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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.
Does Circle Surrogacy do both gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy?
Circle Surrogacy primarily does gestational surrogacy. In rare cases we will do traditional surrogacy if we can find both a traditional surrogate mother and Intended Parents interest in working with her..
How do I apply with Circle Surrogacy to become a carrier in our program?
We have an online initial interest form (http://www.circlesurrogacy.com/surrogate.html). Fill that out to get started and you will be contacted within about 24 hours to let you know some next steps. You will need to fill out our detailed screening form and send in at least three pictures following the interest form.
Why should I choose working with an agency versus going independent?
Overall, to have a full service support and guidance throughout the entire process. Our intent is to ensure that all aspects of the surrogacy will be handled by our team from matching, to screening, to legal work, to social work support, and any other aspects that may arise.
If I have more questions, whom can I contact?
If have any other questions about gestational surrogacy or would like to receive a detailed gestational surrogate application form, please email Jennifer at JWeltman2@yahoo.com . Additionally, you may email our staff at john@circlesurrogacy.com.
What are the requirements for being a gestational carrier?
-be between the ages of 21-37 years of age
-must have given birth to a healthy child
-if have had miscarriage, must have had healthy births since
-BMI no higher than 30 (some clinics will allow up to 34) (http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/)
-live in a surrogate friendly state: We are very sorry but we can not accept gestational carriers who reside in Washington, Nebraska, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, or anywhere outside of the United States.
-must have support of family and friend
-no use of illegal drugs, cigarette use, or alcohol abuse
-no current use of anti depressants (must have ceased 6-12 months prior to applying and has to have been time limited use)
-no current use of Depo Provera or IUD (must be removed immediately and have two cycles before applying)
-having medical insurance is strongly suggested but will not disqualify you
I have had 3 pregnancies with no complications resulting in healthy babies, but my BMI is now on the higher side. Why is BMI so important?
BMI guidelines are set by the IVF clinics that we work with. For surrogate mothers whose BMI is 33-34 we do required a signed paper from your family doctor stating what your height and weight are for verification. The reason for this is not only health, but also to ensure that you will respond appropriately to the medications necessary for this process.
I am 40 years old. I just had a baby last year. Why can’t I be a surrogate mother?
Age limits are set by the IVF clinics that we work with. Because of fluctuating hormones after 37 years of age, the risk of health to you and the baby/ies, it was set to be no higher than 37 years of age. We have made rare exceptions to this, but only for woman who have been surrogate mothers recently and successfully.
I have had an abortion in the past. Will that disqualify me?
No. As long as you’ve had a healthy, full term pregnancy since, that is fine.
I needed Prozac after the birth of my last baby for post partum depression. Can I still be a surrogate mother?
Any kind of anti depressant use could disqualify you. You must have ceased using any medication for 6-12 months before applying. We will need the detailed records from the doctor who treated you, prescribed them and followed your treatment. We may also ask for a letter from that physician releasing you to become pregnant again.
My significant other doesn’t seem on board with me being a carrier. Can I still move forward?
We are sorry but we require that all surrogates and egg donors in our program have the full support of their husband or partner. If they are not married, they must have a support person in place that can help them out in the time of an emergency. That support is necessary to all surrogates in our program.
My tubes are tied. Can I still be a gestational carrier?
Absolutely.
If I have an STD can that make it not possible for me to be a carrier?
Some STDs will disqualify you. HIV and Hepatitis (or any others that could be communicated to a fetus/baby) would disqualify you whereas others, such as genital warts and genital herpes, would not disqualify you. Please note that if you are experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes close to delivery we would request that you have a c-section and follow the advice of your primary obstetrician.
I do not believe in selective reduction or abortion for any reason. Will I still be able to apply?
Yes. We do have couples who feel this way as well, however, it is less common and so may take a little longer to match you. Additionally, we can request that a lower number of embryos be transferred as to decrease the chances of multiples.
On the detailed screening form it asks for my social security number, why?
We need to conduct a criminal history and financial background check on any carrier who applies to our program and need your social security number to do so.
How do I know what fee is best for me to put on my screening form?
We have recommended limits. Typically our first time carriers receive 18-20,000 as their base fee. Second time carriers typically receive 25,000. Your social worker will discuss a suggested fee based off the norm of the agency if you are unsure. She will also talk with you about the added fees you will receive if you were to have multiples, need a c-section, travel allowance, maternity clothing, invasive procedures, transfer fee, signing bonus, monthly miscellaneous, etc.
I’ve submitted my detailed screening forms and pictures. What should I do next?
Once your form is reviewed, our staff will email you back requesting that you fax or mail in your OB records- from all pregnancies and deliveries. We’ll need your insurance benefits/exclusion booklet (the entire book) mailed or faxed to us as well. If you do not currently have maternity insurance, we will attempt to find you alternate insurance, or a self-pay plan with your OB can be arranged.
I have to do my phone screening with a social worker. What does that detail?
We have a fabulous team of social workers and one of them will speak to you in detail about the surrogacy process and what you should expect. You will have all your questions answered in regards to our program, an IVF cycle, the matching process, how we support you during the pregnancy, insurance issues, compensation, etc. During this screening you will be asked many questions about your support systems, your motivations for being a surrogate mother, etc. In addition, your husband/partner, if any, will be screened and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (“MMPI”) will be explained and sent to you. You will need to take the MMPI and have it reviewed as part of your screening.
Can I choose who I help?
Yes, we have all kinds of families who are looking for carriers. Married couples, single parents, same sex couples, domestic and foreign couples and singles, and people from all ages and ethnic backgrounds. We also have parents who would like to add to their families and others who are having a first child.
I would like to match as quickly as possible. Who is in need of gestational carriers more?
We generally have more same sex couples and singles looking for carriers than heterosexual couples or singles. As such, you may be able to match faster if you are open to working with a same sex couple or single or international couple or single. However, women from some states (such as Florida and Texas) can only be matched with heterosexual couples (or singles) and others only feel comfortable matching with heterosexual couples. We always have those couples available and can match you with them if you prefer.
Am I able to meet the family I might be matched with?
Yes. We encourage both parties to meet and make sure that each of you ‘click’. It is nice to be able to introduce your intended parents to your family and to make sure that everyone is comfortable moving forward. Occasionally, some of our international families cannot fly out for an initial meeting, but they will come to the transfer and meet you then.
What kind of contact should I expect during my surrogacy?
Whatever makes you comfortable is what you should expect. We ask all of our intended parents to be in touch at least once a week from the time they meet you until two months after the babies are born. Some people choose to have more frequent contact than this, especially around the time of the birth, however it is not required. Before you cycle and during the pregnancy, you can expect phone calls, emails, and maybe an occasional visit, particularly for OB appointments and ultrasounds. After you deliver, we encourage our surrogate mothers and families to remain in contact with emails, phone calls, pictures and letters or maybe an occasional visit, but ask everyone to do what makes them most comfortable.
I would love to work with an international family. When would they come for the birth?
We would suggest asking your OB as to the anticipated due date. As that date approaches you can continue to check with your OB to request that information. Our international couples and singles make every effort to be there for the delivery and often times are there early to support you. Our intended parents cannot ensure they will be on time for the arrival regardless of where they live, however most of our couples and singles to date have been able to make it in time.
Who pays for all the medical bills?
Your insurance company (or the one we find for you) should pay most of the bills related to your pregnancy and delivery. The family you choose to work with will pay for all IVF medical procedures, expenses, co-pays and deductibles related to your pregnancy.
How are my surrogacy payments dispersed?
It is divided up into equal installments over monthly payments once the confirmation of heartbeat is heard (around 6-8 weeks gestational) and is paid on the 1st of every month. If you are carrying multiples your multiples fee is also divided up and paid to you over the last five months. After 28 weeks it is considered a viable pregnancy and if you deliver before 40 weeks, then you are given a lump sum of the remaining balance. The remainder of the miscellaneous fees are distributed at various times throughout the pregnancy and will be discussed in your screening.
How much life insurance does the potential family pay for?
Our coordinator works to find you a 250,000 life insurance policy. The intended parents pay the premiums, however you are able to choose the beneficiaries.
Do I have pay for anything related to being a gestational carrier?
The family you match with will pay the fees outlined for you in your screening and agreed upon in the contract. This is not meant to be an out of pocket expense to you.
Does Circle Surrogacy give out 1099’s for gestational surrogates?
No we do not.
Do I have to travel?
Yes, you should plan to be available to travel for the transfer, which is typically a 4-7 day trip. You can be medically screened and monitored closer to home but would have to come to the overseeing IVF clinic for the transfer. At times the overseeing IVF clinic also requires you to travel for the initial screening. If you do have to travel then as well, it is typically a one or two day trip.
I have small children. Will the intended parents help with daycare cost?
Yes, you can ask for a daycare allowance or having your lost wages compensated so your children can be cared for while you are gone.
Who picks my OB or midwife?
You choose your caregiver, whether you would like to work with a midwife or an OB. We only ask that you choose the best caregiver for the surrogacy. In multiple-fetus pregnancies you may be asked to see a Perinatologist or high risk-OB.
Can I request that no more then 2 embryos be transferred?
Yes. Your social worker will discuss with you your comfort level in carrying multiples. You can request this when you speak to our social worker at the time of your screening.
What medications are used when being a gestational carrier?
Typically prenatal vitamins, birth control pills, Lupron, Estrogen, and Progesterone. Every clinic is different and some medications are known by different names but serve the same purpose. Most must be administered as injections and the needles vary in size depending on which medication.
Do you know of any websites that I can research the medications?
www.seronousa.com (drug company website)
www.organon.com (drug company website)
Does a surrogate have to be on bed rest after the transfer?
Guidelines vary from one IVF clinic to another, however they do typically require some type of modified bed rest for 24-36 hours.
How long do you have to abstain from sexual intercourse when being a gestational carrier?
Typically, ten days before a transfer and ten days after a transfer would take place. The IVF clinics will give you specifics according to your protocol.
Will my pregnancy be any different from my other pregnancies because I am not related to the baby/ies?
No. It should not be experienced physically as any different then what is considered a ‘normal’ pregnancy. You may experience morning sickness, headaches, swollen feet and hands as you would a ‘normal’ pregnancy. If you become pregnant with multiples and have not had them in the past, then you may experience some differences. Your agency, clinic, social worker and OB will be there to answer any questions and support you in this process.
Will the medications have an emotional affect on me?
You may experience symptoms as you would during your monthly cycle, such as mood swings. When pregnant, your hormones will be changing and therefore you may experience changes in mood, as you may during a ‘normal’ pregnancy.
My blood type is AB+. What if the family I work with has two different blood types then me?
That is okay and will not be of concern. The placenta prevents the blood types from mixing and causing harm to you and the baby/ies.
How do the parents get their names on the birth certificate?
The law varies from state to state so it will depend on where you live as well as where your intended parents are from. The attorneys in our program take this into account when matching you with your intended parents to be sure all legal work can be accomplished. Sometimes this is done by a pre-birth order, sometimes by virtue of a single, step or second parent adoption.
Who chooses the attorney to review contracts with myself and my husband?
We recommend attorneys to you that we have worked in with the past and have good relationships with. We do this because we want to be sure that the attorney is familiar with surrogacy law as well as accepting a flat fee for services. That said, you are free to find an attorney you feel comfortable with.
Do the parents have wills in place before beginning a surrogacy?
Yes. This legal aspect is taken care of before we proceed with a transfer.
What happens if the baby/ies die before full term? Who gets custody and takes care of the details?
The intended parents.
Have your ever had any family change their minds and not take the baby/ies?
No. Never. (Knock on wood!)
What happens if the family gets divorced? Who gets the child/ren?
We screen our intended parents as well to make an assessment of the stability in their relationship. If a divorce should occur, you would NOT have to assume care of the child. Custody would be worked out between the intended parents.
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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