What are surrogate mothers?

Surrogate mother is a woman who has a job to bring the others baby til giving birth safety.
When a couple or gay couple want to have some baby but they have some problem, usually when the couple insist to have their own baby they will using surrogate way. Using the man's sperm , into the surrogate's body (usually this method called in Vitro Fertilization ). If it works, the woman will get pregnant but the DNA belongs to the real parents. Sometimes, people said that surrogate mother is just renting her wombs to have some money

What is the conflict with surrogate mothers?

Usually, the conflict will be the mother felt in love with the baby and want to keep the baby with her. Second, there are one of them (surrogate mother or couple) who didn't feel satisfied. Like, the truth was completely different with the agreement.

What is a maternal mother?

Maternal refers to mother. Paternal refers to father. So the maternal mother would be the mothers mother and the paternal mother would be the fathers mother.

In case of surrogate mother whether childs DNA will match with that of surrogate mother?

The term "birth mother" has become irrelevant these days, hasn't it. So the childs DNA will match that of the woman who supplied the egg.

I am having a baby via surrogate mother do intended mothers get maternity leave?

Usually not. Maternity leave is technically medical leave. New mothers are out on leave for 6-8 weeks to heal, per the OB's orders. You would be entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid FLMA leave. Check with your employeer, sometimes they have special programs that allow parents who adopt to take off a few paid weeks. CONGRATS on your baby!

What is the difference between gestational surrogates and traditional surrogates?

Gestational Surrogates have an embryo transferred into them that is not genetically related to them, carry a baby/ies, delivery them and create a beautiful family. Traditional surrogates are the biological mothers to the baby they conceive, give birth to, and relinquish all parental rights to.

What is the average age of a potential surrogate?

Reproductive endocrinologists prefer to work with surrogates who are between 21 and 39 years of age. Exceptions have been made in the past but this is an average. Does a woman have to have had a child of her own before she may act as a surrogate?  Yes. Most clinics will require the surrogate have at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and birth. C-sections are usually acceptable.

What about the health of a potential surrogate?

A potential surrogate must be healthy, for her benefit as much as for the child she will carry. Additionally, she will be screened for STD's (sexually transmitted diseases), and addictions such as drug, alcohol and tobacco. Certain medications, thyroid replacements may be acceptable to the clinic. Another factor most clinics take into consideration is BMI (height/weight ratio) and prefer that to be under 30.  What if the potential surrogate had her children but put them up for adoption? Most psychologists and surrogacy agencies require you to be parenting your child/children. A previous adoption with a baby since then may be acceptable. The psychologist will speak with her about these issues to be sure she will be comfortable giving up the baby.

What do I need to know about Health Insurance? Having health insurance will reduce the Intended Parent's out of pocket payment for a surrogate’s medical care. The best possible surrogate candidate will have her own health insurance with maternity coverage. This does mean Medicare or state insurance coverage for a surrogacy would be prohibited by law. If she does not have a health policy, in some cases the agency or Intended Parents can provide policy for her.

What do I do once I have found a surrogate?

There are several steps that need to be taken before and after you locate your surrogate. Before your search, you need to have an idea of how much the entire process is going to cost and then assess your financial situation. You need to know if you are going to use your eggs or need an egg donor. Do you know the laws in your state, or do you need to go to another state? Do you have a clinic to assist you and an attorney to assist you with contracts? After you have educated yourself on these issues, you need to have your surrogate medically and psychologically screened through the clinic of your choice. Contracts need to be drawn up, and support needs to be in place for the rest of the surrogacy pregnancy.

Are there legal issues surrounding surrogacy, or can I just orchestrate this on my own without legal counsel?

States regulate assisted reproductive technology procedures in a variety of ways. For example, some forty-two states have a statutory scheme that addresses artificial insemination. But only thirty-five of those 42 states clarify parentage. There are only five states which recognize some regulation of egg donation. Most states permit reasonable compensation for egg donation, but there is one state which prohibits compensation of any form.  Surrogate or gestational arrangements are addressed to some degree by at least twenty-three states, with one state prohibiting such arrangements. Health insurance coverage for ART is required in twelve states. And finally, Federal law provides some regulation of ART laboratories and requires that pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilization and egg donation cycles be reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Further, professional societies like the ASRM lay out professional standards and guidelines for their professional members. So you see, there are many issues surrounding assisted reproduction, not the least of which is ensuring that the contract confirms to state law so that the intended parents' names are placed on the birth certificate. There are independent surrogates who have orchestrated these arrangements on their own. However, when you research the web you can see many arrangements where carriers have withheld infants or Intended Parents have failed to pay medical bills and/or compensation. Either of these behaviors are unacceptable. A surrogacy arrangement is a two sided arrangement where problems can and will arise. When a problem arises, your best protection will be a contract that provides a road map to resolve that problem. We believe that the best interests of the parties and the baby is ensured before the transfer by using an attorney who is skilled in this area.

What are my rights once the surrogate is pregnant?

Your rights are limited by the contract you have with your surrogate. She is pregnant with your baby but retains full control of her body. That is why mutual trust and the legal agreement are so important.

How involved will I, the Intended Parent, be with the growing pregnancy?

You are as involved as you and your surrogate agree to be. Often times you can be fully involved by attending all doctor's appointments and having several visits with your surrogate and her family. When time constraints and geographic location make that type of closeness impossible, you can use the telephone and email as alternate forms of communication.

Can I be present at the birth?

If you and your surrogate have agreed that you can attend the birth then that is what you can expect. All of these issues are agreed to and placed on your legal agreement before the surrogate goes to transfer.

What if the surrogate won't give up the child?

You hardly ever hear of a gestational surrogate trying to keep a child. In a gestational surrogacy, with no genetic connection to the infant, there is a presumption that the court will automatically place the baby with the Intended Parents. A traditional surrogacy is different because the Carrier is biologically related to the child. A court of law will have to terminate her rights, replacing her name with that of the Intended Mother. The intended father, meanwhile, being biologically related to the child, will have his name immediately placed on the birth certificate.

Adoption.

Why would someone choose surrogacy over adoption?

Adoption is a wonderful choice for many people. However, surrogacy has a number of practical and medical advantages. When egg and/or sperm from the intended parents are used, there can be an actual genetic relationship to the child. In gestational surrogacies, embryos are created outside the womb through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a critically valuable innovation practiced at the more sophisticated medical centers. Before implantation occurs, PGD can detect certain chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo typically discovered mid-pregnancy. Moreover, unlike in most adoptions, intended parents closely monitor the health and progress of the pregnancy and birth. The carrier's obligations and compensation are governed by contract, which provides a distinct measure of security to all involved. In contrast with adoption, the carrier in a surrogacy has significantly diminished to non-existent parental rights once the baby is born.

What are the ages of the children being adopted?

China

Children Available: 6 months to 14 years old (3-6 yrs. limited availability).
Parents' Ages: Both parents need to be at least 30 years old, and and have not reached 50 years in order to adopt a healthy child. Both parents must be at least 30 years old and have not reached 55 years old for an adoption of a child with special needs. China does not allow singles to adopt.

El Salvador
Children Available: Available children range from 1 year to 15 years old.
Parents' Ages: Both parents need to be between 25 and 45 years older than the requested child. Singles must also need to fall into these age constraints.

Ethiopia
Children Available: One month old through adolescence are available. Both boys and girls are available; girls are typically more requested. You have the option to adopt more than one child (related or unrelated).
Parents' Ages: Must be at least 25 years old to adopt, and no older than 50 years old to be considered for an infant.

Kazakhstan
Children Available: 7 months to 15 years old are available. Boys are more readily available than girls. You have the option to adopt more than one child.
Parents' Ages: Parents must be at least 25 years old, and cannot be more than 40-45 years older than adoptee (this varies from region to region and will be assessed on a case by case basis).

Russia
Children Available: 10 months to 15 years old. You have the option to adopt more than one child.
Parents' Ages: Minimum of 25 years old. Neither parent can be more than 45 years older than the adoptee. In some regions this may be waived and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ukraine
Children Available: 14 months to 15 years. Occasionally sibling groups are available. Children with special needs younger than 14 months are also available for adoption. You have the option to adopt more than one child.
Parents' Ages: Parents must be over 25, and at least 15 years older than adoptee. Ukraine does not allow singles to adopt.

Are the children healthy?

Yes. All of our programs have healthy children available. However, it must be clarified that in international adoption, children are referred to as "healthy" if they are not known to have a significant medical/emotional condition. Healthy children often have effects of institutionalization which can include malnutrition, delayed development, and other minor medical conditions such as ricketts and scabies. Many of the effects of institutionalization diminish after a child is placed in a home and receives love, attention, medical care and proper nutrition. Children with repaired medical conditions may also be considered healthy.

Do I need to be a Christian?

We are a Christian-based organization and work with people from a myriad of backgrounds, cultures, denominations and perspectives. We do not consider a parent's background, culture, denomination or perspective an exclusionary factor to adopt a child.

Are there requirements for the health of the parents?

America World has some requirements regarding health. There is a physician's form in our dossier guidelines, which lists everything we require your doctor to evaluate. Generally, each country will not refer children to individuals with infectious diseases. If this is a concern to you speak with the individual conducting your home study. They will have the specific criteria upon which your health status will be evaluated. Every country has different levels of acceptable medical conditions, so please visit the requirements section of each program to see specifics. Families being treated for mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are not eligible for any of our available programs (China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Ethiopia or El Salvador).

How long does it take to adopt?

From application to final adoption decree:
China
Approximately 32-36 months

China Waiting Children Program
Timeframe will vary

El Salvador
Approximately 28+ months

Ethiopia
Approximately 12-24 months

Kazakhstan
Approximately 9-15 months

Russia
Approximately 12-18 months

Ukraine
Approximately 12-15 months

Are there any age criteria to adopt?

Each country has its own age criteria. See the following for more information.

China Requirements
Parents' Ages: Both parents must be at least 30 years old and and have not reached 50 years old in order to adopt a healthy child. Both parents must be at least 30 years old and have not reached 55 years old for an adoption of a child with special needs. China does not allow singles to adopt.

El Salvador Requirements
Parents' Ages: Both parents need to be between 25 and 45 years older than the requested child. Singles must also need to fall into these age constraints.

Ethiopia Requirements
Parents' Ages: Must be at least 25 years old to adopt, and no older than 50 years old to be considered for an infant. Singles must also need to fall into these age constraints.

Kazakhstan Requirements
Parents' Ages: Parents must be at least 25 years old, and cannot be more than 40-45 years older than adoptee (this varies from region to region and will be assessed on a case by case basis).

Russia Requirements
Parents' Ages: Minimum of 25 years old. Neither parent can be over 45 years older than the adoptee. In some regions this may be waived and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Ukraine Requirements
Parents' Ages: Parents must be over 25, and at least 15 years older than adoptee. Ukraine does not allow singles to adopt.

Are there any restrictions for people who are divorced?

To adopt you cannot have been divorced more than two times. Married couples are required to be married for more than one year before adopting.

If I have had any involvement with the law, including arrests, charges, convictions, etc., on my record, even if I believe it has been expunged, is this going to preclude me from adopting?

Not necessarily.  If you have been arrested on a felony charge, it does preclude you from adopting in Russia, Ukraine, and China.  If you are applying for a Russian or Ukrainian adoption, any arrest involving alcohol must be at least 15 years old to be considered.  If you have an arrest involving drugs, it must be at least 15 years old and will be taken on a case-by-case basis.  If you are applying for an adoption from China, any arrest involving alcohol must be at least 5 years old.  If you have any police involvement with drug charges, it can only be for marijuana and it must be at least 15 years old.  Any other misdemeanor charges will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Donation

What is the average age of egg recipients?

Typically Recipients age from 30-52 years of age, with the average age being 42 years old.

If I choose an Egg Donor from your program, can I still work with my own doctor?

Yes, we are not a medical facility. We will coordinate arrangements between your chosen Egg Donor and your doctor.

Are all your Donors available now?

Not necessarily. The answer depends on when you are ready to proceed. Donors that are students may have restrictions due to their examination schedules. Some Donors may be currently helping a Recipient, but may become available later for a future donation. Upon request we will give you a status report on each of your chosen Donors.

What are the ages of your Egg Donors?

Most of our Donors are between the ages of 21 years to 30 years. Some Donors may be older than 30 years but only if they have recently given birth or completed a successful donation cycle.

What information can I get regarding my chosen Donor?

We believe you are entitled to all the information that we have regarding your Donor. You are entitled to her complete application, her medical and pyschological results, genetic screening if you seek those services, as well as copies of all the pictures she sent our program of her children, if any, and siblings.

Do you require that recipients meet their Egg Donors?

No, as this is a decision that belongs to you. We do believe it is your best interest to meet your chosen Donor. However, every couple has the right to decide what relationship, if any, they would like with their Donor.

Do I have to undergo psychological screening?

No, this is not a requirement of our program. However, we have several mental health professionals that are available to you should you elect to talk to them. Once the Counselor has screened your Egg Donor, the Counselor will contact you by phone and to discuss her findings and answer any questions you may have.

What if I cannot find the specific type of Donor I am looking for?

We specifically orientate our marketing to attract a wide variety of Donors. However, in the event we are unable to locate the perfect Donor for you, you can elect to participate in our Private Advertising Program. No administrative costs are charged. Recipients only pay for the actual cost of the advertisements.

What are the advantages of egg donation?

1. The ability to experience a pregnancy
2. A viable alternative to adoption
3. Provides more control of the prenatal environment and heath of the child
4. Allows the husband to be the genetic father while permitting the wife to be the biological mother
5. Allows a Couple to choose a Donor with similar characteristics to the recipient

What kind of a person becomes an Egg Donor?

A bright and attractive woman between the ages of 21 years and 30 years, of any ethnic background, preferably with a college degree or presently pursuing a college degree and is in excellent health.

What is the chance of us achieving a pregnancy if we proceed with egg donation?

Generally a couple has between 65-75% chance of achieving a pregnancy with the help of a young, healthy Egg Donor.

Why should an Egg Donor work with an agency?

An agency offers a Donor protection and guidance. Our agency has been in the field of third party reproduction for over 24 years. As we do for our Recipients, we offer our Donors the benefits of our years of experience and security in knowing they will be protected. In addition, we offer Donor's access to a large number of recipient Couples thereby increasing your chance of being selected. We also guarantee that our Donors will receive full compensation at the end of the cycle, because we collect all fees before they even begin medication. Moreover, we offer Donors our dedication and a promise to be professional and courteous at all times.

What is the time commitment for a donation?

Assuming no complications, three months is a typical period of time to complete the entire process..

What if my Donor does not produce eggs even after being stimulated?

On occasion a Donor does not respond to the medication that is given to stimulate the ovaries. Typically a doctor will cancel the cycle if a Donor produces fewer than four good-sized follicles. In such an event the Donor will receive a $500.00 thank you gift in appreciation of you trying to assist you.

What is the amount of reimbursement offered to Donors?

Every case is unique and therefore reimbursement will vary from case to case. In addition to travel related expenses, a couple will pay up to $350 towards legal fees for an attorney to review a contract for the Egg Donor.