Testimonials

Surrogate Feature: Katie’s Twin Surrogacy Journey.

April 15, 2022

Current IVF trends have moved toward Single Embryo Transfer (SET). But some surrogate mothers are willing to allow transfer of two embryos, which increases the chance of a multiples pregnancy. Carrying twins during a surrogacy journey is an incredible way to help someone start their family or even help them complete it. We sat down (virtually) with Surrogate Katie. Katie  is in her second trimester of her second surrogacy journey and is currently pregnant with twins.

When did you first consider becoming a surrogate and why? and why did you decide to become a surrogate again?  I’m not sure how I first found out surrogacy was an option, but the seed was planted in my life when a dear friend of mine disclosed that she has always been told she wouldn’t be able to have children. At the time, we were freshmen in college, sitting in my dorm room pouring our hearts out after a late night of studying. After she told me that about herself, I immediately offered up my services! We even made a silly little “contract” that we both signed saying that if, in fact, she wasn’t able to carry a pregnancy, I would be her surrogate. Thankfully, she never had to revisit that contract and is actually expecting at this very moment. For me, though, it was that silly night of girls becoming friends that would have a far more profound influence on my future. After the wonderful experience with the first surrogacy and the uneventful pregnancies I am fortunate to have had in the past, I knew I wanted to be able to experience that at least one more time.

What is it like to carry twins as a surrogate?  Twins as a surrogate equates to a lot, and I mean a LOT, of appointments. Other than the added appointments, it’s a lot of fun. Prior to this I’ve never been pregnant with twins and I am thoroughly enjoying and learning the personalities of these two little ladies. My own children were large, around 9lbs for both my boys, so I honestly haven’t really felt all that different, at least so far! Things are growing a little faster than before, but still at a manageable pace. Sometimes I worry I’ve been a little disappointing to the Intended Parents because of the lack of drama with this pregnancy which makes me laugh. We will talk about pregnancy symptoms that are felt by most women and how those symptoms can be more exaggerated with twins, but I have been fortunate to have nothing more than a very brief bout of nausea that was easily remedied with a waffle in bed!

How was the decision made to transfer two embryos and possibly get pregnant with twins?  The two embryos that were transferred were the only embryos that qualified and one of the embryos had much less of a chance of making it than the other. Because of the increased chance that neither embryo would result in a successful pregnancy, the doctor, my husband and I, and the Intended Parents were faced with the option of transferring both and risk twins, or transfer one and risk an unsuccessful transfer. During my first pregnancy, we transferred two embryos that resulted in both taking but only one making it past eight weeks and then to birth. Because of that my husband and I had already had conversations regarding the what ifs of transferring 2 embryos. To me, the decision rested in the hands of the IPs. When they decided to proceed with both, that’s what we did!

How did your Intended Parent’s react when they found out you were pregnant with twins?   That is a funny story. Approximately five days after the embryo transfer, you have your serum (blood) HCG levels tested every couple of days to establish whether pregnancy was successful and if the embryos are progressing normally. With twins, HCG levels can be substantially higher than with singleton pregnancies. My levels, however, were indicative of a singleton pregnancy. When the IPs asked what I thought of the levels, I told them there is no way there is more than one baby in there! I was very confident in that and the pregnancy symptoms I was having were little to none. They received that information well and responded by saying that although they would love two babies, one would probably be easier to manage, especially the first time around. Fast forward to our six weeks ultrasound, the first ultrasound used to confirm the heartbeat, and wouldn’t you know it there are TWO heartbeats! The IPs maintained their composure very well at the appointment while I loudly and enthusiastically exclaimed “Holy s***, there’s two!” As to whether their freak-out moment came later on or not, I’m not sure, but they have adapted beautifully even through some stresses that occurred during our first trimester (but have fully resolved).

How has your pregnancy been carrying twins?   To the majority of women struggling with horrible nausea, fatigue, or any number of other pregnancy symptoms, close your ears and cover your eyes. This pregnancy has been incredible!  I don’t normally suffer much during normal pregnancies aside from being tired, slight nausea, and very sore other parts which is probably one of the reasons why I am so happy to carry for others. This pregnancy has been even easier! I didn’t feel nearly as tired in the beginning and, as I said earlier, I had about 3 mornings that I woke up with the tiniest bit of nausea that went away after my darling husband brought me a waffle or some toast in bed. That being said and now that I am well into the second trimester, my back will be a achy from time to time, I occasionally need a nap, sometimes my ankles get a little swollen after a long day, but to me those are just normal when growing another human or two.

What has been your favorite part of being a surrogate?   I often receive comments from people about just how selfless I am and how much they admire me for helping others fulfill their dream of starting a family, but I have to admit that there definitely is a selfish component to it. I enjoy being pregnant and I also enjoy giving birth, however usually what follows those two things is the responsibility of caring for and nurturing the life that has just entered the world. My husband and I have two boys, ages ten and four, and that is the extent of our family. We are thrilled with our boys, but we do not plan on having anymore children. Surrogacy not only fills my soul in the sense of seeing families become whole with the birth of their babies, but also fulfills my own desire to experience pregnancy and birth without the third step…and lack of sleep afterwards.

Do you have any advice to women considering becoming a surrogate and making a decision about transferring two embryos and possibly carrying twins?  To women considering becoming a surrogate, do your research, have the tough conversations with your partner or primary support person, have your support team established, and know just how freaking cool of a journey surrogacy is. If the decision is made to transfer two embryos, plan on both implanting. Pregnancy can require a lot of mental and emotional preparation, but pregnancy with multiples comes with far more risks and possibilities that make planning anything difficult. I have many coworkers and friends who will ask me questions about whether I plan on getting an epidural, having another unmedicated birth, having a vaginal delivery, or a cesarean section, or even if I think I will go into labor early. The only answer I have been able to respond with is “I don’t know.” I am currently perfecting the art of going with the flow while still trying to have the best interest of myself and the IPs. There are and will be a lot of unanswered questions that won’t have a resolution until it is already happening; however, the same could be said about any pregnancy. Good luck, have fun, and allow yourself to love in all sorts of different ways.

It is amazing to hear and share a surrogate’s unique experience.  It makes us even more grateful to be able to work with amazing women like Katie.

Are you interested in embarking on this journey to become a surrogate? Now is the best time to join our agency. We have families waiting for their surrogate! If you live in the Midwest, we are the surrogacy agency for you!  You can contact us at 913-469-5500 or at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com

 

 

 

Why Do People Use A Surrogate To Have A Baby?

April 1, 2022

Most people do not know much about surrogacy, or why people use surrogates to have a baby.  Unfortunately, much information about surrogacy that is “out there” in the news and media is not accurate or it is sensationalized to attract reader/viewers/ratings. If you or someone you know and care about is considering surrogacy to build their family, the following information will highlight the various reasons why people use surrogacy to have a baby.

There are numerous reasons why people use a surrogate to expand their family. Some couples opt for surrogacy when facing difficulties to conceive a child on their own. However, it’s not just couples struggling with infertility who decide to use a surrogate mother. Below are some of the many reasons people choose surrogacy:

Infertility: Infertility is the most common reason heterosexual couples consider surrogacy to complete their families.  Oftentimes multiple miscarriages lead people to utilize a surrogate mother to have a baby.  Sometimes unexplained infertility with multiple failed treatment attempts will lead people to surrogacy to build their family.

Medical Conditions: A woman may be advised to forgo pregnancy because of medical conditions such as heart disease, infectious diseases transmitted to babies via pregnancy, kidney failure, autoimmune disorders and other diagnoses that could make pregnancy or childbirth dangerous for either the mother, baby or both.  Some women may experience serious health issues in a prior pregnancy that make future pregnancies extremely risky.

Hysterectomy or Lack of Uterus: Women who have undergone a hysterectomy for medical reasons, or who were born without a uterus cannot carry a pregnancy may still be able to produce eggs for in vitro fertilization.   If they are not able to utilize their own eggs, these women will use donated eggs to create embryos.

Advanced Maternal Age: Women in their forties and older are often at a higher risk of pregnancy complications. For these patients, using a surrogate reduces risk of miscarriage or unsuccessful treatment to conceive.

Same-Sex Couples: Surrogacy can be the answer for same-sex couples who want to add a baby to their family. Gay surrogacy gives men the option to have a genetic connection to their child(ren), and also to be a part of the pregnancy throughout the entire journey.  Also, since the baby the surrogate is carrying is legally their child, there is no risk of a birth mother changing her mind as with famiy-building through adoption.

Single Individuals: Men who are single but want to pursue parenthood can choose a surrogate and an egg donor to become a father. Likewise, A single woman with an inability to conceive or carry a baby to full-term will require the help of a surrogate mother.

We have discussed the different reasons people use a surrogate, let’s discuss the types of surrogacy. The term surrogacy is general used to describe one of two types of surrogacy:

A gestational surrogate is not genetically connected to the child they carry in their uterus.  Gestational surrogates get pregnant when an embryo that was previously created through in vitro fertilization is transferred into her uterus.  The embryo is created with either intended mother’s egg or donor egg, and intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. Gestational surrogates are referred to as gestational carriers in the medical and legal fields of reproductive medicine.

A traditional surrogate both donates her own egg and carries a pregnancy for an individual or couple. The pregnancy is usually achieved through intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm from the intended father. Donor sperm may also be used.

At Pathways To Parenthood Surrogacy Agency we know every family has different needs, and we will take the time to understand your unique situation and individual desires to help you start your family. If you’re considering building your family through surrogacy, the team at Pathways To Parenthood can guide you through the process.

 

Become a Surrogate today: Your top 10 FAQs answered

March 11, 2022

If you’re thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate, it’s understandable to have questions – lots of questions. In this post, we will answer the top questions that many surrogate candidates ask as they make their decision to become a surrogate to help someone else start a family.

        1.  How long does it take to become a surrogate?

Now more than ever before, individuals and couples are looking for surrogate mothers to help make their dreams of parenthood come true. Our goal is to move through the surrogacy screening process as quickly as possible so we can get you matched with a family as quickly as possible. The screening process typically takes 3-4 weeks, but can be a bit quicker or longer depending on how quickly surrogate candidates can provide requested information.   Once the screening process is completed, the matching process begins immediately!

        2.  Are there any costs/expenses that I will be responsible for as the surrogate?

Questions about finances are some of the most important surrogacy questions to ask. Gestational surrogates are not responsible for any costs or expenses related to the surrogacy process. Intended Parents cover everything!

        3.  Do I have a say in who I get matched with?

A core part of the surrogate matching process is ensuring that the surrogate and the intended parents are a good fit – this means doing our best to respect your wishes and desires about who you would like to work with.  A match does not become official unless all parties involved are completely on board with moving forward in working together. There is never any pressure or incentive from the Pathways To Parenthood staff to work with a family that does not feel like the right fit for you.

        4.  What disqualifies me from being a surrogate?

Understanding the requirements for being a surrogate and why they are in place—is important. Personal, medical, and financial information are all needed to ensure someone is eligible to apply to become a surrogate.

Some of the qualifications to become a surrogate include:

• Being between ages 21 to 38
• Must be height and weight appropriate (BMI must be under 32)
• Must have had a proven healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery
• Living in a state with surrogacy-friendly laws
• Not being enrolled in government aid programs such as cash assistance, welfare, public housing, or section 8
• Avoiding the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes
• Must be in good health mentally and physically
• Ability to be truthful and transparent throughout the surrogacy process

        5.  Will I use my eggs as a surrogate?

No!  A gestational surrogate (gestational carrier) has no genetic connection to the baby they will carry for another family.  Embryos are created through in vitro fertilization and then transferred into the uterus of the surrogate candidate.

       6.  Do I use my own insurance?

If you have your own health insurance, your policy will be reviewed during the screening process to confirm maternity benefits, and to see if it covers your pregnancy as a surrogate.  If your policy has an exclusion for a surrogacy pregnancy, intended parents will purchase a policy that will cover your pregnancy as a surrogate.

        7.  Can I choose my OBGYN?

Yes. Unless there are complications in the pregnancy that require a specialist, you will work with your OB/GYN as if it were your own pregnancy.

        8.  What if the Intended Parent’s change their mind about working with me?

This is not a common occurrence!  If it were to happen, then you would be matched with a new family.

        9.  Can I be a surrogate more than once?

Usually yes! Experienced surrogates are highly desirable to intended parents as their previous experience provides them comfort and reassurance.  Experienced surrogates also earn higher overall compensation.

        10.  Will I have contact with my Intended Parents after the baby goes home?

This will depend on what you and the Intended Parents decide works best for them!  Most intended parents and surrogates do have some amount of contact after the baby is born.

We have many intended families waiting to be matched with a surrogate to grow their families! Amazing surrogates are needed now more than ever!  If you’ve decided to become a surrogate, or if you know other women considering surrogacy, now is an opportune time to join our agency. If you live in the Midwest, we are the surrogacy agency for you!  You can contact us at 913-469-5500 or at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com

Surrogacy By State: What you need to know

February 24, 2022

When building your family through surrogacy, a legal agreement is required between intended parents and the surrogate. This requirement is set forth by the fertility clinics providing the treatment as they will not provide treatment without a completed legal agreement.

There are many other reasons that a legal agreement is essential and necessary for surrogacy arrangements. One being that currently, there is no federal law in the US that governs surrogacy. That means it’s up to each individual state to decide how to handle surrogacy, and almost all of them have chosen a slightly different approach.

We put together this guide to help you better understand surrogacy laws by state, but please note that you should consult a qualified attorney who specializes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Law before proceeding with any surrogacy arrangement.

Alabama
There are no surrogacy laws in Alabama that prohibit the practice of surrogacy, and the courts are generally favorable towards the surrogacy process. Unmarried couples may have a harder time getting a pre-birth order.

Alaska
In Alaska, there are no statutes or published case law permitting or prohibiting surrogacy, so it is considered legal. With that said, pre-birth adoption orders have only been granted to married heterosexual couples using their own egg and sperm. In other cases, post-birth adoption orders have been the standard.

Arizona
In Arizona technically, gestational surrogacy is legal but under Arizona Revised Statute § 25-218, surrogacy contracts are statutorily unenforceable. Despite this, gestational surrogacy continues to be practiced in Arizona. Arkansas

Surrogacy is legal in Arkansas and is regulated by a series of state laws. Arkansas’ statute on surrogacy does not specifically cover gestational surrogacy, but it is allowed in Arkansas and practiced on a regular basis.

California

California is one of the friendliest states for surrogacy, with specific state statutes and case law to uphold surrogacy agreements. California courts regularly grant parentage orders regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or biological relationship.

Colorado

In Colorado as of 2021, they have surrogacy-supportive law codifying best practices. Colorado law permits single individuals and married or unmarried couples of any sexual orientation to become parents via surrogacy. Also, intended parents in Colorado do not need to be genetically related to their child in order to establish parental rights.

Connecticut

Connecticut state law permits gestational surrogacy. Intended Parents are legally permitted to enter into a gestational agreement with a surrogate,

Delaware

Delaware surrogacy laws are among the most well defined in the United States, regulated by the Gestational Carrier Agreement Act, making it relatively easy to become a surrogate or a parent through surrogacy.

Florida

Surrogacy in Florida has clear cut laws for gestational surrogacy making it relatively easy to become an Intended Parent. However, gestational surrogacy contracts will not be enforceable unless the Intended Parents are married and all parties to the contract are 18 years of age or older.

Georgia
In Georgia, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, gestational surrogacy is permitted because there are no laws which prohibit it. Hawaii courts do not grant pre-birth orders regarding parentage. Intended Parents wishing to be declared the legal parents of a child born of surrogacy, must do so after the child is born.

Idaho

In Idaho, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.  However, recent case law (June 2016) confirmed that a non-genetic parent will not be issued a post-birth parentage order, but instead must complete a post-birth adoption in order to be recognized as a legal parent.

Illinois

In Illinois, gestational surrogacy is permitted under the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act. It’s considered a surrogacy-friendly state that guides the process from contract formation, to qualification of the surrogate, and through the issuance of the birth certificate.

Indiana

Indiana Code 31-20-1-1 makes gestational surrogacy contracts void and unenforceable as against public policy.

Iowa

Iowa statutes permit gestational surrogacy and detail the specific steps that Vital Records must take in issuing birth certificates to children born to surrogates.

Kansas

In Kansas, gestational surrogacy isn’t governed by a state law, but it’s permitted because no law prevents it. Courts are known to regularly issue pre-birth orders to parents who are genetically related to the child.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, gestational surrogacy isn’t governed by a state law, but is permitted because no statute or case law prevents it. Courts are known to regularly issue pre-birth orders will usually be granted to Intended Parents who are married when at least one shares a genetic relationship with the child, and to single Intended Parents who are genetically related to the child.

Louisiana

Louisiana Surrogacy Bill HB 1102 (effective August 1, 2016) legalized gestational surrogacy arrangements but only in the limited instance where the Intended Parents are Louisiana residents and are a married heterosexual couple who are both genetically related to the child (neither a sperm or egg donor was used) and includes a no compensation requirement.

Maine

The Maine Parentage Act of 2016 legalized surrogacy in Maine and created important regulations and eligibility requirements for the process.

Maryland
Currently, there are no surrogacy laws in Maryland. However, in 2007, the Maryland Court of Appeals made a ruling that indirectly approved  of gestational surrogacy arrangements.

Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, gestational surrogacy is permitted based on the verdicts of several court cases.

Michigan

Michigan laws prohibit paid surrogacy, in which a woman is paid for carrying the child. Michigan law also states that all surrogacy contracts are unenforceable. However, courts may still grant pre-birth orders if no payment or compensation has been made to the surrogate by the Intended Parents.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

Mississippi
In Mississippi, there are no statutes or published case law specifically permitting or prohibiting surrogacy. However, Mississippi courts are prone to granting pre-birth orders, especially when at least one Intended Parent is genetically related to the child.

Missouri
In Missouri, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

Montana

In Montana, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

Nebraska
In Nebraska, R.R.S. Neb. 25-21, 200 declares surrogacy contracts to be void and unenforceable and that the biological father of a child born pursuant to such a contract shall have all the rights and obligations imposed by law with respect to such child. Thus, statute does allow surrogacy practice in limited scenarios.

Nevada
In Nevada, gestational surrogacy is permitted and is governed by Nevada Revised Statue (NRS) 126.500-126.810.  

New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, N.H.Rev.Stat.ann.168-B clearly permits gestational surrogacy; and pre-birth orders can readily be obtained by any Intended Parent, whether married or unmarried, a heterosexual or same-sex couple or individual, and even if neither Intended Parent is genetically related to the child.

New Jersey
In New Jersey, gestational surrogacy is practiced, broadly permitted by New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act. This legislation provides for enforceable gestational carrier agreements and pre-birth orders in New Jersey under certain conditions.

New Mexico
In New Mexico, gestational surrogacy agreements are neither permitted nor prohibited based on New Mexico Uniform Parentage Act.

New York

As of February 2021, compensated surrogacy is legal in New York. The state passed a comprehensive law regulating and protecting the rights of surrogates and intended parents. The Child Parent Security Law is one of the best in the nation, clearly outlining legal, medical, and parentage requirements.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

North Dakota
In North Dakota, Gestational Surrogacy is permitted by statute N.D. Cent. Code 14-18, which states that a child born to a gestational carrier is the child of the Intended Parents.

Ohio
In Ohio, gestational surrogacy is supported by J.F.v.D.B.,879N.E.2d740, in which the Ohio Supreme Court held that gestational carrier agreements are not prohibited by public policy.

Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Gestational Agreement Act, legalized gestational surrogacy. This Act provides for enforceable gestational carrier agreements and pre-birth orders under certain conditions.

Oregon
Gestational surrogacy is permitted in Oregon because no statute or published case law prohibits it. The only statutes regarding surrogacy in Oregon, outline who is (and is not) legally responsible for a child resulting from assisted reproduction. These statutes state that donors are not responsible for any children born from embryos created using their egg or sperm.

Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statute or published case law prohibits it.

South Carolina
In South Carolina, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statutes or case law prohibit it. There are published case law that suggests that surrogacy is valid. 

South Dakota
In South Dakota, gestational surrogacy is permitted because no statutes or case law prohibit it. The courts are generally favorable, and often will issue pre-birth orders. A bill to regulate gestational surrogacy has been introduced in the 2022 legislature.

Tennessee
Tenn. Code Ann. 36-1-102(48) neither permits nor prohibits surrogacy, but merely defines it. A pre-birth order is only possible when at least one of the intended parents shares a genetic connection with the child.

Texas
In Texas, gestational surrogacy is permitted by Tex.Fam.Code 160.751 through 160.763. It authorizes gestational surrogacy for married intended parents who follow the procedures specified in the statute, including having their Gestational Surrogate Agreement validated by a court before birth.

Utah

In Utah, gestational surrogacy is permitted. Utah Code Ann. § 78B-15-801 (2008) permits gestational surrogacy for married intended parents only.

Vermont
In Vermont, gestational surrogacy is permitted by the Vermont Parentage Act of 2018, effective July 1, 2018.

Virginia

In Virginia, gestational surrogacy is permitted under Virginia’s Status of Children of Assisted Conception Statute, but only to Intended Parents who meet the requirements. Intended parents may be a married couple or unmarried individual, the gestational carrier’s compensation is limited to medical and ancillary expenses, and the gestational carrier cannot relinquish parental rights until 72 hours post-birth.

Washington
As of January 1, 2019, compensated gestational surrogacy is legal as long as it complies with the respective statutory framework.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, gestational surrogacy is permitted by W.VA Code §61-2-14h(e)(3), which permits fees and expenses included in any agreement in which a woman agrees to become a surrogate mother.

Wisconsin

Gestational Surrogacy is permitted in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision Paternity of F.T.R., Rosecky v. Schissel, 2013 WI 66, 349 Wis. 2d, 833 N.W.2d 634. The court concluded that surrogacy contracts are enforceable unless contrary to the child’s best interest.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, WY Stat 14-2-403(d) neither permits nor prohibits surrogacy.  However, there is insufficient data to determine how a Wyoming court may rule on a parentage order or on what prospective intended parents may anticipate in their surrogacy process.  As a result, surrogacy is rare in Wyoming.

To fully understand the legal process for a surrogacy journey in your state, be sure you gather information from an attorney licensed in the state. Also be sure the attorney has experience and knowledge in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) law.

Visit our website at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com to get more information from the Surrogacy Experts about the surrogacy process.