During the surrogacy process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with various important terms to have a clear understanding of the procedures, legalities, and discussions involved. Here are some important terms related to surrogacy:
Intended Parents (IPs): The individuals or couple who commission and intend to become the legal parents of the child born through surrogacy.
Surrogate/Surrogate Mother: The woman who carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of the intended parents. She may be genetically related to the child (traditional surrogacy) or not (gestational surrogacy).
Gestational Surrogacy: A type of surrogacy where the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child she carries. The embryo is created using the intended parents' or donor's eggs and sperm and transferred to the surrogate's uterus.
Traditional Surrogacy: A type of surrogacy where the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child she carries. Her own egg is fertilized by either the intended father's sperm or a donor's sperm.
Assisted Hatching: A procedure in which the embryologist creates a small opening in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of an embryo before it is transferred into the uterus. This can facilitate the embryo's implantation.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Medical techniques and procedures used to achieve pregnancy through methods such as IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer: The procedure of placing embryos into the uterus of the surrogate mother for implantation and subsequent pregnancy.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Genetic testing performed on embryos before transfer to identify any genetic disorders or abnormalities.
Embryo Cryopreservation: The process of freezing and storing embryos created through IVF for future use, if needed. Cryopreservation allows for the preservation of embryos for subsequent transfer attempts.
Luteal Phase Support: The administration of progesterone and sometimes estrogen after embryo transfer to support the development of the uterine lining and increase the chances of successful implantation.
Surrogacy Agency: An organization that assists and facilitates the surrogacy process, matching intended parents with surrogates, providing guidance, support, and coordination of services.
Surrogacy Attorney: A lawyer specializing in reproductive law who advises and represents the intended parents or surrogate in legal matters related to surrogacy, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, establishing parental rights, and navigating any legal complexities.
Surrogacy Coordinator/Case Manager: A professional who oversees and manages the surrogacy process, facilitating communication and coordination between the intended parents, surrogate, medical professionals, and other involved parties.
Parental Order/Adoption: The legal process through which the intended parents gain legal parental rights and responsibilities for the child born through surrogacy. The process may involve obtaining a parental order or going through adoption procedures, depending on the jurisdiction.
Surrogacy Support Groups: Organizations or online communities that offer emotional support, guidance, and information to intended parents and surrogates throughout the surrogacy journey.
At Patriot Conceptions, we are committed to providing you with a personalized, transparent, and empowering surrogacy experience. Let us guide you towards the fulfillment of your dreams and the creation of your loving family. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step towards parenthood through surrogacy.