Gestational Surrogacy Agencies

Gestational Surrogacy Agencies

There are several gestational surrogacy agencies, particularly in the Bay Area. These agencies provide a pool of pre-screened surrogates, typically young women in their twenties and thirties, with low risk for disease transmission and substance abuse. Most surrogates choose to participate due to financial incentives and a desire to help infertile couples.

Once a surrogate is selected, she must contact Nova IVF directly to schedule an initial consultation. Nova IVF collaborates with various surrogacy agencies. You may find an agency independently or consider the following recommended agencies:

• Circle Surrogacy – Burlingame, CA
  Phone: 617-439-9900 | Website: www.circlesurrogacy.com
• Northwest Surrogacy Center – San Francisco, CA
  Phone: 415-426-7849 | Website: www.nwsurrogacycenter.com
• Surrogate First – Los Angeles, CA
  Phone: 424-567-3703 | Website: www.surrogatefirst.com
• The Surrogacy Source – Laguna Hills, CA
  Phone: 877-375-8888 | Website: www.thesurrogacysource.com
• The Egg Donor Program / The Surrogacy Program – Studio City, CA
  Phone: 818-506-9300 | Website: www.eggdonation.com
• Your Surrogacy Journey – Walnut Creek, CA
  Phone: 925-300-6958 | Website: www.yoursurrogacyjourney.com
• Abundant Beginnings Company – Santa Monica, CA
  Phone: 323-577-BABY | Website: www.abcsurrogacy.com

Gestational Surrogacy: Guidelines

Deciding on Gestational Surrogacy

Consider the following questions before proceeding:

• Why is gestational surrogacy preferable to egg donation or child-free living?
• Have you discussed surrogacy with your family? What were their reactions?
• Have you considered how and when you will tell your child about their background?
• How would you feel if the surrogate does not become pregnant?
• Have you and your partner discussed the number of embryos to transfer?
• Do you understand selective termination and the risks of multiple pregnancies?
• How would you feel if the child has a birth defect?

Choosing a Gestational Surrogacy Agency

When selecting an agency, consider:

• Fee structures and refund policies
• Screening requirements for surrogates
• Psychological evaluation processes
• Meeting arrangements between intended parents and surrogates
• Record-keeping policies
• Legal contracts for surrogates
• The agency's history and success rates
• Medical coverage options for surrogates

Finding a Surrogate Independently

A surrogate can be a relative, friend, or someone found independently. Factors to consider include:

Positive Indicators:

• Under 40 years old
• History of full-term pregnancy
• Regular menstrual cycles
• No history of infertility or multiple miscarriages

Negative Indicators:

• Family history of psychiatric disorders
• Substance abuse or dependency in family
• Current psychotropic medication use
• Chaotic lifestyle or significant stress
• Legal issues or unstable relationships
• High-risk sexual behavior
• Financial desperation

Questions for Potential Surrogates

• Why do you want to be a surrogate?
• What are your expectations regarding the child’s future?
• Are you comfortable with intended parents of different marital statuses or sexual orientations?
• What support do you have during the process?
• Are you willing to undergo medical procedures and selective termination if necessary?
• Do you have health insurance for pregnancy complications?

If the surrogate is a relative or friend, additional considerations include:

• How will this impact your relationship?
• How does your family feel about this decision?

If the surrogate is unrelated, further questions include:

• Have you used drugs, alcohol, or tobacco?
• Have you been pregnant before?
• Do you have children?
• Are you aware of the medical procedures involved?
• Are you prepared for possible multiple pregnancies?