to prepare herself to give the child to the
  intended parents right after giving birth.
• She cannot terminate the pregnancy without the
  consent of the Intended Parents. However,
  exceptions will be mentioned in the contract,
  such as when the surrogates life is in danger
  and calls for immediate termination.

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Legal Protection

• Much like the legal obligations a surrogate is
  required to adhere to, a surrogate has a right to
  protection as well. This should be written in the
  agreement and may include   
• Unreasonable measures cannot be enforced upon the
  surrogate unless they are clearly included and
  outlined in the contract.
• Termination of pregnancy cannot be forced by the
  Intended Parents unless the contract permits them
  with that right. 
• A surrogates privacy is also protected to a
  certain extent.
• The legal aspects can  be complicated, which is
  why so much care is required when drawing up a
  contract. With a fair and well-documented
  contract in place, the surrogate and Intended
  Parents are guaranteed to be satisfied throughout
  the process. 

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• If you have decided to become a surrogate mother,
  youll have to be prepared for anything that
  comes your way. Physicians Surrogacy is here to
  answer any questions you may have regarding the
  surrogacy process.
• Visit us at www.physicianssurrogacy.com or call
  us at 858-209-3801. to get detailed information
  on how to become a surrogate mother.