tomer and elinor, twins born to a gay couple in our surrogacy program

Medical Procedures
Glossary of Terms:

Assisted Reproductive Technologies:  The reproductive procedures performed at fertility clinics where sperm and eggs are retrieved and then combined to form embryos. Includes treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Embryo – The early stages of fetal growth from conception through the eighth week of pregnancy.  The embryo is formed by the fertilization of the retrieved eggs with sperm.

In vitro fertilization (IVF):  The oldest and most commonly used assisted reproductive technology, which is a four-stage procedure that involves stimulation of the ovaries of the egg donor or intended mother with hormone medications, retrieval of the resulting eggs, also know as oocytes, insemination with sperm in the laboratory to form embryos, and transfer of the embryos after several days of maturation to the intended mother or carrier. IVF is an outpatient procedure where the woman is given light sedation.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – An assisted reproductive technique used by fertility specialists if there is a male fertility problem.

Ovulation induction --The process of stimulating, through fertility medications, a woman’s ovaries to produce more than the normally ovulated one egg per cycle.  Production of more than one eggs increases the potential number of embryos that can created for implantation and conception.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – A genetic analysis of embryos to help determine that most viable ones to use during the embryo transfer.

Medical FAQ and numerous publications can be found on the website of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine:

 

Disclaimer:  All medical procedures and orders are performed and prescribed by the physicians of the fertility clinics with which we have established and successful relationships. The information contained in this Web site is not meant to provide or substitute for medical advice.  Any specific medical questions should be directed to the appropriate medical specialist.

 
Home >> Become a Surrogate /Donor >> FAQ >> FAQ for Husbands/Partners

 
Questions Frequently Asked by:
Gestational Carrier's husband /partner

 

 
Other FAQ sections 
FAQ for Surrogates 
FAQ for Husbands/Partners 
FAQ for Egg Donors 

 
 

General and Contacts

What do we tell our family and friends about my wife’s/partner’s pregnancy?

Please be as honest as your comfort allows.  Obviously this will change from person to person, but we encourage you to be as honest as possible, especially given that you will be in constant contact with the intended parents and want everyone to be comfortable with the process.  There is always the possibility you may come across certain individuals who may not support surrogacy and we understand this and can help guide you through individual scenarios.

What do we tell our kids about my wife’s/partner’s pregnancy?

We encourage honesty at an age appropriate level.  Younger children may just need to know that their mommy is carrying a baby in her tummy because the intended parent(s) cannot. Others may have more detailed questions about the process and what kind of future contact may or may not occur.  Feel free to talk to the social worker about this as well for more specific examples.  

I have more questions, whom do I contact?

If you have any other questions about gestational surrogacy email Jennifer at JWeltman2@yahoo.com.  Additionally, you may email our staff at john@circlesurrogacy.com.  

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Medical

What kinds of tests are done on the couples/singles?

The IVF clinics perform extensive STD, and medical testing and our social workers screen for emotional and psychological health on all people involved in this process.

Why should I get medically screened if my wife/partner is being a carrier?

There are some STDs that can be transmitted between partners.  We don’t want the baby to catch an STD while the surrogate is pregnant.  We also want to be sure there is no drug use to promote a safe and healthy environment for the developing fetus.

How long will my wife have to be away for her transfer or testing?

We tell our surrogates to plan on a 4-7 day trip.  This will depend on when the egg donor has her retrieval as well as whether the IVF center decides to implant the embryos on the 3rd day or 5th day based on embryo quality.

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Matching

If we agree to work with a family do we get to meet them first?

Yes. We encourage it.

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Expenses

I am worried my wife won’t be able to take care of our family and house if she’s put on bed rest.  Will we be compensated for day care and house keeping?

Yes.  Reasonable reimbursements will be addressed during the contract phase in regards to all financial issues.  

Why do you use our medical insurance and not buy another policy for just my wife/partner?

Most insurance companies will not provide another policy if one policy is in place.  However if your insurance has a surrogacy exclusions then we will find your wife/partner an alternative policy or coverage that the intended parent(s) will pay for.

What expenses are NOT covered?

There should not be any uncovered expenses.  Medical, legal, travel and any miscellaneous expenses that are related to the surrogacy/pregnancy should be covered.  You will outline specifics in your contract agreement.

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Legal

What happens if the family we help changes their minds?

We have never had that happen.  However, if it were to occur, the legal contracts and surrogacy case law that exists to date should protect you and make the intended parents legally responsible for the children.  

If after my wife/partner becomes pregnant our insurance company says they are not paying for the pregnancy or any related expenses, what should we do?

Contact us immediately.  We have dealt extensively with insurance carriers and will work to protect you and your rights.

I would like to review the contract with an attorney.  Who pays for our attorney expenses?

The intended parents you are matched with will pay the legal fees.      

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About Circle Surrogacy

Since 1995, Circle Surrogacy has helped bring to the world over 225 babies, with unmatched success rates of close to 100% in clients becoming parents through egg donor surrogacy. Its dedicated staff of professionals is made up of lawyers, social workers, parents through surrogacy, surrogates and past clients. Circle Surrogacy provides a choice of specialized clinics at locations throughout the country, a large selection of egg donors, swift matching with carefully screened surrogates, and a variety of flexible programs and financial options to suit its clients’ unique family choices.

John Weltman, owner, founder is a Yale graduate and a nationally recognized expert in the field of reproductive law, including surrogacy and gay parenting.

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