What is the Gestational Surrogacy procedure?
STEP 1: APPLICATION
After speaking with Nancy at The Center for Egg Options to do your phone consultation, we will have you fill in and send the application to The Center for Egg Options with at least 5 current pictures of you and your family.
STEP 2: PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
You and your husband/partner will meet with our PHD Psychologist to have an in-depth consultation regarding the entire surrogacy process. You will also be asked to complete a personality questionnaire called an MMPI-2.
STEP 3: MATCHING PROCESS
You will be introduced to prospective Intended Parents that are interested in working with you. The first meeting is via phone conference call with The Center for Egg Options' Director Nancy Block and the intended parents. The next meeting would be in-person with the couple and Nancy at The Center for Egg Options, as long as location allows.
STEP 4: MEDICAL TESTING
You will meet with your Intended Parents' physician for a consult, blood and lab work and a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the thickness of your uterine lining.
STEP 5: INSURANCE REVIEW
Your Attorney and our Insurance Review Consultants will evaluate your maternity insurance to make certain there are no "exclusions" for Gestational Surrogacy.
STEP 6: FERTILITY TREATMENT
The fertility treatment may vary slightly between physicians but it usually includes ovulation suppression with oral contraceptive pills and Lupron®. Your uterine lining will become thick with the help of the estrogen and progesterone supplementation.
STEP 7: EMBRYO TRANSFER
At the time of your transfer, you will continue to take a regimen of hormone treatments until there have been blood tests and ultrasounds to confirm a healthy pregnancy. The number of embryos transferred is pre-determined by you and the couple you work with, as well as the physician and embryologist.
STEP 8: PREGNANCY
Your pregnancy will be monitored closely by your Fertility specific physician until you are released to your Obstetrician for the remainder of the pregnancy.
STEP 9: LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS
If you are delivering in Illinois, the State Laws are very Surrogacy friendly. You will NOT need to attend any court hearings for adoption proceedings. All necessary legal paperwork will be filled out by the attorneys during the 20th week of pregnancy. If you are not delivering in Illinois, laws vary between States, and The Center for Egg Options will be happy to give you specific information for your State.
STEP 10: BIRTH
All of our Surrogates understand and agree with the fact that the Parents are welcome in the delivery room. Strategic placement of the parents can be achieved so as not to cause embarrassment to you while delivering. The decision is up to you.
