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How do you select surrogates?
We adhere to the standards of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in selecting and screening surrogates for our program. In addition, our staff in Guatemala includes a licensed psychologist who will provide extensive education and training on the process during the initial screening and matching process to ensure that surrogates understand fully the consequences and risks of their decision to become a surrogate. Minimal standards for our surrogates include the following:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have previously delivered a live born child at term
- Must undergo a complete medical history including a detailed obstetric history, lifestyle history, and physical examination including an evaluation of her uterine cavity with either a hysterosalpingogram, sonohysterogram, or hysteroscopy.
- Tested for Infectious disease screening for syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, CMV, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C
- Screening for immunity to rubella, rubeola, and varicella and blood type.
What if we need an egg donor?
We offer egg donor services as well. Our donors are between the ages of 19 and 34. Donors complete an extensive medical questionnaire that details their personal and family history, substance abuse history and psychological history. Egg donors also provide information about the donor’s personality, hobbies, educational background and life goals.
A physician reviews the history and conducts a comprehensive physical examination.
Each donor completes a psychological test similar to the PAI and is evaluated by our licensed psychologist to determine her readiness to become an egg donor.
Donors are screened and tested for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV-1 and HIV-2, Neisseria gonorrhea and spongiform trachomatis as well as screened for human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy and testing when risk factors for it exist. All infectious disease testing is done and noted to be negative within 30 days before egg donation. Documentation of blood type, RH status, complete blood count and rubella titer is also completed.
Do we receive any information on egg donors or surrogates prior to beginning the process?
Yes, we provide biographical information that we obtained during the application process. Upon a match, the potential egg donor undergoes complete medical and psychological testing.
How long must we travel to Guatemala?
It depends on a number of factors. If we will use donor eggs, then the sperm can be frozen and sent to Guatemala or you can fly to Guatemala for a couple of days to provide the sperm and then return home. If you are going to provide your eggs, then you will need to either begin the synchronization process here and then travel to Guatemala for the transfer or travel for about 7-10 days to complete the synchronization process and transfer.
During your stay, you will be provided with top notch service. We can provide a number of accommodation options from hotels to apartments. Our physicians speak English and we have English-speaking staff to accompany you throughout the process.
What if we need a sperm donor?
This can also be arranged.
What if we need both an egg donor and sperm donor?
Unfortunately, we must have at least one parent who is genetically related to the parent in order to be able to apply for a U.S. passport for the child who will be considered the child of a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Embassy will require DNA testing to confirm maternity/paternity.
Is the process legal?
Yes, Guatemala does not have laws prohibiting surrogacy.
Do we receive regular medical updates?
Yes. You will receive monthly medical updates and results of any tests including the results of special procedures and ultrasounds.
What if a surrogate changes her mind?
Our team of professionals conducts a thorough assessment and psychological evaluation of each surrogate to ensure understanding and readiness to become a surrogate. Surrogates receive independent legal consultation before beginning the process. Further, Surrogates receive a reasonable but relatively small stipend each month and only receive the final payment after the birth of the child.
What sort of support and counseling are surrogates provided throughout the process?
Surrogates receive education and counseling before the process to ensure complete understanding and readiness to become surrogates. We conduct workshops for surrogates on various topics including procedures involved in surrogacy arrangements and pre-natal care. Surrogates partake in monthly group counseling sessions and have access to our licensed psychologist and staff at any and all times. Our staff accompanies surrogates to their medical appointments and is present for the physician’s evaluation.
What if we are not U.S. citizens? Can we participate in this program?
Advocates for Surrogacy works with couples and individuals all over the world; however, it is critical that anyone who is not a U.S. citizen retains expert legal counsel in their country of citizenship (as well as their country of residence if different) to ensure that the parent is able to obtain a passport (from their country to citizenship).
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