Gestational Carrier
Gestational carrier describes the process in which a woman with proven fertility agrees to carry a pregnancy for a couple or individual who cannot have a child on their own. The carrier is implanted with an embryo resulting from the egg and the sperm of the intended parents. When indicated, donor egg or donor sperm or both can be used to create the embryo. Once pregnancy is achieved, the gestational carrier will carry the baby to term.
When is a Gestational Carrier recommended?
A gestational carrier is recommended when a woman does not have a uterus, she is unable to carry a pregnancy to term, has a medical condition which is a contraindication to pregnancy, or there is no female partner.
Gestational Carrier — Getting Started
If you believe that surrogacy is right for your family, the first step toward finding a surrogate mother is to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, you will meet with one of our board-certified fertility specialists, who will help you craft an affordable and effective fertility treatment plan. Our financial counselors will also be available to walk you through our payment plans & insurance options.
Gestational Carrier — Related Topics
Preimplantation genetic testing is commonly used in combination with IVF. Learn more about other advanced IVF procedures, including:
View more infertility treatments
The Gestational Carrier Process
Finding a gestational carrier can be an overwhelming process. At Fertility Solutions, we have the expertise to guide you through this fertility treatment. We will provide compassionate care as we help you grow your family:
- Step 1 —Gestational Carrier
Choosing the Gestational Carrier is an important decision. There are many dimensions to consider when looking for a match, such as geographic location, personality and prior surrogacy experience. At Fertility Solutions, we can help you select a Gestational Carrier that will meet your family’s needs and give you the best chance of having a child. - Step 2 — Legalities
Once you have chosen a Gestational Carrier, a contract will be drawn up by an attorney who specializes in fertility law within your geographic region. We can recommend skilled fertility lawyers in your area who can provide you with any surrogacy-related information that is needed. - Step 3 — IVF
Once you are ready to proceed with treatment and have completed the above steps, your surrogate will be given medications to align her cycle with either the intended mother’s cycle who will begin the IVF process, or with protocols utilizing donor eggs. The resulting embryo will then be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. - Step 4 — Fertility Preservation
If there are any remaining embryos after IVF, they can be cryopreserved for future use, thereby saving valuable time and money. Learn more about fertility preservation.
Facts about Surrogacy
- Laws surrounding surrogacy vary from state to state.
- In 1976, the first contract was written between intended parents and a surrogate.
How Much Does It Cost to Use a Gestational Carrier?
The cost of using a gestational carrier to build your family is dependent on a range of factors, including agency fees, surrogate mother compensation, medical costs and legal fees. Generally, fees can run between $65,000 – $100,000. We would be happy to answer any financial questions you have regarding surrogacy and reproductive care.
What Are the Surrogacy Laws in New England?
Surrogacy laws can vary on a state by state basis. New England is known as a very “surrogacy-friendly” region, with supporting case law and generally favorable conditions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Surrogacy agreements in these states are generally allowed and upheld, with no specific laws enforcing or prohibiting surrogacy. In New Hampshire, state law permits surrogacy agreements for married couples only. We will be happy to recommend attorneys specializing in gestational carriers.
Schedule a Consultation: Gestational Carrier