Gestational Surrogacy in Los Angeles
Making the decision to seek alternate methods of starting a family can be a difficult first step. One option couples may turn to is a gestational surrogate. At Reproductive Fertility Center, our priority is to help our patients fully understand their options while providing the best possible care.
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Schedule an AppointmentWhat Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is when a woman (surrogate) carries a baby for another person or couple, who will be the child’s legal parent(s). Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is inseminated and genetically related to the baby, is no longer used.
At Reproductive Fertility Center, we use gestational surrogacy, which involves transferring an embryo (usually a frozen embryo) into the uterus of the surrogate. The implanted embryo is created from the DNA of the intended parent(s) or an egg and/or sperm donor.
Our priority is helping our patients fully understand their surrogacy options while providing the best possible care.
Reasons to Choose Surrogate Pregnancy
Unsuccessful In Vitro Fertilization
If pregnancy has not been achieved after multiple in vitro fertilization treatments, it may be time to consider a gestational surrogate.
Previous Hysterectomy
In some cases, an intended mother may be unable to become pregnant because she previously had a hysterectomy. This procedure removes the uterus, and it may be done for a number of reasons.
Health Risks to Intended Mother or Baby
Sometimes, a woman’s uterus or body may not be healthy enough for pregnancy. Certain medical conditions may endanger their health, the baby’s health, and even their lives.
Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex male or female couples who wish to become parents but cannot or prefer not to carry a child themselves can start their family with the help of a gestational surrogate.
How Does Surrogacy Work?
What Are My Gestational Surrogacy Options?
Gestational Surrogacy With the Intended Parents’ Sperm and Egg
The intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm can be used to create an embryo that is the product of their combined DNA. This process will allow the prospective parents to have a child that is biologically theirs.
This involves egg retrieval from the mother and sperm collection from the father. After fertilization, the embryo is transferred into the uterus of the gestational surrogate.
Gestational Surrogacy Using an Egg Donor
Women without viable eggs or who don’t want to use their eggs for any reason may choose gestational surrogacy using an egg donor. Single men and same-sex male couples using a gestational surrogate also often use an egg donor.
We have our own egg donor bank, and if you are not finding a match, we also can help find the right egg donation agency. Read our blog for more information on how to find a suitable egg donor.
The donated eggs can be fertilized using the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. The resulting embryo is transferred to the gestational surrogate.
Gestational Surrogacy Using a Sperm Donor
Intended fathers who don’t have viable sperm or don’t want to use their own sperm may use donor sperm from a sperm bank. Single women and same-sex female couples using a gestational surrogate also often use a sperm donor.
Read our blog for more information on how to find a suitable sperm donor.
The donated sperm are used to fertilize the intended mother’s eggs or donor eggs. The embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the gestational surrogate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if gestational surrogacy is right for me as a prospective parent?
Our team will listen to your desires, provide you with information, and answer any of your questions to help you decide on the best options for your family needs.
Do same-sex couples often seek a gestational surrogate?
Yes, same-sex male couples longing to become parents quite often choose to use a gestational surrogate. Same-sex female couples sometimes seek a surrogate after unsuccessful artificial insemination or IVF treatments.
How much does a surrogate cost?
Surrogate mothers receive significant compensation for their time, living expenses while pregnant, and other concerns. The average cost of surrogacy is discussed before meeting your potential surrogate. Final compensation is addressed while drafting the legal contract between you and your surrogate.
Is gestational surrogacy legal in California?
Yes. Surrogate pregnancy using IVF is legal in California. We work with a team of lawyers who specialize in reproductive rights to ensure you and your surrogate’s rights and responsibilities are protected and defined.
What is the screening process for a surrogate?
Gestational surrogates go through a rigorous screening process, including medical and psychological evaluations. Gestational surrogates must be healthy, have had at least one issue-free pregnancy and delivery, live a healthy lifestyle, and be willing to commit a year of their life to this process.
Is IVF surrogacy possible with both a sperm donor and an egg donor?
Yes, thanks to innovative fertility techniques available, patients can still have a child if they don’t have viable eggs (ova or oocytes) or sperm (spermatozoa). Intended parents who thought it would be impossible to experience the birth of their child are now able to be involved with the pregnancy and delivery experience through gestational surrogacy with a sperm donor and egg donor.
What’s the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy?
Traditional surrogacy involves artificial insemination of the surrogate mother, meaning her egg is fertilized and she is the baby’s biological mother.
With gestational surrogacy, the woman carrying the child is known as a gestational carrier and is not biologically related to the child. This means the egg and sperm used to create the embryo are from the intended parents or donors.
Our clinic only does gestational surrogacy; like most other clinics, we do not offer traditional surrogacy.
How do I become a surrogate mother?
There is further information available if you want to learn more about being a surrogate in Southern California. You can see the steps to become a surrogate here.
