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The complete Guide to US Surrogacy By Expecting.AI

Parents

The Complete Guide to the Surrogacy Journey in the US by Expecting.Ai - 135 min read

Introduction: Surrogacy Basics and Key Terms Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a courageous and hopeful step toward parenthood. Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproduction in which a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another individual or couple (the intended parents) who will become the child’s parent(s) after birth. In gestational surrogacy – the most common type today – the surrogate (often called…

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Parents

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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

Key Questions Intended Parents Should Ask Fertility Clinics: Navigating Egg Donation and Surrogacy - 3 min read

Finding 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…

Parents

3 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…

Parents

10 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,…

Parents

Pope 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…

Parents

Key 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…

Parents

Unlocking New Horizons: The Benefits of Surrogacy in Mexico for International Intended Parents - 4 min read

As 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,…

10 Potential Questions to Ask Your Egg Donor in the First Meeting

Parents

10 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…

Parents

Pros 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…

Parents

Unveiling 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…

Parents

Egg Freezing is on the rise: the questions we ask are “Why & How”? Answer: The Biological Clock - 5 min read

Let 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…

Parents

In the Spotlight: Exquisite Egg Donors. A Personalized and Transparent Approach to Egg Donation - 4 min read

For 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…

Parents

How 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

10 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

Surrogacy: 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. …

Parents

Surrogate 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

Experts 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…

Parents

Fertility 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…

Parents

The 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?…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

How Did COVID Affect The Surrogacy Journey? Legal Expert Victoria Gelfand On Expecting Answers - 1 min read

We 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…

Parents

Fertility 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…

Parents

A 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

How 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…

Parents

Where 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…

Parents

Considering 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

The 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…

Parents

Generous 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…

Parents

Surrogacy 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…

Parents

Surrogacy 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…

Parents

How 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…

Parents

An 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…

Parents

With 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…

Parents

Intended 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,…

Parents

Key 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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