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Surrogate Mother Program - Summary of Services
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We evaluate Surrogates' and Intended Parents' answers to a broad range of questions designed to provide information relative to the physical, emotional, and reproductive history of each party, as well as the goals and desires of each individual with respect to surrogacy and/or egg donation. A telephonic interview and subsequent in-person interview follow.
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Prospective Parents are provided with as many profiles of appropriate candidates as they wish to see. If none of our available Surrogates meets the Prospective Parents' needs, we will place advertising (manner and location to be determined by BMI) to locate one who does, at no extra charge, upon registration. Once the Prospective Parents select a Surrogate, she will be provided with their profile. If the Surrogate expresses interest in talking with or meeting the couple, the agency's assigned Coordinator will make the necessary arrangements.
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The Baby Miracles Case Coordinator will arrange and attend either an in-person meeting or conference call between the Intended Parents and the Surrogate, depending upon the parties' location and desires. It is recommended that the parties meet at least twice before deciding to work together.
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Pre-Pregnancy Procedures Letter
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Once the Intended Parents and Surrogate agree to work together, a comprehensive letter setting forth the various steps from that point until pregnancy will be drafted and sent to each party.
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If the Surrogate has a health insurance policy, we will obtain a copy from the Surrogate and review it to determine whether it contains an exclusion for a surrogate pregnancy. If it does exclude surrogacy or if the Surrogate does not have health insurance, we will assist her in obtaining a policy that will cover a surrogate pregnancy and will requisition monthly premium payments from the escrow account to ensure continuity of coverage. The Case Coordinator will provide a copy of the Surrogate’s policy to the Intended Parents.
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Contract Between Intended Parents and Surrogate
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The Intended Parents and the Surrogate will be represented by their own independent legal counsel; experienced attorneys will be recommended to each party. The Case Coordinator will communicate the terms to Intended Parents' attorney who will draft the Contract, review a draft of the Contract to ensure it properly reflects the agreement of the parties, and discuss any proposed corrections or modifications with the attorneys.
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Fertility/Monitoring Clinic(s)
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If the Intended Parents are not already working with a fertility clinic, we will either recommend one we have worked with or locate a clinic in close proximity to where the parties live. If the Surrogate lives within a reasonable driving distance to the Intended Parents’ clinic, she will be seen at the same clinic. If not, we will locate a monitoring clinic for the Surrogate's screening and cycle coordination. The Case Coordinator will provide the clinic(s) with the contact information for the parties.
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Prior to the Intended Parents and their Surrogate entering into a Contract, the Surrogate will undergo medical screening to determine her suitability as a Surrogate. All parties will undergo blood testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
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Prior to the Recipients and the Egg Donor entering into a Contract, the Egg Donor will undergo a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist, including a personal interview and administration of a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), or other Prior to the Intended Parents and their Surrogate entering into a Contract, the Surrogate will undergo a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist, including a personal interview and administration of a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), or other written test, to ensure her suitability as a Surrogate. The fertility clinic may also require the Surrogate's husband/partner and/or the Intended Parents to undergo psychological screening as well. We will recommend or locate a psychologist, assist in appointment scheduling, communicate with the psychologist with respect to his or her findings, obtain the appropriate report and letter of clearance, and provide the clearance letter to the fertility clinic and a copy of the report to the Intended Parents.
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The Case Coordinator will arrange for a trust account with an independent, bonded escrow company to be opened and escrow instructions to be sent to the Intended Parents and Baby Miracles. The Case Coordinator will timely requisition payments of expenses as they become due throughout the surrogacy arrangement.
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Cycle Coordination; Communication
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The Case Coordinator will communicate with the fertility clinic(s) as to the cycle coordination and medication protocols of the parties, monitor the cycle progress, and facilitate communications between the Intended Parents, the Surrogate, and the clinic. The Cycle Coordinator will keep the Intended Parents apprised each step of the way.
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Although some clinics will provide fertility-related medications, most do not. There are a variety of pharmacies from which these medications can be obtained, including discount pharmacies in the U.S. and abroad. We can recommend pharmacies and assist in ordering the prescribed medications.
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If the Surrogate must travel to the Intended Parents for appointments, the Case Coordinator will assist in making travel arrangements, including travel by plane, car or train, hotel accommodations, and rental car.
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Whenever possible, the Case Coordinator will attend the Embryo Transfer, the ultrasound to detect fetal heartbeat, and the delivery as well as any other appointments, as requested. This is particularly important when the Intended Parents cannot be present or the Surrogate must undergo a stressful procedure.
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Baby Miracles offers a comprehensive Support Program to its Surrogates to ensure they have a wonderful surrogacy experience. Our Support Coordinator works closely with the Case Coordinator to ensure our Surrogates receive lots of support, including calls twice a month (more frequently, if needed) from the time they are matched and for several months after they deliver, monthly support group meetings, an ongoing internet listserve, a monthly newsletter to keep the surrogates informed, periodic brunches and special events for Surrogates and their families. We have found that when our Surrogates get to know each other, they develop friendships and have a more enjoyable experience.
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Post-Pregnancy Confirmation Letter
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Once the Surrogate is confirmed pregnant, the parties will be sent a letter setting for the process from pregnancy confirmation through delivery.
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Moral and Emotional Support
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The Case Coordinator will provide ongoing moral and emotional support and assistance to all parties throughout their surrogacy or egg donation experience. As in all relationships, disagreements and misunderstandings can occur, oftentimes resulting in hurt feelings and mistrust. The Coordinator will assist in the resolution of any issues that arise, thereby preserving a good relationship between the Intended Parents and their Surrogate.
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Judgment of Maternity and Paternity
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At the proper time, we will contact the attorney’s office to begin preparation of paperwork to establishing the legal relationship of the Intended Parents to the baby. Once the Judgment of Maternity and Paternity has been obtained, the Case Coordinator will ensure the proper hospital personnel receive the Judgment.
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Pre-Delivery Letter; Birth Plans; Hospital Notification
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At the appropriate time, the Intended Parents and their Surrogate will be sent a letter of instruction which will include Birth Plans for them to complete with regard to their desires relating to the delivery experience, care of the baby, etc. The Birth Plans will be returned to the Case Coordinator, who will provide each party’s Plan to the other. The Case Coordinator will also send a letter to the social worker at the hospital where the delivery will take place to inform them of the nature of the delivery, provide them with the Intended Parents’ identifying information, and a copy of the Birth Plans.
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