Parents Through Surrogacy

Nothing brings the same exhilaration and anticipation to life as the feeling felt by expectant parents. There is no equal to the love and overwhelming joy a parent feels for a child. But the disappointment felt at continued defeat when failing to become pregnant or to repeatedly fail to carry a pregnancy to term can be devastating.

Today there are many options available to create a family. Surrogacy has the distinction of utilizing a third party to carry the child with the genetic material of the parents. Many women have medical issues, genetic conditions or congenital abnormalities which, without the option of Surrogacy, would limit them to adoption or childlessness. Surrogacy is a wonderful option and since there have been many advances in medical technology, opens the door to parenthood for an increasing number of people. Even unmarried men or gay couples are finding they too can be parents through the assistance of an egg donor and surrogate.

Alternative Conceptions Surrogacy Program provides a discreet, highly specialized and efficient service for both surrogates and Intended Parents. Our staff understands and appreciates the desire you have to create or extend your family.

There are two types of Surrogacy - Traditional and Gestational. The key difference being whether the surrogate's eggs are used or the eggs of the mother/or an egg donor. Traditional surrogates use their eggs and through two different methods, become pregnant. The first method is by direct insemination with the Intended Parent's sperm. The second method utilizes the technology of In Vitro fertilization - the surrogate would undergo "super ovulation" with fertility drugs, her eggs are extracted, fertilized in the lab and transferred to her uterus with a tiny flexible catheter.

Gestational Surrogacy or Gestational Carrier - implies that the surrogate is a carrier of the eggs of another. The eggs can be the eggs of the mother or as is often the case, can be the eggs of an egg donor. The "carrier" is synchronized with the "donor" by taking hormones; when the donor's eggs are mature they are removed, fertilized in the laboratory and then transferred to the uterus of the surrogate.

For a successful relationship between the surrogate and the Intended Parents, their need for interaction, support and contact must be similar. It is important for the Intended Parents to identify how involved they want to be during and after the pregnancy; often it is the needs of the parents that define what the relationship will be. Also, having a reciprocal understanding of lifestyle, values and identity are key to building a good relationship. The IP's must be confident that the information they have been given about the surrogate is accurate and they must have an opportunity to get to know the surrogate. A face to face meeting is best but may not always be possible. Often communication via email or telephone is the only introduction or it may be used during the pregnancy to convey information or as a way of providing support. All of these contribute to building a high level of trust that is essential to the relationship Intended Parents have with their surrogate.

Most couples we work with have an open relationship with their surrogate. Full names are used and phone numbers and addresses may be exchanged, and communication can be as open as the parties desire. Intended Parents who come to us can be confident that when they choose an Alternative Conceptions surrogate, she understands her role in the process. Surrogates we select understand they have a vital but temporary role in the life of the child. There is unlimited gratitude for their unselfish gift, but it is totally up to the Intended Parents to define the role following the birth. Our Parents through Surrogacy can proceed with this process without fear of confusion on the part of the surrogate.

Alternative Conceptions is here to help take the stress out of the complicated relationship. We act as a conduit between the Intended Parents and the surrogate regarding many different areas; financial arrangements are one of many issues that may make communication difficult. By acting as a liaison for both parties, we maintain clarity and eliminate confusion or frustration in the process.

To become part of our Surrogacy Program, Intended Parents register on our website or by calling our office. Referral to our program may come from a doctor, family member, friend or even through a search on the internet. After an interview with our Surrogacy Staff, Intended Parents are asked to complete our Confidential Questionnaire and to submit pictures of themselves which we include with the questionnaire. This profile is presented to the surrogate they select. Once the Intended Parents have engaged our services, they may review profiles of surrogates we have on file or we will begin the search for an appropriate match.

Our surrogates are intensively screened and educated about the process. An investigation of the surrogate's background, including her spouse or partner, if applicable, is done. Each surrogate is interviewed by a psychologist who provides a report of her support system, family structure, mental/emotional state and ability to fulfill her role as a surrogate. This first meeting lays the groundwork for their relationship. During the process the psychologist will provide support and help the surrogate to deal with any difficulties.

When a surrogate is selected, the financial and legal process is set into motion. The legal contracts will be drawn up and an escrow account will be established. We will guide the Intended Parents through this process and will assist them in choosing from our network of legal, medical and financial professionals who have long standing experience in the field of surrogacy. The medical process will begin once the necessary legalities and paperwork are completed.

Once a pregnancy is well established, your surrogate will be referred to an obstetrician for prenatal care. Most parents wish to be present or even be in the delivery room at the time of the birth. Most surrogates look forward to their Intended Parents participation but appreciate privacy, so discussions about expectations and desires at this stage of the process are crucial. The process of the birth is not only a physical and emotional reality for the surrogate, but the Intended Parents should be able to share in the joy of the moment in a way that is comfortable and satisfying for everyone.

Alternative Conceptions will be there to assist and lead through the process, and will always be aware of critical events and be present as necessity requires. We take responsibility seriously and enjoy participating in significant and productive work. We look forward to providing opportunities for dedicated parents to see their dreams come true.

Parents Through Surrogacy
To register for more information on Alternative Conceptions Surrogacy Program

Fee Schedule
To review our costs to become a Parent through Surrogacy.