The Difference Between Surrogates and Gestational Carriers in OK
Becoming a surrogate is a wonderful way to help a family bring a child into the world that they themselves cannot carry. What many people don’t know, though, is that there are different methods that define if you are acting as a surrogate or if you are acting as a gestational carrier. However, the two are used interchangeably and surrogacy is used as an umbrella term for families and the women who carry the child. Regardless of the role choosing to participate in either is a tremendously selfless act that aids in creating a family that might not have been possible without your help.
If you need help with surrogacy now, contact us at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma.
Surrogacy and Surrogate Carriers
Surrogates are women who have chosen to carry and care for a family’s baby up until that baby is born. There is a common misconception that surrogacy is a single term for all women who carry for family whether their own embryos are used or not. That is an untrue statement. Surrogates are women who are using their own embryos via donation through IVF and are carrying that child for the other family. If you are looking into becoming a surrogate you will have a genetic link to the child.
Gestational Carriers
The difference between surrogates and gestational carriers is the genetic link between the carrier and the baby. If you are not using your own embryo then you are a gestational carrier. A donated embryo or one from the couple will be used in combination with given sperm or donated sperm to make up the genetics of the baby.
Intended Mothers
The language around surrogacy can sometimes be a bit confusing. When you hear the term intended mother or intended parents that means they are the couple or family that are the parents of the child. Surrogates and gestational carriers care for the baby in utero for the intended mothers or intended parents.
Becoming a Surrogate or Gestational Carrier
There are a few steps to becoming a surrogate or gestational carrier including background checks, medical checks and mental health assessments before you move forward. You will have to complete an application online. You may be asked if you want to become a surrogate or gestational carrier beforehand. Remember, the difference between surrogates and gestational carriersis the donation and use of your own embryo!
Once you have been accepted and cleared all of the necessary assessments you’ll be matched with a family and meet with them on their terms. That could be over skype, the phone, or in person. That’s when the legal agreements and signing of documents will happen. Of course the agreement will be explained to both parties so everyone is on the same page and then the medical proceedings are able to start.
IVF for Surrogates and Gestational Carriers
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. The process in which an embryo and sperm are combined outside of the body. IVF treatments will be used to combine the donated or intended mother’s embryo and sperm in a lab, either from the couple you will carry for or a sperm bank, and then surgically placed inside your uterus. Usually one or two fertilized embryos are implanted to heighten the success rate.
Communication with Intended Mothers or Parents
As a surrogate you will be in consistent contact with the intended parents or intended mother by pre-agreed upon terms in your contract. Frequency and type vary but will remain throughout the whole pregnancy. Some families or couples will want to accompany you to a few or all of the doctors visits. Updates via text or phone call is another option that intended mothers or parents enjoy too!
It’s not unheard of for gestational carriers or surrogates to keep in contact with the family or the child. Framing surrogacy or using a gestational carrier in a positive light is a great way to help the child understand and learn about how they were brought into the world. Bonding with the child and parents is natural during the entire process. It’s truly a journey unlike any other. You are creating a life and helping a family become whole.
Understanding The Difference Between Surrogates and Gestational Carriers
Are you still looking into becoming a surrogate or gestational carrier but want a little more information? Contact us at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma. We pride ourselves in answering any and all questions about becoming a surrogate or gestational carrier. Even if you’ve already started looking into applications we are here to help. Bringing life into this world is a wonderful gift to have. If you’re willing to help a family please don’t hesitate to call or email us!
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
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