Gestational Surrogacy

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The Greatest Good Is What We Do for One Another

Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement in which a person (often called a carrier or surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. The gestational carrier undergoes the transfer of an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parent(s) and/or a donor. The gestational carrier does not contribute eggs to the creation of the embryos and therefore is not genetically related to the child. The goal of Main Line Fertility’s third-party reproductive team is to help create a successful surrogacy experience that meets the expectations of all involved parties.

Our third-party team has extensive experience in guiding patients through their surrogacy journey, including:

  • Choosing a Surrogate: Patients may identify their own surrogate, a friend, or relative, or they may choose to use an agency to find the right surrogate. We have over two decades of experience working with top third-party agencies, as well as known surrogates.
  • Legal Considerations: The laws governing gestational surrogacy vary by county, state, and country. Our network of highly qualified legal experts will help educate you about the legal options and considerations that are unique to your circumstances.
  • Physical and Mental Wellness: Our team will coordinate all necessary medical screening and testing as mandated by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). We will complete a thorough medical and psychological evaluation of each prospective gestational surrogate to ensure an appropriate match.
  • Financial: There are many contributing factors that affect the cost of surrogacy. We provide you with the resources to understand the total expected costs involved in your surrogacy journey and reliable experts to guide you throughout.

Surrogacy and LGBTQ+ Family-Building

Gestational surrogacy is a suitable option for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially for two partners who both produce sperm and want one of them to be the genetic parent of their child.  Gestational surrogacy requires two different women for an IVF cycle — the egg donor and the surrogate. We use sperm from one or both fathers to fertilize the donor eggs using IVF. One of our doctors then transfers a resulting embryo to the surrogate’s uterus. After the surrogate gives birth to the baby, she gives the child to the fathers. 

Surrogacy and LGBTQ+ Family-Building

Gestational surrogacy is a suitable option for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially for two partners who both produce sperm and want one of them to be the genetic parent of their child.  Gestational surrogacy requires two different women for an IVF cycle — the egg donor and the surrogate. We use sperm from one or both fathers to fertilize the donor eggs using IVF. One of our doctors then transfers a resulting embryo to the surrogate’s uterus. After the surrogate gives birth to the baby, she gives the child to the fathers. 

Gestational Surrogacy FAQs

  • Gestational surrogacy is right for families who do not have a prospective parent with a uterus who is willing or able to carry a pregnancy to term. Some examples include:=

    • A prospective parent has eggs from a fertility preservation, but is unable or does not want to carry a pregnancy.
    • Two partners both produce sperm and would like one of them to be the genetic parent of their child.

  • You will make many choices when it comes to gestational surrogacy, but the first you must make is whether to use a known surrogate or a surrogacy agency. A known surrogate can be a friend, family member, or acquaintance. They may agree to be your surrogate for no or minimal cost, also called altruistic surrogacy. A compensated surrogate is a surrogate you will be connected through via a surrogacy agency. A financial agreement will be drafted and agreed upon by all parties involved. The agencies we work with are sensitive to each family’s unique needs and will find you a surrogate who is excited to help you have a child.

  • There are many factors that can impact the cost of surrogacy, including:

    • Using a known surrogate or an agency
    • Using your own genetic material or a donor
    • Care and complications such as multiple IVF cycles and twins
    • Legal challenges concerning parental rights

    We will walk you through everything you need to know and ensure you fully understand all associated costs each step of the way.

Schedule a Consult for Gestational Surrogacy in the Philadelphia Area

The fertility specialists of Main Line Fertility are proud to offer a wide range of fertility care services in Pennsylvania to meet every patient’s need, including gestational surrogacy. Connect with Main Line Fertility today to schedule a consultation by filling out our online form or contact us directly at one of our fertility clinics in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, West Chester, Havertown, Reading, or  Fort Washington.

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