Gestational Surrogacy: What it is & Overview of the Process

Thinking about surrogacy to grow your family or become a surrogate? Gestational surrogacy is a popular and effective way to build a family. Here, we’ll explore what gestational surrogacy is, how it works, and why it might be the perfect choice for you.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a process where a woman, known as the gestational carrier, carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. Unlike traditional surrogacy, the gestational carrier has no genetic relationship with the child. Instead, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors. This ensures the child is biologically connected to at least one parent.

As one of the most reliable family-building options, gestational surrogacy has grown in popularity across the United States. It provides hope for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges or medical conditions. While the process is transformative, intended parents should be aware of associated costs, including medical procedures, surrogate compensation, and legal agreements.

Why Consider Gestational Surrogacy?

For many, gestational surrogacy opens the door to parenthood, offering a chance to grow their family when other paths aren't possible:

• Patients facing infertility or medical conditions that prevent them from carrying a pregnancy.
• Are LGBTQ+ couples, particularly male couples, needing both an egg donor and a surrogate.
• Are single parents seeking to have a biological child.

This process provides a reliable and supportive path to parenthood for many intended parents.

Key Differences: Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy

Understanding how traditional surrogacy differs from gestational surrogacy can help you make the right choice:

• Genetic relationship: Traditional surrogates use their own eggs, making them the biological parent of the child. Gestational carriers have no genetic link.
• Legal and emotional factors: Traditional surrogacy often involves more legal complexities and emotional considerations.

Traditional surrogacy is now rarely practiced, particularly in Los Angeles, due to its increased legal and emotional complexities. Gestational surrogacy has become the preferred and widely accepted method for building families, offering a more straightforward legal framework and clarity in roles.

PSED exclusively facilitates gestational surrogacy to provide clarity and support for intended parents.

Surrogacy vs. Gestational Carrier: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right surrogacy option starts with understanding the role of a gestational carrier. A gestational carrier is a woman who carries and gives birth to a baby for intended parents. She has no genetic link to the child. In vitro fertilization (IVF) makes this process possible by using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm.

Gestational surrogacy is often the best choice for intended parents. It offers a clear legal framework and reduces emotional challenges. Unlike other surrogacy options, a gestational carrier only nurtures and carries the baby. This makes it easier for intended parents to grow their family.

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work?

The process of gestational surrogacy involves several steps. It begins with medical and psychological checks to ensure the gestational carrier is ready. Eggs from the intended mother or a donor are fertilized with sperm from the father or a donor at a fertility clinic. The resulting embryos are then placed in the carrier’s uterus to start the surrogate pregnancy.

Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives full medical care and support. Legal agreements outline roles and protect everyone involved, offering a safe and reliable way for intended parents to grow their family.

Emotional and Ethical Considerations

Gestational surrogacy is as much an emotional commitment as a physical one. Counseling is important for both the intended parents and the surrogate. It helps them deal with emotional challenges and improve communication. Ethically, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of the surrogate and maintain transparency throughout the process.

Becoming a Gestational Surrogate

Who Can Become a Gestational Surrogate?

To become a gestational surrogate, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Being between 21 and 40 years old.
• Having at least one previous successful pregnancy.
• Being in excellent physical and mental health.

Benefits and Responsibilities

Gestational surrogates receive compensation, medical care, and support throughout the process. The emotional reward of helping create a family is a significant benefit as well.

Screening Process

The screening process includes medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and legal reviews to ensure suitability and preparedness for the journey.

Finding a Gestational Surrogate

At Pacific Surrogacy & Egg Donation (PSED), we simplify the process of finding and working with a gestational carrier. Our experienced team handles every step, including:

• Matching: We carefully match intended parents with qualified gestational carriers to ensure compatibility and shared goals.
• Screening: Our thorough medical and psychological evaluations ensure the readiness of all parties involved.
• Support: From legal agreements to emotional counseling, PSED provides comprehensive support to both intended parents and surrogates.

We take pride in managing every aspect of the surrogacy journey with unmatched care and professionalism. Our dedicated team makes sure your experience is smooth and easy. This lets you focus on the joy of building your family.

Costs Involved in Gestational Surrogacy

The gestational surrogacy cost varies depending on medical needs and legal requirements. Typical costs include:

• Fertility treatments: IVF cycles, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer.
• Surrogate compensation: Payment for the surrogate’s time, effort, and medical care.
• Legal fees: Contracts and other necessary legal documentation.
• Insurance: Coverage for the surrogate’s medical expenses during pregnancy to ensure comprehensive care and peace of mind for all parties.
• Agency fees: Covering administrative support and services provided by the surrogacy agency.

For a detailed breakdown of costs, visit our page on Surrogacy Fees and Costs. While financial investment is significant, many intended parents find the result invaluable—the chance to have a biological child.

Why Choose Pacific Surrogacy & Egg Donation (PSED)?

At PSED, we offer personalized care, extensive experience, and ethical practices to guide you through every step of the surrogacy process. Our partner, Tree of Life Fertility Center Los Angeles, provides top-tier fertility treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Learn more about becoming a surrogate, including eligibility requirements and compensation details. If you’re ready to explore surrogacy, start your journey today by completing our application to become a surrogate or intended parent inquiry form..

Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Us

Start your surrogacy journey today with Pacific Surrogacy & Egg Donation, a trusted surrogacy agency in Los Angeles. Whether you're looking to grow your family or help others, we’re here to guide you with care, expertise, and compassion. Reach out to us and take the first step in this life-changing journey.