Question 1

What is a Gestational Carrier/Surrogate?

Accepted Answer

A Gestational Carrier/Surrogate uses her uterus to carry the fetus of another couple or individual to term. There is no genetic relationship to you or your partner. You do not use your own eggs to create embryos. The Intended Parents create their own embryos.
You are in essence, babysitting for someone who is unable to carry a pregnancy for themselves.

Question 2

As a Gestational Carrier, why should I work with Fertility Alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Fertility Alternatives has been successfully facilitating surrogacy and egg donation arrangements for over 25 years. Longer than most other surrogacy agencies out there.
 
As the owner and twice an experienced Gestational Carrier, I understand the process of surrogacy from firsthand experience. I believe in offering you full emotional and moral support throughout the processes. It is a personal, one-on-one experience. I put 100% of my attention into the Carriers in my program.
 
I do not conduct my surrogacy program in an assembly line or impersonal fashion. You are never motivated to work with a couple or individual that isn’t in your best interest. You choose from potentially several intended parent profiles to make the best decision for you and your family.

I believe in developing personal relationships with the Carriers in my program for a comfortable, relaxed, and fulfilling experience.
 
The vast majority of my Intended Parent clientele are working with many of the best clinics in the country, so you can expect that you will be in good hands. You will work with some of the best attorneys in the industry to make sure you are fully represented.
 
I personally oversee the Fund Management Account (Escrow) to be sure your compensation and expenses are paid in a timely manner. You can expect your payments and reimbursements on time, if not early. We will discuss your individual situation so that your industry standard reimbursements are fully addressed in your Surrogacy Contact.
 
You are not required to save every expense receipt. This makes the process less stressful and time consuming during your pregnancy. Your travel arrangements will be pre-arranged and you will be provided with pre-payment of travel expenses in advance of your trip, avoiding out of pocket expenses when possible.

Compensation is not offered an an "all-inclusive" model, so you can be assured that you receive reimbursements for all industry standard expenses regardless of outcome.
 
I am here for you at every stage of the process. You are always free to call or text my personal cell phone or email me, any time. We offer references to answer any additional questions you may have about Fertility Alternatives or the process. Just ask.

Dawn@FertilityAlternatives.com

Question 3

What requirements must I fulfill in order to be accepted into the Gestational Carrier Program?

Accepted Answer

Industry standard requirements for surrogacy can be very strict for medical and ethical reasons, but may vary slightly from agency to agency. With all programs, applicants will be required to submit/release pregnancy and delivery records for all available pregnancies to confirm initial medical requirements.

A qualified Gestational Carrier in our program is a mother between the ages of 22-40 with minimal history of major health, psychological issues, or pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, recent preterm births, etc).  All candidates must be healthy (physically and emotionally), drug & nicotine free, and must be at low risk for any and all infectious diseases or pregnancy complications. In addition, a potential Carrier must not be taking or need medications for depression, anxiety, or ADD/ADHD, or other medications that could affect the pregnancy or affect the overall mental health of the Carrier.

Experienced or Jewish Carriers may be accepted until age 43.

Candidates will need to be detail oriented, and have a strong desire to fulfill the necessary requirements. You will need to have a flexible schedule to attend a number of clinical visits throughout the process. You must be mature and able to follow through with the necessary requirements, meetings and medical instructions. Your commitment is of utmost importance.

Candidates must have a stable home and/or family life and not be under financial duress or on government assistance other than a state provided health plan. Surrogacy compensation is supplemental and never to be considered reliable or long term income. Pregnancy results can vary, so applicants’ families should already have a regular and stable stream of income that provides for their needs.

Candidates will live in a safe neighborhood, safe and healthy environment, have a healthy lifestyle, and have a good support system of family and/or friends. Your spouse/partner, if any, will be fully supportive as well.
Candidates will live and give birth in their Surrogacy friendly state.

Candidates who have recently applied tattoos or body piercings may need to wait one year before they can start the surrogacy medical process due to FDA requirements. Contact me to discuss your situation.

Candidates must be height/weight proportionate, and have a healthy BMI (body-mass-index). An unhealthy BMI affects conception rates and is cause for higher risk pregnancies and therefore most IVF doctors require that gestational carriers’ BMI be under 30. BMI under 28 is preferred by the best IVF clinics and will significantly raise your chance of being matched. CHECK YOUR BMI HERE

Candidates should have no more than 2 C-sections, due to the risks of uterine rupture with future pregnancies. This is a requirement of most IVF clinics. If you find a clinic willing to accept a candidate who has already had 3 C-section procedures, they are not considering your health and well-being and should be avoided.

Candidates and their partners must not have any felonies and be willing to have a criminal background check, and psychological evaluation.

Candidates must not have (or had sexual contact with anyone who has) traveled  to any country on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s “active” Zika virus list within 6 months of the embryo transfer procedure, and must not travel to any of these countries while pregnant. Visit the CDC website for an updated list of countries affected by the Zika virus ZIKA TRAVEL INFORMATION.

Covid vaccinations are not a requirement.

The criteria above is the same for most legitimate surrogacy programs, and there is a medical or ethical reason for each of them.

Question 4

I meet all the surrogacy qualifications. What is the ideal criteria?

Accepted Answer

A number of Intended Parents and their clinics have especially strict requirements for their ideal gestational carrier. As a result, my clients may provide a special $5,000 bonus to applicants who meet most of the ideal criteria.
 
Some of the ideal criteria for surrogacy applicants are:
1. Age 25-34.
2. BMI 19-28.
3. No more than 3 pregnancies (unless she is an experienced GC).
4. All full term, vaginal deliveries.
5. No questionable complications with prior pregnancies.
6. Married or full support of a significant other.
7. Live in California or other surrogate friendly western state.
8. Able and willing to travel.
9. All other industry standard qualifications must also be met.

Question 5

Explain the Surrogacy application processes.

Accepted Answer

As a Gestational Carrier candidate, you will submit a full application, personal bio and a few photos of you and your family. It is important that all the questions are answered thoughtfully, thoroughly and honestly to find your ideal match.

We will also need to collect all of your pregnancy and delivery records.

Once your full application, photos, and pregnancy/delivery records are received, and it is determined that you may be a good candidate, a phone or Zoom consultation will be arranged.
          In the interview, we will discuss:
Benefits package, compensation, lost wages and other expenses that will be covered in a Surrogacy Contract for your individual case.
Carrying multiples and associated risks.
Pregnancy termination and selective reduction.
Possible invasive procedures during pregnancy like amniocentesis.
Your health, psychological, and pregnancy histories as well as health plan possibilities.
Your emotional support system. (i.e. spouse, extended family, friends, etc.)
Expectations, industry standards, and travel requirements.
Relationship expectations with your potential Intended Parents.
The acceptance process can take 2-4 months depending on how long it takes to receive the necessary medical records.
 
You will also need to see your OBGYN for a well-woman exam and/or otherwise get a written letter confirming you are in good health and can serve as a gestational carrier.

Question 6

How will I be matched with potential Intended Parents?

Accepted Answer

My goal is to match you with a couple or individual who has the same ideals about pregnancy, childbirth and the relationship during and after pregnancy.
It is important that you think about the different possibilities occurring from pregnancy, multiples, termination, selective reduction, amniocentesis, and possible health risks (Gestational Diabetes, C-Section surgery, preeclampsia, etc).

Will you work with single parents-to-be or same-sex couples? Will you work with couples who do not speak English? Are you able/willing to travel?

It is also important to consider the type of relationship you want with your Intended Parents. Some Carriers prefer a close relationship during and after pregnancy. The Intended Parents may attend some the OB appointments, ultrasounds, birth, etc. Otherwise, the Carrier can include the Intended Parent with the help of FaceTime and other mobile apps.

Other Carriers prefer more personal independence. Communication is typically regular, however due to distance, language barrier, or a Carrier’s busy schedule with life and family, personal contact with her Intended Parents may be more limited.

In some instances, certain Intended Parents require total anonymity. I do not work with these types of Intended Parents. I believe that Carriers should receive recognition for their gift, and the Intended Parents should be the ones to provide that. I also believe that establishing a relationship is very healthy for both sides.

Your profile will be offered to potential Intended Parents with similar expectations. You will also be provided with Intended Parent profiles. If agreeable, I will arrange a meeting between you either by Skype/Zoom or in-person, depending on location of the Parties. Once the Parties agree they are a good fit, then we will arrange for screening and health plan, as needed.

Unlike most surrogacy agencies, I will give you my honest opinion about any Intended Parent prospect so you can make a good decision for yourself.

Many agencies, simply want to match a Carrier quickly with the first Intended Parent prospect they have available. If I believe any set of Intended Parent prospects have qualities that are not conducive to your lifestyle or what you are hoping to experience during this process, I will absolutely give you my opinion so you can decide.

I typically have a number of Intended Parent profiles to choose from.

Question 7

What will be expected of me during the surrogacy process?

Accepted Answer

Because surrogacy is such a highly emotional and costly endeavor for infertile couples and individuals, Carriers are expected to be committed, and to conduct themselves in a responsible, reliable and mature manner from the moment they apply with the program.

Because we are dealing with menstrual cycles and potential timing limitations, you may need to work quickly to complete screening, medical visits, and obtain medical records, as needed. Flexibility is very important to this process.

It is important that all of the information in your profile is truthful and up-to-date and can be validated by your medical records.

Medical appointments must be kept and doctors' orders followed exactly as instructed.

Carriers will also be required to abstain from sexual intercourse for a short amount of time while attempting pregnancy.

You should be prepared and willing to self-administer the necessary injectable medications, if you do not have someone available to assist.

Carriers also need to be flexible, as this is such a time specific and sometimes unpredictable process.

Question 8

Describe the Intended Parents candidates you typically work with.

Accepted Answer

I work with married couples, unmarried couples, single moms and dads-to-be, same-sex couples, LGBTQ, and Intended parents from other countries. You choose the fit that you feel comfortable with.

Question 9

How long will it take to match me with Intended Parents?

Accepted Answer

It is common to take anywhere from 1 to 5 months. After your application is accepted, it can take approximately 1-2 months to collect and review your medical records for full acceptance in the program.

The Carrier’s location, personal requirements of each Party, and, the IVF clinic requirements play factors in finding an ideal match. Some Carriers are matched immediately because of their favorable profile, pregnancy history, BMI, and location.

Other applicants take longer to match is they have specific requirements that do not apply to the majority of Intended Parent candidates.

You will be notified immediately if a couple expresses interest in your profile. You will then be offered their profile for review.

We typically have a waiting list of Intended Parent clients hoping to find a well-qualified candidate. A match can usually occurs within 1-2 months after full acceptance into the program.

Fertility Alternatives®

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Surrogacy and Egg Donation Programs
Since 1998

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