Step 1 - Initiating the Process
Contacting our office is the first step toward finding a
surrogate. During this initial consult, we will gather basic information and ask
questions that will allow us to help you reach your dreams.
Regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, each family
will receive the same exceptional service and assistance.
During this consult, we will set up a user id and password to our
Surrogate/Gestational Carrier Database.
Step 2 - Selecting a Surrogate
Families will be able to search thru our database by the following criterion: Gestational Carrier or Traditional Surrogate, Area of the Country, and Compensation Range.
All of our surrogates have had passed a criminal background check, MMPI test, and psychological interview before being added to our database. If the
surrogate has just applied to our company, we may be in the process of completing the initial screening.
Once a family has picked a surrogate, the family can request a phone conference call with the surrogate. At this time, the family can ask any additional questions they may have. Sometimes completing a conference call with two potential surrogates helps make an easier decision.
Due to the insurance industry regulations changing daily, pregnancy
related to surrogacy may not be covered under the Surrogate's medical insurance
policy. Families should consult with their attorney. A Lloyd's of London policy can
be purchased thru New Life Agency at www.newlifeagency.com or 877.952.5433.
Once a family has selected their surrogate, the family may request an in person interview with the surrogate and her family. This face-to-face meeting will give all parties involved a chance to meet and feel comfortable with each other. When the meeting is scheduled, the family will complete and authorize a Letter of Agreement before any travel arrangements are made.
Once a family has chosen their surrogate, part of the agency fee
is due to Reproductive Assistance Inc., $3,500. Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
Discover, cashiers check, and money orders are accepted. All credit card transactions
will be charged an additional fee. (The total fee for a surrogate
is $9,000.) At this time, the attorney agreement will be mailed to the Recipient
family, authorized, and returned back to Reproductive Assistance Inc.
Step 3 - Screening the Surrogate and Legal Process
Reproductive Assistance Inc. is not a medical facility and does not
do any physical screening. Your surrogate will be scheduled for all her screening
appointments through your physician group. If the physician approves the
surrogate, she will begin the necessary medication. The physician group will
coordinate the medication for all parties involved including the surrogate. If the
physician determines that the surrogate is not a viable carrier, then Reproductive
Assistance Inc. will allow the family to select another surrogate from the database
at no charge.
Once the surrogate has completed the necessary screening and
testing or 90 days has passed from the family selecting the surrogate, the second
portion of the agency fee is due, $3,500.
If a family terminates an agreement after their selection, $500
of the full fee will be returned after a release is authorized.
The Intended Parents will also arrange for their own legal
representation including drafting the appropriate agreements and providing the
necessary legal counsel. Surrogates are also represented by a separate legal
counsel to assure that she fully understands her rights and obligations of her
agreement
Step 4 - Having a Baby
After the embryos are transferred to the surrogate or carrier, the
physician will perform an ultrasound to confirm the heartbeat. Upon successful
heartbeat, the last part of the agency fee, $2,000, is due to RAI. If the the family used an egg donor with RAI, RAI shall give the family a $500 discount making the last payment $1,500.
After the surrogate is pregnant, the Recipient couple usually
stays in contact with the surrogate at least once every few weeks throughout the
pregnancy. Our goal is for the couple to be involved as much as they want in their
pregnancy. This is your child and we feel that you have a right to be involved and
have all your questions answered.
Most couples are present for the birth of their child. Typically, a
baby will remain in the hospital for a day or two after the birth. Once the baby is
given a medical clearance to leave, the family will begin their life at home.