Gay surrogacy agency

Procreation isn't confined to the joyful introduction of a newborn into their home, nor does it begin with nightly feedings and diaper changes. Becoming a parent truly commences when a couple decides to expand their love and welcome a new life into their family unit. Advances in reproductive technology and legal frameworks now permit gay couples to establish a biological connection with their children through IVF and gestational surrogacy methods. 

Initial Steps Towards Parenthood

While it might not feel this way, you have already taken essential initial steps toward parenthood by researching IVF procedures and scheduling a consultation with one of our Reproductive Endocrinologists. Crucially, alongside IVF, collaborating with a qualified gestational surrogate is indispensable for your journey to parenthood. This intricate gestational surrogacy process requires the expert guidance and coordination of a seasoned surrogacy agency to ensure a smooth progression and adherence to all legal prerequisites. 

If you haven't yet spoken with one of our SCRC fertility specialists, schedule your consultation now. 

The abundance of surrogacy and egg donation agencies across the United States might leave you questioning, "How do I select the ideal agency for our needs?" We've streamlined this decision-making process by outlining five key considerations in choosing a surrogacy agency, along with crucial questions to ask potential agencies. 

1) Evaluating Experience with the LGBTQ+ Community

Determining an agency's LGBTQ+ inclusivity is relatively straightforward; reviewing their website for images of gay couples or dedicated LGBTQ+ sections can provide preliminary insight. However, a comprehensive understanding of their experience in supporting gay families is not always instantly apparent. While the fundamental surrogacy process remains comparable across various couples, certain nuances require particular care in serving the gay community. 

• Does the agency comprehensively inform you about your reproductive options regarding embryo creation and the source of genetic material?
• Will the agency provide supportive guidance and suggestions to facilitate bonding and connection between you and your husband throughout the various stages of your surrogacy journey?

2)  Understanding Surrogacy Laws and Regulations

Gestational surrogacy is not subject to uniform federal regulations, making surrogacy laws significantly diverse across states. If your state prohibits surrogacy, utilizing a surrogate residing in a jurisdiction with more accommodating surrogacy policies remains a viable option. Furthermore, considering a surrogate based in a jurisdiction with progressive surrogacy laws facilitating pre-birth orders and both fathers' names on the birth certificate is advisable. 

• Does the agency have surrogates situated in states that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals and supportive of surrogacy practices?
• Has the agency fully explained pre-birth orders and second-parent adoptions and their significance?
• Does the agency maintain an established network of recommended surrogacy attorneys?

3) Evaluating Communication Styles

The path to parenthood encompasses numerous thrilling milestones requiring meticulous coordination. The communication between you and the chosen surrogacy agency should extend beyond the initial agency fee. The agency should provide ongoing updates regarding medical appointments, the surrogate's well-being, and, importantly, contribute to fostering a bond between you and the surrogate. Inquiries should always be welcomed, yet you should never feel compelled to persistently seek answers.

• Does the agency readily respond to questions and provide comprehensive information, even without a formal retainer or initial payment?
• Who will act as your primary point of contact throughout the process, and what is the anticipated communication protocol?

4) Assessing Professional Networks and Recommendations

Distinguishing exceptional surrogacy and egg donation agencies from merely good ones depends on several factors. One criterion is the agency's established network of fertility specialists and professionals in the field. A well-documented history of collaboration and cooperation is expected, with the surrogacy agency able to recommend appropriate IVF clinics or surrogacy attorneys tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. 

• Have you previously worked with SCRC during any previous surrogacy or egg donation cycles?
• Does the agency refer all intended parents to a single IVF clinic?
• Does the agency furnish testimonials or letters of recommendation from IVF clinics and reproductive endocrinologists?

5) Embracing the Pace

Becoming a parent through surrogacy, along with egg donation, is a substantial endeavor, both emotionally and financially, with a very exciting prospect of parenthood. Most agencies boast teams of experienced intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors who have navigated similar stages of their journey. They understand your enthusiasm, and should assist you in establishing a reasonable timeframe for achieving your parental goals. Above all, they should encourage you to savor the process without undue haste. 

About the Author

Joshua is an Intended Parent Match Manager at Giving Tree Surrogacy & Egg Donation.

"As a father, husband, and member of the LGBTQ+ community, it's profoundly fulfilling to share my experience as an intended parent and guide gay couples through the often-challenging yet rewarding surrogacy journey." 

Giving Tree Surrogacy and Egg Donation is a full-service agency situated in Southern California. Established in 2015, and operating domestically and internationally, we are renowned for our team-oriented, concierge-style approach to providing intended parents with exceptional care and compassion. Many of our team members possess personal experience as intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors, making them uniquely equipped to navigate the intricacies of third-party reproduction. 

Ready to embark on the next chapter of parenthood? Schedule your consultation with Giving Tree Surrogacy & Egg Donation. For further insights, visit our Surrogacy for LGBT Families pages for comprehensive information, and let us assist you on your journey to parenthood!