Navigating the Emotional Journey of Surrogacy - 8 min read
Understanding the Journey Surrogacy is inherently challenging. It demands considerable effort, financial investment, time, and patience. You may find yourself in the role of a passenger for much of this journey, which can be frustrating. There will be ups and downs in this process, and knowing how to regulate your system can go a long way towards a successful experience for you and your loved…
read moreThe Emotional Impact of Choosing Donor Conception - 6 min read
Key points Grief over losing your genetics is personal and normal.You can grieve over the loss of using your genetics and love your child.It can take time to adjust to the idea of using donor conception to have a child.You will be your child's parent, and will love your child. For many people undergoing fertility treatments, comments like, "Why don’t you just adopt?" or "You…
read moreFinding the perfect clinic at the start of your surrogacy or egg donation journey stands as one of the most significant decisions intended parents face, especially if you are facing an international journey. The list of questions proposed below is designed to guide intended parents during consultations with potential clinics. These inquiries span a range of critical topics, including costs, protocols for external donors, laboratory…
read more3 Essential Tips for Intended Parents on How to Choose Your Ideal Surrogate - 3 min read
Surrogacy presents a unique opportunity for individuals and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood. Expecting.AI stands at the forefront of providing expert guidance in this realm. By blending human empathy, professional know-how, and cutting-edge AI and digital tools, Expecting.AI demystifies the complexities involved in surrogacy, sperm, and egg donation. How to Determine the Right Surrogate for You 1. Health: The Foremost Priority The health…
read more10 Questions Intended Parents Should Ask Their Surrogate in the Match Call - 6 min read
Choosing the right surrogate for you can be an overwhelming process. Some intended parents make this decision easily, while others need more time to review profiles. If you are wondering how to find the right surrogate, this article is for you. When you are in the process of choosing a surrogate, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration: her health, her location,…
read morePope Francis’ Call for a Global Surrogacy Ban: A Different Perspective - 3 min read
Earlier this week, Pope Francis made headlines by calling for a worldwide ban on surrogacy, labeling it 'deplorable' and equating it to human trafficking, while expressing concerns over the exploitation of women who serve as surrogates. While the Pope's stance has ignited a passionate debate, we at Expecting.ai believe it's essential to provide a different perspective on surrogacy. The Reality of Surrogacy Surrogacy is a…
read moreKey Legal Considerations When Reviewing Surrogacy Agency Contracts - 3 min read
When contemplating surrogacy as an option, Intended parents face the choice between utilizing a surrogacy agency or navigating an independent journey. Each option carries distinct advantages and considerations, with the decision hinging on specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Some prioritize the expertise and support offered by agencies. When opting for an agency, a critical review is necessary when presented with a surrogacy agency agreement. This agreement, a legally…
read moreAs surrogacy compensation and agency fees in the US rise, with compensation for first-time surrogates increasing from $25,000 to $40,000-$60,000 and higher since COVID-19, more intended parents are looking for affordable alternatives. A new Supreme Court decision in 2021 has made surrogacy in Mexico an affordable and legal option for ALL family types, including married, single, gay, straight, and international intended parents. In this article,…
read more10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Egg Donor - 5 min read
Choosing the right egg donor for you can be an overwhelming process. Some intended parents make this decision easily, while others need more time to review profiles. If you are wondering how to choose the right egg donor, this article is for you. When you are in the process of choosing an egg donor, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration, her…
read morePros and Cons of Using a Friend or Family Member as a Surrogate or Egg Donor - 6 min read
On the positive side, using a friend or family member can be more cost-efficient, allowing for lower compensation or even altruistic assistance. Additionally, maintaining genetic familiarity and preserving familial traits can offer a sense of continuity for future generations. Furthermore, the emotional bond shared with a loved one during this transformative experience can strengthen relationships and provide a valuable support system. However, there are potential…
read moreUnveiling the Screening Process for an Egg Donor: Ensuring the Perfect Match - 4 min read
Through comprehensive evaluations, clinics and agencies ensure the health, genetic compatibility, and emotional well-being of the donor. The screening process aims to create successful matches, instilling confidence in intended parents as they embark on their path to parenthood. By prioritizing thorough screening, clinics and agencies uphold the highest standards of care, resulting in positive outcomes for both the egg donor and the intended parents. Selecting…
read moreLet us take a step back and review the science: A woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever have (1-2 million at birth). The number of eggs is finite. Unlike other cells in our body, our egg cells don't regenerate and turn over such as our red blood cells & skin cells. Females are not capable of making new eggs and…
read moreFor couples or individuals who are struggling to conceive a child, egg donation can be a life-changing option. However, finding the right egg donation agency can be a challenging and emotional journey. Exquisite Egg Donors was founded to provide intended parents with a unique benefit: the ability to choose their ideal egg donor regardless of where she lives. Unlike most agencies that handle local egg…
read moreHow To Choose Your Providers In An International Egg Donation Journey - 4 min read
Egg donation is a popular option for many international intended parents, but it can be overwhelming to choose the right partners for the process. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help intended parents make informed decisions and choose the right egg donor, egg donation agency, location, and clinic to ensure a successful egg donation process. The success of the journey depends on the right…
read moreThe Role of a Surrogacy Agency - 3 min read
When you are looking to start a family or become a surrogate, working with a surrogacy agency can be very helpful. However, it is important to understand the role of the agency and the services they provide. What Services Do Agencies Provide? Agencies offer different types of services. Here are some of the basic ones. Matching services - helping parents find surrogates that meet their…
read more10 Questions Intended Parents Should Ask a Surrogacy Agency Before Making a Decision - 5 min read
When it comes to surrogacy, finding the right agency can make all the difference. As intended parents, it's important to ensure that the agency you choose aligns with your values and can provide the support and resources you need throughout the surrogacy journey. Before making a decision, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that you find the best fit for you and…
read moreThe Importance of a Genetic Family Tree in Egg Donation - 2 min read
Knowing one's family genetic history is important for egg donation because it can reveal potential genetic disorders or diseases that may be passed on to any child conceived using the donated eggs. This information can be used to ensure the safety and well-being of the child, as well as to inform the intended parents of any potential genetic risks. During the screening process for egg…
read moreSurrogacy: What Does The Process Look Like? By Allie Weinstein - 7 min read
As a fertility attorney, I’m typically the last person my clients come to in their long, emotionally wrought path to parenthood. By the time they are in my office (or zoom room, these days), they have been through war: egg retrievals, failed transfers, miscarriages, and other traumas. Ultimately, they have made the decision to use donor gametes and/or a surrogate and need my legal counsel. …
read moreSurrogate Mother Requirements And Qualifications - 5 min read
Whether you’re an intended parent looking for a surrogate or a woman who wants to know how to become a surrogate - the following information will help you understand the screening process each potential surrogate is required to go through. What Are The Requirements To Becoming A Surrogate? Each screening process begins with an initial screening, which is basically a questionnaire that determines whether a…
read moreThe Different Types Of Surrogacy - 4 min read
Medically, there are two types of surrogacy - traditional and gestational, while the type of surrogacy is determined by two factors: 1. How the embryo is created, and 2. Whether the surrogate (carrier) is also the biological mother. However, technically, there are 3 more types of surrogacy available to intended parents. What Are The Different Types Of Surrogacy? 1. Traditional Surrogacy (TS) This type of…
read moreExperts Weigh-In On The Importance Of Genetics & Family Tree In Egg Donation - 6 min read
Expecting Answers spoke with 2 third-party reproduction experts about why intended parents should consider an egg donor’s family tree. “Choosing an egg donor can feel like a very emotional process and that’s very understandable, whether you're a single parent or a gay couple who need the egg donation to complete all the other pieces of the puzzle, or if you're a heterosexual couple that’s experiencing…
read moreFertility Expert: Save Time and Money By Gauging Egg Donor Potential - 6 min read
On our latest Expecting Answers episode, we spoke with Xiomara Hernandez, international liaison at the Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine and a highly experienced third party reproduction professional, to share with us some insider information on choosing the right donor. Here are her tips for intended parents, in her own words. Basically, choosing an egg donor is probably the most difficult decision. It’s also very…
read moreThe Legal Angle To Surrogacy: How To Avoid Crucial Mistakes - 6 min read
We interviewed Victoria Gelfand - a legal expert in the field of surrogacy law whose law firm also functions as a facilitator of surrogacy procedures for Israeli intended parents - to find out what advice she can give intended parents starting their surrogacy journey. Do you have any tips for intended parents who are looking for a surrogate, egg donor or fertility clinic and agency?…
read moreThe Legal Angle To Surrogacy: Intended Parents’ Rights And The Ethical Aspect - 6 min read
We interviewed Victoria Gelfand - a legal expert in the field of surrogacy law whose law firm also functions as a facilitator of surrogacy journeys - to find out what rights intended parents have after their child is born and what is her view on the ethical aspect of surrogacy. Tell me about the last step in the surrogacy journey - the birth. I know…
read moreThe Benefits of Using a Mental Health Professional in Surrogacy & Egg Donation - 5 min read
Therapists with an expertise in fertility provide three types of services that can help make the complex and challenging surrogacy journey run more smoothly. 1. Surrogate and egg donor screening The psychological screening’s purpose is to make sure you and your chosen surrogate or egg donor are indeed a good match, not only medically. If you are able to use an open donor (some clinics…
read moreWe asked Victoria Gelfand, a legal expert in the field of surrogacy law who’s law firm also functions as a fertility agency, to answer your questions about Covid, the surrogacy process and more: - How did Covid affect the surrogacy journey? - How did the pandemic affect the availability of qualified surrogates? - Are surrogates required to get vaccinated? - What’s the best way to…
read moreFertility Clinic Expert on How to Choose an Egg Donor, Money Saving Tips and More - 2 min read
Your questions answered: - How to choose an egg donor? - Why is a donor's family tree important? - When you choose a donor, when is it best to use a clinic and when an agency? - Open donation - is it right for me? - What's the best way to choose a provider for the surrogacy journey? - Are there ways to save on…
read moreA Legal Expert Weighs In On The Serious Risks Involved In Twin Surrogacy - 7 min read
We spoke with Victoria Gelfand, a legal expert in the field of surrogacy law based in Israel, who explained why she believes a twin pregnancy via surrogacy is not a good idea. Victoria, thank you so much for being here. We would really like to talk to you about the legal aspects, but it seems that the first thing that comes to mind of many…
read moreThe LGBTQ+ Surrogacy Journey – Your Questions Answered - 4 min read
For the most part, the surrogacy process for LGBTQ+ couples is no different than any other surrogacy process. Still, if you are an LGBTQ+ person or couple who are considering surrogacy, you may have some unique and specific questions about the process. Here, you can find some answers. Are there any extra tests or treatments LGBTQ+ intended parents need to undergo? All the tests are…
read moreHow To Choose the Right Egg Donor - 4 min read
There is no manual that tells you exactly how to select the right egg donor because the process of choosing and the choice itself are very individual. Still, there are some criteria you might want to consider when you choose an egg donor. 1. Similar physical appearance Many intended parents want to find a donor who shares some similar physical characteristics to themselves. Although you…
read moreWhere Are All The Surrogates? - 3 min read
The surrogacy market is exploding and more and more couples and individuals are using a surrogate to fulfil their dream of a family. This strong upward trend is driven by three powerful forces. First, the growing number of couples struggling with infertility (one in six in the world); second, celebrities using a surrogate to bring their child into the world, turning surrogacy into a popular…
read moreConsidering A Twin Surrogacy? Read This First - 5 min read
Here’s what you should know if you are thinking about a twin pregnancy via surrogacy. How Is Multiple Gestational Surrogacy Even Possible Generally speaking, there are two ways that make it possible to have twins during a surrogacy. Double embryo transfer. Before an embryo is transferred, the embryos are evaluated to make sure only the healthiest ones are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. If two…
read moreThe Egg Donation Process – From Start To Finish - 6 min read
For some, starting or growing a family comes easily, but for others it may take more time and effort, and might require the use of third party reproduction alternatives. One of these is egg donation - an assisted reproductive treatment utilized by women who do not have any viable eggs for whatever reason, as well as by gay or single men who want to start…
read moreThe Surrogacy Process Roadmap – Step By Step - 7 min read
Surrogacy is quite a long journey and if you’re considering it, it may be useful to know what to expect and understand the timeline. Although each surrogacy journey is different and its length depends on varying factors, the average process takes about 19-22 months. Here is a breakdown of the five steps that make up your journey to parenthood. Surrogacy is a method of assisted…
read moreGenerous Donors: Egg Donors and Surrogates - 3 min read
Egg donation and Surrogacy process are called the miraculous procedures to welcome a child in your family whether you are a couple facing infertility issues or you are a gay couple that wants to have a child. A third-party reproduction like this might sound impersonal. It’s anything but. The women who donate eggs or become a gestational carrier are sacrificing a part of themselves in…
read moreSurrogacy Financing & Loans - 3 min read
Hands down, gestational surrogacy is expensive. Fortunately, financial support is available to help couples start a family. Without further ado, let’s check out the financial aids available: Surrogate Health insurance Although most of the time you have to purchase a supplemental surrogate health insurance plan because health insurance doesn’t cover surrogate, it’s kind of financial support. This insurance covers the cost of surrogate pregnancy and…
read moreSurrogacy In The Time of COVID - 2 min read
The surrogates, egg donors, and intended parents have to adapt to the shifting regulations during the COVID era. If you are opting for gestational surrogacy, there is a risk of contracting the virus since the entire process involved visiting the clinic to donate the egg and then the embryo transfer procedure. It becomes pertinent to follow the Safety protocols to ensure that all parties involved…
read moreHow Much Does Surrogacy Cost and Where Can You Save? - 5 min read
Generally speaking, the cost of surrogacy can vary depending on the US state where it’s carried out, the parties involved, agency fees and other factors, but normally, the total cost can range between $120,000 and $180,000. The good news is that with advance planning and knowledge, surrogacy can be affordable. In addition, some costs might be tax deductible so it’s a good idea to consult…
read moreAn Egg Donation Cost Breakdown & Money Saving Tips - 5 min read
Before diving in to the cost breakdown of egg donation, let's understand first what is an egg donation and how it's being done. Egg donation is utilized by women who do not have any viable eggs for whatever reason, as well as gay or single men who want to start a family. During the egg donation process the egg donor administers hormone injections that stimulate…
read moreWith or Without an Agency – Which Surrogacy is Better? - 6 min read
The surrogacy journey is quite complex and has numerous legal, financial and medical aspects. Some people feel they can manage such a journey on their own, while most find it daunting and overwhelming. That’s exactly where the surrogacy agencies come in with their knowledge, experience and support systems. So how would you know whether using an agency is best for you? Here are all the…
read moreIntended Parent’s Guide - 5 min read
Expand Your Choices It may seem counterintuitive, but to effectively narrow down your choices, you should start by gathering as much information as possible about the partners and service providers you are looking for. It’s one of the principal reasons why we created Expecting: to provide Intended Parents with as much info and as many options as possible. The more data and information you have,…
read moreKey Questions to Ask Your Egg Donor Provider Before Choosing an Egg Donor Agency - 5 min read
The First Step: Where To Start Your Search For An Egg Donor When you begin your search for an egg donor, it’s very helpful to be well versed on all your available options for finding your donor. Here are your main options. Agencies. Agencies generally offer access to a database where you can explore their donor candidates in order to find the donor that’s right…
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