Carriers

Surrogates help create and grow families. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, empower yourself with information. Be a well-informed surrogate. Do your research. There is an abundance of information online. Surrogates have significant legal rights that must be respected and protected.. If you are married or in a relationship, your partner will be a crucial participant in the surrogacy process and, like you, will have to undergo medical and psychological testing – make sure you have his or her full support. Confirm you qualify. Surrogates need to be healthy, emotionally stable, and financially secure. Carriers must have had at least one prior pregnancy and delivery, with no significant medical complications. Generally, doctors prefer that carriers be between the ages of 21 and 45.

Below is a broad outline of the steps involved in a gestational surrogacy process for a gestational carrier:

• Match between carrier and intended parent(s);
• Background checks and psychological evaluations on all parties;
• Medical evaluation and clearance of the carrier;
• Prepare and sign the surrogacy contract.  Each party is represented by their own attorney and negotiate a contract which will address inter alia compensation, bed rest, life and disability insurance, post delivery visitation.  Intended parents will pay the legal fees for the Surrogate’s attorney;
• Carrier to undergo medical treatment to prepare for transfer;
• Estate Planning
• Participate in the legal process for parentage and Obtain parentage order.