If you’re considering surrogacy as a method of growing your family, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the process. There is a lot to consider, from choosing a surrogate and creating a contract to understanding the legal implications.
This comprehensive guide to the surrogacy process will help you break down the process and make informed decisions. We’ll be discussing what to expect and how to prepare for this life-changing journey, so that you can feel confident and informed throughout the process. Whether you’re a prospective parent or a surrogate, you’ll find all the information and resources you need to understand the process and make the best decisions for your family.
So let’s get started and explore the surrogacy process together.
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy, also known as third-party reproduction, is the process of creating a child with the assistance of a third party. The persons involved are the an intended parents and the surrogate who carries the child and gives birth, in some cases sperm or egg donors are also involved (This is anonymous by law in Colombia).
By Colombian laws The surrogate can’t be genetically linked to the child. The intended parent(s) create an embryo using either the intended parent(s)’ sperm and/or egg(s) or with donor sperm and/or egg(s). The embryo is then transferred into the intended parent(s)’ gestational carrier, the surrogate. The surrogate then carries the child and gives birth.
Types of surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy: In this type of surrogacy, you and the surrogate both contribute DNA.IP Sperm is inseminated with the surrogate’s eggs, and a fetus is created (this type of surrogacy is illegal in Colombia).
Gestational Surrogacy (Permitted by Colombian law) is where the gestational carrier only carries the baby without any genetic link,: In this type of surrogacy, no DNA is transferred between the intended parents and the surrogate. The intended parents can use a donor egg and/or sperm to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the surrogate.
Choosing a surrogate
There is no one way to find a surrogate, but there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the right person for this journey. In our experience the best way to choose to find your surrogate is through a clinic that offers this service being the safest and best way .
This can make the process easier, because the clinic will take care of all the medical aspects that are the most important, as well as the legal and psychological .. You and your partner will likely be asked to complete a screening. This process varies from clinic to clinic , but it helps ensure that you are the right fit for surrogacy.
This process can be stressful, but it’s important to be honest and thorough. You may be asked questions about your past health history, your partner’s health history, and your family’s medical history. You may also be asked to provide medical records and to answer questions about medications you are taking and/or have taken in the past.
Understanding the legal process
Before you officially choose a surrogate and create a contract, you’ll need to discuss legal implications and sign documents to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Legal implications: This is the first step in the surrogacy process. You and the gestational carrier (GC)will likely have a consultation with an attorney who will help you understand the legal implications of surrogacy.
The main areas to cover in this consultation include: Who will be listed as the child’s parents on the birth certificate? How much genetic testing should be done? What will happen if one of the intended parents dies? How will child support be handled?
Legal documents: Once you’ve discussed the legal implications, you’ll likely be asked to sign papers. You can expect to sign a contract between you and the GC, and/or agency or clinic contract. It’s important to read through everything carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
This can help ensure that you are all on the same page with all of your choices.
Signing the contract
Now that you have been assigned to a gestational carrier and have explored the legal implications, it’s time to sign a contract between you and the surrogate.
This contract outlines all the details of the surrogacy, including the intended parent(s)’ rights and obligations as well as the surrogate’s rights and obligations. The contract should be supplied by the lawyers in charged of your process, lawyers should review the contract with the surrogate and the IP to make sure the terms are agreeable to both parties.
It’s important that the lawyers and the clinic have good communication ass well.
Preparing for the medical process
There are a few things you can do now to prepare for the medical process, including: Choosing your clinic: You’ll need to choose a clinic to work with. You should visit clinics in your area and talk with them about their process and expectations.
This will help you understand how the surrogacy process works and what to expect, it’s very important to find clinics that offer 360 degree services and are involved on every step, this will make your journey easier and safer, they will take care of everything within your process.
including: finding the correct surrogate, egg donor, coordinating the lawyers (they should work as a team but not in the same company, it’s not legal), and pregnancy care/reports and delivery, doing all this by yourself specially from another country is very difficult.
We did an extensive research in Colombia and found Novafem, a clinic that offers the complete service, with good reviews, www.novafem.com.co..
Preparing emotionally: Surrogacy is a journey that will impact all involved in many different ways. You should think about how this journey will impact you emotionally and prepare for that. You can do this by seeking out support from others and talking about your feelings.
You can also journal about how you feel and what you’re experiencing.
Mental and emotional preparedness
Throughout the surrogacy process, you’ll likely experience a wide range of emotions. You may also experience feelings of uncertainty, or wonder if you’re doing the right thing. It’s normal, and you should talk with your partner and loved ones about your feelings.
You should also find ways to cope with your emotions. Some ways you can do this includes meditation and mindfulness, journaling, joining a support group, and connecting with a therapist.
The surrogacy journey
The surrogacy journey can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Surrogacy is a journey that involves all people involved, including the intended parents, the surrogate, and the child.
Throughout the surrogacy process, you should take care of yourself. This includes eating healthy, sleeping, and exercising. It’s also important to maintain a work/life balance and find ways to relax and de-stress, including taking time away from work and social media.
Conclusion
Surrogacy is a complex process, and it’s important to understand what to expect. You and your partner can find support and resources along the way, but it’s important to remember that surrogacy is a journey that each person must walk alone.
You’ll need to be self-aware and prepared to handle the various challenges that may arise. By breaking down the surrogacy process, you’ll be better prepared for the journey ahead