What it is: Also called “collaborative reproduction,” this category includes the use of donor egg, donor sperm, donor embryo, surrogates, or gestational carriers. Sometimes the third party is someone known to the intended parents, such as a friend or relative, and sometimes the arrangement is made between strangers through agencies, clinics, or attorneys.
How do you get started?
1. Know the laws in your state. Depending on what you need to do to start a family, seek advice from a reproductive law attorney. The attorney will consider the laws of where you live and where your surrogate or donor for example live
2. Determine whether you want to find your egg donor and/or surrogate independently or with the help of an agency.
• Currently, there are a number of surrogacy and egg donation programs that offer specialized services to couples/individuals considering assisted reproduction.
• Because there is little regulation in this field, it is very important for you to ascertain the type of services that these agencies will provide you for your money.
3. Determine Costs
• Be certain that you are aware of the costs associated with the program you have selected.
• There may be overlooked costs for additional cycles, lost wages, travel, child care, and unforeseen medical complications or consequences that are not spelled out in detail.
4. Informed Consent
• Have your doctor explain to you and your surrogate /donor the medical procedures and risks involved with your particular treatment.
5. Involve a psychologist every step of the way to help guide you through this emotional process. Talking to a psychologist will also help you in talking to your children about how they belong to you down to their core even though the seed may have come from someone else.
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