Frequently Asked Questions
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a medical procedure used to assist with conception. It involves the following steps: Ovarian Stimulation, Egg Retrieval, Sperm Collection, and Fertilization through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, embryo Culture when fertilized eggs (embryos) is monitored as they develop for several days, Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the woman's uterus, where they may implant and result in pregnancy. IVF is often used when other fertility treatments have failed, and it can help individuals and couples experiencing infertility for a variety of reasons, such as age, ovulation disorders, or blocked fallopian tubes.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) carries some potential risks and complications, which can affect both the mother and the pregnancy and it can be prevented with a highly qualified medical team. Some complications that may happen during IVF are Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), Multiple Pregnancies, and Emotional and Psychological Impact.
The IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process involves several key steps designed to help individuals or couples achieve pregnancy. Here’s a detailed overview of the typical IVF procedure: Initial Consultation, Ovarian Stimulation, Trigger Injection, Egg Retrieval, Sperm Collection, and Fertilization through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), Embryo culture, embryo selection for transfer, pregnancy test and if pregnancy is achieved follow up antenatal care.
Gestational surrogacy typically uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos. Success rates for IVF can vary widely but are typically between 40% to 60% per embryo transfer, depending on factors such as embryo quality since surrogate selection and medical preparation follow international standards (ASRM, ESHRE)
Surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple (the intended parents). Surrogacy can be a solution for those who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy due to medical, personal, or other reasons. There are 2 types of surrogacy gestational and traditional.
Surrogacy and egg donation are two distinct processes related to assisted reproduction, each serving different purposes in helping individuals or couples achieve their goal of having children. Egg donors and surrogates are different women. Egg donation involves a woman (the egg donor) providing her eggs for use in assisted reproductive techniques, like IVF.
Egg donation involves a woman (the egg donor) providing her eggs for use in assisted reproductive techniques, like IVF.
- Process: The egg donor undergoes hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. The retrieved eggs can then be fertilized with sperm from a male partner or a donor to create embryos, which can be implanted into the uterus of an intended mother or a surrogate.
- Genetic Connection: In egg donation, the intended mother or surrogate carries no genetic relationship to the donor; the child will be genetically related to the intended parents if their sperm is used alongside the donor’s eggs.
In Gestational Surrogacy: the eggs can come from the Intended Mother who can provide eggs for IVF, or an Egg Donor, If the intended mother is unable to produce viable eggs (due to issues like age or medical conditions), an egg donor can be used. The donor's eggs are fertilized with the sperm of the intended father or a sperm donor to create embryos, which are then implanted into the surrogate's uterus.
Gestational surrogacy is a type of surrogacy where a woman (the gestational surrogate) carries and delivers a child that is not genetically related to her. Instead, the child is typically conceived using the eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor and the sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor.
The surrogacy process involves several stages, from initial consultation to post-birth legal arrangements. Here’s an overview of the steps typically involved in gestational surrogacy:
- Initial Consultation with your agency representatives and Fertility Specialist
- Choosing a Surrogate (and egg donor, If needed)
- Legal Agreements
- Medical Screening of surrogate
- Ovarian Stimulation (if the donor is used or of the intended mother) and Egg Retrieval
- Sperm Collection
- Fertilization, Embryo Creation:
- Embryo Transfer to the surrogate
- Pregnancy Confirmation
- Prenatal Care
- Birth of the Child
- Post-Birth Legal Arrangements
A surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents.
Surrogate medical screening is a comprehensive process designed to ensure that a surrogate candidate is physically and psychologically fit to carry a pregnancy. The screening typically includes the following components:
- Medical History Review
- Physical Examination
- Laboratory Testing
- Psychological Evaluation
- Ultrasound and Gynecological Exam
- Lifestyle Assessment
- Insurance and Legal Review
The success rate of surrogacy can vary based on several factors, including the age and health of the egg donor or intended mother, the quality of the embryos, the health of the surrogate, the number of embryo transfer attempts, and PGT-A tested or not tested embryos.
PGT-A, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, is a type of genetic testing conducted on embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before they are implanted in the uterus. The primary purpose of PGT-A is to analyze the chromosomes of the embryos to identify any chromosomal abnormalities, particularly aneuploidies, which occur when embryos have an incorrect number of chromosomes.
The cost of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the fertility clinic, geographic location, and the specific services offered as part of the IVF package. The average per embryo cost starts from 500 EUR.
Yes, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) can provide information about the sex (gender) of embryos. Since PGT-A analyzes the chromosomal composition of embryos, it can also determine the presence of sex chromosomes.
Embryo transfer is a key step in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational surrogate. This procedure is critical for achieving pregnancy after embryos have been created and tested with PGT-A testing.
The success rate of embryo transfer in gestational surrogacy can vary based on several factors, including the age of the egg provider (intended mother or egg donor), embryo quality, the health of the surrogate, and the overall quality of the fertility clinic's procedures.
The timeline for surrogacy can vary significantly based on several factors. On average it takes 16-18 months. Factors affecting are the specific circumstances of the intended parents and the surrogate, the legal processes involved, and the readiness of the fertility clinic.
Antenatal care during a surrogate pregnancy is a critical aspect of ensuring the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the developing fetus. This type of care includes regular medical check-ups, screenings, and monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Intended parents must be always informed and updated about all appointments and should have access to laboratory tests and ultrasound reports.
When a surrogate gives birth, several important steps and considerations take place to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the baby, as well as to facilitate the transition of parental rights to the intended parents. Typically when a surrogate gives birth following happens: preparation for delivery, drafting of the birth plan, labor, and delivery itself, post-birth care of the newborn and surrogate, legal arrangements, post-birth support, and celebration.
No, during gestational surrogacy surrogate carries the baby of the intended parents created with their biological materials or with donor oocyte or sperm.
Georgia is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia) has become an important option for intended parents looking to start families, particularly because the legal framework is generally favorable toward surrogacy arrangements. the country allows for gestational surrogacy. This means that a surrogate can carry a child that is genetically related to the intended parents or donors.
Surrogacy in Colombia has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among international couples seeking reproductive assistance. The country has a legal framework that permits gestational surrogacy, making it an attractive option for those wanting to build their families.
Surrogacy in Argentina has faced legal and regulatory challenges in the last year, leading to uncertainty and concerns regarding its practice. Starting your surrogacy journey in Buenos Aires now is not recommended.
Yes, surrogacy in Mexico is largely considered a commercial arrangement. This means that surrogates receive compensation for their services, which can include fees for the pregnancy itself, medical expenses related to the pregnancy, and additional costs associated with the surrogate's care during this time. Surrogacy is legal for married, single, gay, straight, and foreign Intended Parents.
Surrogacy compensation refers to the financial remuneration provided to a surrogate for carrying and delivering a child for the intended parents. Compensation can vary widely based on several factors, including the location of the surrogacy, the individual agreements made, and the specific circumstances surrounding each arrangement for example in Georgia it is up to 29 000 USD, in the USA starts from 35000 USD, and so on.
Yes, you can find a surrogacy lawyer near you by taking the following steps. One reliable source is a Google search. Additionally, surrogacy agencies, such as GS Consulting, have connections to a network of family law practitioners who can assist intended parents in various locations by providing legal guidance in the surrogacy journey.
The cost of hiring a surrogacy lawyer can vary widely based on several factors, including geographical location, the lawyer’s experience and reputation, and the complexity of the surrogacy arrangement. Here are some general guidelines on costs:
- Hourly Rates: Many surrogacy lawyers charge by the hour, and hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and the region
- Flat Fees: Some attorneys may offer flat fee packages for specific services related to surrogacy, such as drafting contracts or providing legal consultations. Flat fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the services included.
- Retainer Fees: In some cases, a lawyer may require a retainer fee upfront, which is an advance payment for their services. This fee can vary significantly based on the estimated time and resources the lawyer expects to devote to the case.
- Total Costs: Overall, the total legal fees for surrogacy can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves complex legal issues, multiple parties, or international considerations.
GS Consulting has connections to a network of family law practitioners who can assist intended parents in various locations by providing legal guidance in the surrogacy journey for this you just need to apply to the head of GS Consulting's legal department.
- The legal Framework of Surrogacy laws varies significantly by country and, It's crucial to understand the specific laws that govern surrogacy in the jurisdiction where the surrogacy agreement will take place.
- Surrogacy Agreements and contractual Agreements covering compensation, medical care, and specific expectations during the pregnancy.
- Parental Rights
- Pre-Birth Order
- Medical and Insurance Considerations
- Health Care Responsibility
- Insurance Coverage
- Confidentiality and Privacy
- Dispute Resolution
- International Laws (if the intended parents or the surrogate are from different states or countries, understanding how conflicting laws may impact the surrogacy arrangement is crucial.
Surrogacy and immigration are interlinked issues, particularly for intended parents who may be from different countries than the surrogate or if they wish to bring their child born via surrogacy back to their home country. Obtaining a Birth Certificate and establishing parentage, visa requirements, and similar topics need to be checked with your legal team.
The citizenship of a baby born abroad via surrogacy can be complex and varies depending on the laws of the intended parents' country of citizenship and the country where the surrogacy takes place. The most commonly accepted form is Citizenship by Parentage means a child can inherit the citizenship of their biological or legal parents regardless of where they are born, another option is to have an adoption process once you are back ton your country, where you will need the support of a local lawyer.
Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate) agrees to carry a child for another individual or couple (the intended parents) without receiving significant financial compensation beyond reimbursement for medical expenses and related costs.
Commercial surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where a surrogate mother is compensated financially beyond just the reimbursement of her medical expenses. This compensation can include a base fee, additional payments for specific circumstances (such as carrying multiples or undergoing a cesarean delivery), and coverage of other related expenses.