{"id":375,"date":"2022-06-21T09:08:29","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T16:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.surrogacyplace.com\/?p=375"},"modified":"2023-09-05T10:32:19","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T17:32:19","slug":"independent-surrogacy-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Independent Surrogacy Journey &#8211; A Step-by-Step Guide for IPs"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div>\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Here_are_the_11_stages_of_your_Independent_Surrogacy_Journey\" title=\"Here are the 11 stages of your Independent Surrogacy Journey:\u00a0\">Here are the 11 stages of your Independent Surrogacy Journey:\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Find_Your_Perfect_Match\" title=\"Find Your Perfect Match. \">Find Your Perfect Match. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Evaluate_Medical_History\" title=\"Evaluate Medical History.\">Evaluate Medical History.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Choose_Qualified_Assisted_Reproduction_Attorneys\" title=\"Choose Qualified Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.\">Choose Qualified Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Formal_Medical_Evaluation\" title=\"Formal Medical Evaluation. \">Formal Medical Evaluation. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Psychological_Evaluation\" title=\"Psychological Evaluation.\">Psychological Evaluation.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Verify_Surrogate_Health_Insurance\" title=\"Verify Surrogate Health Insurance.\">Verify Surrogate Health Insurance.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Finalizing_Legal_Contracts\" title=\"Finalizing Legal Contracts. \">Finalizing Legal Contracts. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Set_up_Escrow_and_Other_Surrogacy_Journey_Financial_Obligations\" title=\"Set up Escrow and Other Surrogacy Journey Financial Obligations. \">Set up Escrow and Other Surrogacy Journey Financial Obligations. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Begin_Hormone_Regimen\" title=\"Begin Hormone Regimen. \">Begin Hormone Regimen. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#EMBRYO_TRANSFER_DAY\" title=\"EMBRYO TRANSFER DAY. \">EMBRYO TRANSFER DAY. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/independent-surrogacy-journey\/#Pregnancy_and_Childbirth\" title=\"Pregnancy and Childbirth.\">Pregnancy and Childbirth.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_the_11_stages_of_your_Independent_Surrogacy_Journey\"><\/span>Here are the 11 stages of your Independent Surrogacy Journey:\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s a summary of a typical independent journey. Yours may look different. The below guide is meant as a starting point for people beginning their research.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_Your_Perfect_Match\"><\/span><strong>Find Your Perfect Match. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Discuss all things that are necessary and important to you including: <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/paid-surrogacy\/\">compensation<\/a>, medical history, embryo status (including if adopted <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/alabama-ruling-on-embryos\/\">embryos<\/a> or egg donations are needed), geography, and general journey expectations. <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-surrogate-mother\/\">Here&#8217;s a good summary of some of the things to consider during the matching process<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Due diligence is your responsibly, including criminal and lifestyle background checks. This is regardless of whether or not you\u2019re using a surrogacy agency or <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-agency-alternatives\/\">self-matching<\/a> using a site like <a href=\"surrogacyplace.com\">SurrogacyPlace.com.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evaluate_Medical_History\"><\/span><strong>Evaluate Medical History.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Send your potential surrogate\u2019s medical history\/records to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/what-is-a-reproductive-endocrinologist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reproductive Endocrinologist<\/a>. This is done as a preliminary <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-screening-process\/\">screening<\/a>. Surrogates will also be fully evaluated in-person, but REs generally won&#8217;t waste their time or yours on candidates that have red flags from their prior medical history.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"3\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_Qualified_Assisted_Reproduction_Attorneys\"><\/span><strong>Choose Qualified Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>The surrogate must be allowed to select her own counsel with her representation paid for by the IP(s).\u00a0 Our <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/attorney\/directory\">attorney directory<\/a> is a good place to start if you need helping finding legal representation as either a surrogate or as an Intended Parent.<\/p>\r\n<p>Attorneys specializing in surrogacy can guide Intended Parents and surrogates thorough all the legal and administrative aspects of surrogacy. You do not need an agency to do this, attorneys are well versed in local laws and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-eligibility-criteria\/\">requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"4\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Formal_Medical_Evaluation\"><\/span><strong>Formal Medical Evaluation. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>By this point, there should be a good <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-religion\/\">faith<\/a> understanding between the two parties in anticipation of a surrogacy arrangement. Terms should be discussed even though final <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-contracts-and-agreements\/\">contracts<\/a> are usually signed after full medical clearance. A Reproductive Endocrinologist will do a physical exam and perform blood tests to make sure a potential surrogate is medically fit to carry a surrogacy <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-pregnancy\/\">pregnancy<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"5\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychological_Evaluation\"><\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 719px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 719\/374;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>Psychological Evaluation.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>After a surrogate is medically cleared, she will usually undergo a separate <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/psychological-impacts-of-surrogacy\/\">psychological<\/a> evaluation. This is performed by a licensed Psychologist who has experience with third-party assisted reproduction. Some states may require Intended Parent(s) also undergo a psychological evaluation. A handful of states require Intended Parents to go through a home study process similar to adoption protocols.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"6\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Verify_Surrogate_Health_Insurance\"><\/span><strong>Verify Surrogate Health Insurance.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>It&#8217;s strongly recommended you use a service like <a href=\"https:\/\/artrisksolutions.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ART Risk<\/a> to verify a surrogate\u2019s health <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-insurance-options\/\">insurance<\/a> to make sure medical expenses are covered. If her current policy does not cover surrogacy, <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-insurance-options\/\">you\u2019ll need to purchase a policy for her<\/a>. Unexpected things can happen during any pregnancy. Risking huge medical bills is not advisable.<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"7\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finalizing_Legal_Contracts\"><\/span><strong>Finalizing Legal Contracts. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Lawyers from both sides will make sure all parties are in agreement. Once negotiations have concluded, the surrogacy contract is signed by all participants before an <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-embryo-transfer-process\/\">embryo transfer<\/a> or insemination process can begin.<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"8\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_up_Escrow_and_Other_Surrogacy_Journey_Financial_Obligations\"><\/span><strong>Set up Escrow and Other Surrogacy Journey Financial Obligations. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Make sure both parties are aware of the schedule of payments. IPs will need to purchase a Life Insurance policy for their surrogate to take effect at confirmation of pregnancy. Your assisted reproduction attorney can provide a schedule to ensure necessary financial and legal transactions and obligations are fulfilled during all phases of your journey.\u00a0 You will need to set up a full-funded escrow account with a company like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seedtrustescrow.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedTrust<\/a> prior to embryo transfer.<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"9\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Begin_Hormone_Regimen\"><\/span><strong>Begin Hormone Regimen. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Hormones are required for all gestational carriers and may be required for an Intended <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogate-mother\/\">Mother<\/a> (depending on if her eggs will be used), even for those opting for a &#8220;natural cycle&#8221;.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"10\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EMBRYO_TRANSFER_DAY\"><\/span><strong>EMBRYO TRANSFER DAY. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Once all medical screenings and legal obligations are met, an embryo transfer is scheduled. This is when a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-carrier-requirements\/\">gestational carrier<\/a> undergoes an embryo implantation procedure at a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/finding-a-surrogacy-clinic\/\">fertility clinic<\/a>. If undergoing a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Surrogacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">traditional surrogacy journey (vs. gestational surrogacy)<\/a>, this is when Artificial Insemination would begin as well. If all goes well, an embryo will implant in a surrogate&#8217;s uterus and she will carry a pregnancy on behalf of grateful parents.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<ol start=\"11\">\r\n<li>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pregnancy_and_Childbirth\"><\/span><strong>Pregnancy and Childbirth.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>Your surrogate will be monitored by her OB-GYN the same way she would be for her own pregnancy. She will receive ultrasounds and blood and urine tests to make sure the pregnancy is progressing in a healthy way.<\/p>\r\n<p>During pregnancy, an Intended Parent(s)&#8217; attorney will work to establish parentage. Many states offer pre-birth orders, others have a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-post-birth-arrangements\/\">post-birth<\/a> process for establishing parental <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-rights\/\">legal rights<\/a>. In many states, hospitals are given specific orders and the Intended Parent(s)\u2019 name(s) are placed directly on the birth certificate outright, even in cases of same-sex partners, or those not biologically related to their child(ren).<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 754px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 754\/203;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here are the 11 stages of your Independent Surrogacy Journey:\u00a0 Here&#8217;s a summary of a typical independent journey. Yours may look different. The below guide&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6],"tags":[15,19,20,21,25,31,32,38,49,51],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/375"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=375"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/375\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}