Surrogacy is an advanced assisted reproduction process. There are two types of surrogacy – Traditional and Gestational.
With Traditional surrogacy, the surrogate contributes her own egg and is genetically related to the child she carries. Many couples, however, are not able to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to medical, biological, or other prohibitive reasons.
In these cases, Gestational surrogacy is employed (the Gestational surrogacy process is by far the most common). With Gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. She gives birth to the child on behalf of another individual or couple, usually referred to as the Intended Parents. An embryo is created through a technique called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which uses the Intended Parents’ or donor’s gametes that are medically transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
While every surrogacy is unique, there are a number of steps that are typically associated with the process. Arizona Miracles can consult, advise, and help coordinate each of these specific steps:
Initial Consultations The Intended Parents meet with an Arizona Miracles fertility specialist to discuss the best surrogacy option. After a thorough analysis of their unique situation and parenting goals, a recommended plan and timeline is created.
Surrogate Selection Arizona Miracles, along with the Intended Parents, begin the search for a qualified surrogate who meets a set of specific, predetermined criteria. The surrogate will undergo extensive medical and psychological screenings to assess both her physical appropriateness and personal commitment to the surrogacy process.
Legal Agreements Once the surrogate candidate meets all legal and ethical guidelines for surrogacy, and is approved by the Intended Parents, legal surrogacy agreements are drafted and finalized. Both parties’ legal representatives will create a detailed agreement outlining the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of each party, during and after the surrogacy process ends.
Donor Selection In some cases the Intended Parents cannot or choose not to be biological parents. This might be due to some genetic concerns or perhaps an LGTBQ couple who does not have a donor of the other gender. In such case, an additional search is performed to find sperm and/or egg donors who are suitable for the process, based on genetic and other factors.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Process The surrogate undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs which are fertilized by the Intended Father’s sperm or donor sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then cultured, monitored, and eventually transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
The Pregnancy Stage After a successful embryo transfer, the surrogate becomes pregnant with the Intended Parents’ child. Regular prenatal care is provided to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The Birth When the child is born, the Intended Parents immediately assume legal and financial responsibility for the child. At this time, any outstanding legal paperwork or state-specific filings are executed.
That is correct. Surrogacy remains a controversial subject in many states. Arizona’s legal stance on surrogacy can best be described as “neutral”. Intended Parents are free to make any agreement they want with surrogates, but these agreements have no legal standing. For example, the surrogate could walk away with the Intended Parent’s money or decide that she wants to keep the baby for herself.
To meet these legal challenges, Arizona Miracles arranges for specific parts of the process to occur out-of-state in locations that are far more surrogacy friendly (typically Nevada or California). As a result, Arizona Miracles guarantees complete legal protections and the avoidance of adoption issues for both Intended Parents and their surrogates.
Yes. While Intended parents can pursue surrogacy through a traditional agency, choosing to partner with an independent consultancy like Arizona Miracles has its advantages. With the independent consultant approach, the Intended Parents will typically save time, effort and emotional stress and find a qualified surrogate quicker.
Many qualified and available surrogates are not signed to one specific agency, which would limit their own options. A smaller group of surrogates to choose from can result in waiting lists and a longer process overall.
Yes!! Arizona Miracles is very familiar with the challenges faced by this community in its efforts to create families, often victimized by prejudice, ignorance, and hostile legal environments. In cases where same-sex couples desire to have a biological child, gestational surrogacy is a viable option, and one that Arizona Miracles specializes in.
The cost of surrogacy can vary significantly depending on several factors. Typical costs include legal fees, state requirement fees, surrogate insurance coverage, medical fees (IVF, prenatal care, medications, doctor visits, hospital charges, etc.), as well as any travel and accommodation costs.
The one definite thing we can say about surrogacy: it isn't cheap. If you're making this kind of financial commitment, you want to be certain it's done successfully and correctly. That's our specialty.
Arizona Miracles can work with you to identify the specific costs associated with your surrogacy process and create an overall budget that meets your needs.
Yes. Arizona Miracles constantly screens potential surrogates that may fit our clients’ needs. The process is extensive and confidential. For more information, please contact us.