Becoming an Intended Parent with New Mexico Surrogacy
You’ve decided that you’re going to grow your family through surrogacy. It’s not an easy journey to get to this point, but now that you’ve arrived it’s time to get some expert help. There are many players when you start the process of surrogacy, from doctors to lawyers to the carrier herself. All of the different things that need to be done can be overwhelming, and an agency can be your expert guide. Here’s everything you need to know about starting the process here at New Mexico Surrogacy (we’re so happy you’re here!):
1. Set up a free phone consultation
You’ve done your research, and you’re ready to ask more questions, like what can you get out of working with an agency, how much it is going to cost, and, most importantly, how to find that perfect match in a gestational carrier (GC). You’ll set up a time online to talk with one of our agency directors to get the scoop. It’s no-charge and obligation free, and we can’t wait to talk to you!
2. Sign the agency agreement
When you’ve decided that New Mexico Surrogacy is the right agency for you, we ask you to sign an agreement with our agency. Don’t worry – there’s no money until after you are actually matched with a great surrogate. We will also ask you to fill out a profile that will help us get to know you a bit better.
3. Get matched
We start working the minute you sign on with us to find the perfect match for you. We use information about your fertility clinic (if you have one already) and about your particular situation to suggest a match with one of our already screened (and amazing) surrogates. You’ll get to review the surrogate’s profile to see if you think she could be someone you’d be interested in matching with. We only show you profiles of surrogates who have already been through our extensive clearing process, and who meet your requirements (like insurance requirements, or personal preferences). If you’re interested in meeting her, we’ll set up a match meeting. We’ll be there to facilitate the meeting, and get everyone’s questions answered. After the meeting if you decide you want to match with the GC we suggested, we will move forward with next steps. If you still aren’t sure, we’ll keep working till we find the right one, though we usually get it right the first time!
4. The fertility clinic
If you already have a fertility clinic that you are working with, you know about the screenings you’ve already had to go through to get the IVF process started. Your fertility clinic will also want to thoroughly screen the surrogate you have chosen to match with. This happens before you sign a contract with your gestational carrier.
5. Surrogacy agreement
Bring out the lawyers! Both you and your GC will be represented by your own attorneys who will guide you through the process of creating a Gestational Carrier Agreement. If you want recommendations for attorneys who are experienced in assisted reproductive technology (ART) law, we’re happy to help you find someone qualified. We are also there to help you understand what to expect from the contract process.
6. IVF and embryo transfer
If you haven’t already gone through IVF, your fertility clinic will be getting you going down that path, whether with you own eggs/sperm or with donated eggs and sperm. Once you have created embryos, it’s time to get the GC ready for the embryo transfer. This means her medications will start that prepare her body to be in peak condition to receive the embryo. Many surrogates and fertility clinics will allow you to attend the embryo transfer – it can be a really exciting time!
7. Pregnancy
If all goes to plan, your GC should be pregnant! She’ll be monitored at your fertility clinic throughout most of the first trimester of pregnancy, and then she’ll be seen by her regular OB/GYN doctor for the rest of the pregnancy. GCs often love to share prenatal appointments with their intended parents, whether in person or over video chat, especially ultrasounds!
8. Pre-Birth Order
One final legal step that needs to happen while your GC is pregnant with your baby is the filing of the pre-birth order (PBO). Your attorney will prepare and file the form with the court on your behalf. The PBO is the document that grants you parental rights to your baby once she is born. The PBO is usually prepared in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and is filed before the baby is of viable age (around week 22 or so of pregnancy).
9. Birth!
As your surrogate nears her last weeks of pregnancy, we know you’ll be eagerly awaiting the call that she has gone into labor. Some intended parents, if they don’t live near their surrogate, plan to travel to the GC’s town and stay nearby while waiting for baby to make his arrival. Some intended parents leave as soon as they get the call that their carrier is in labor. Many GCs want to share the delivery with the intended parents and look forward to having you there to witness your baby’s birth and watch as you hold your little one for the first time. We’ll have coordinated with the hospital where your baby will be born and the doctors and staff will be aware of the surrogacy arrangement. But most wonderful, your baby will here!
We know it’s not an easy thing to decide that you want to expand your family through surrogacy, but we are so happy to be here to make the actual journey of surrogacy as easy and as familiar as possible. If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to set up your consult, please contact us at info@nmsurro.com
Photo by Jenna Norman on Unsplash