At one point, parents were limited in terms of starting a family. Most had to go through traditional pregnancy. With advancing technology, starting a family has become a more accessible option for many people. Surrogacy is one potential option for prospective parents. Nonetheless, the law still has some catching up to do, and there are many misconceptions around surrogacy laws. Here are two of the most common misconceptions. Surrogates are taken advantage of One of the most common misconceptions is that surrogates are somehow forced into the situation. The opposite is usually true. While surro ..read more

A gestational carrier refers to a woman who agrees to have a fertilized egg from another woman implanted in her womb. She then carries and gives birth to the baby before handing it over to the parent(s) who contracted her. It can be an emotional and challenging time for all involved, so it is crucial to create a legally binding contract. Here are some of the things to detail in your gestational carrier agreement: Who pays for which things? There will be considerable costs involved. You need to be clear about which the intended parent(s) will cover and which are the gestational carrier’s respon ..read more

A recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court could set a precedent that changes everything about how in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures are performed – or even if they can be performed at all.  In reference to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by several couples whose fertilized embryos were destroyed in a lab accident, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are, legally, children. The ruling is already sending shockwaves through the assisted reproductive technology industry. At least one major player in the state, the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system, has ..read more

Finding the right surrogate can be a time-consuming and stressful process for the intended parents. A lot is often considered, such as a surrogate’s health history, lifestyle values and communication style. The process of finding the perfect surrogate may take multiple interviews before the intended parents feel comfortable with their decision.  However, intended parents may feel anxious when a surrogate alludes that they may keep the child after they are born. This is not ideal for intended parents who may see their plans start to fall apart. It’s often questioned whether a surrogate has ..read more

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) serves as a beacon of hope for many eager individuals and couples striving to build their families. However, a journey through IVF is not always straightforward, and an initial attempt might not always yield desired results. Suppose this is your current predicament; you may feel like giving up. However, specialists recommend that you keep trying if IFV doesn’t work the first time. The emotional rollercoaster of IVF Embarking on an IVF journey is an emotional rollercoaster that many may not fully comprehend until they’re in the thick of it. An initial failure can be ..read more

You may be considering finding a surrogate to help you start your family. It may be one of many options, but you’ve likely narrowed it down and decided this is the best choice. But, you’re still struggling with the idea. It’s normal for intended parents to have a few fears about surrogacy. Here are a few concerns you may have and the reasons why you should let them go: Fear 1: Not having a successful surrogacy  Struggling to have a child because of fertility issues can cause lasting emotional trauma. As a result, couples seeking surrogacy may fear that even a surrogate won’t get pregnant ..read more

A gestational carrier is someone who will carry a child for a third party. For example, perhaps a couple is having trouble conceiving, so they reach out to a surrogate to have a child for them. Another example could be if a same-sex couple is looking to have a child but they are unable to do so on their own, so they need a surrogate to fill this role. But for those who are seeking a gestational carrier, what should they look for? Here are a few things to keep in mind, according to Yale Medicine. Key qualities First of all, the gestational carrier must be the right age. It is ideal for her to b ..read more

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized reproductive sciences. Modern techniques are very effective and can make it much more likely that those who struggle with fertility issues will be able to have a child. It can also be very helpful in situations like a same-sex marriage, where the partners are not biologically able to have a child on their own. IVF can make this possible, giving them the wonderful chance to start the family they’ve always wanted. That all that being said, IVF doesn’t work in every single situation. Below are some things that you can do to increase the odds that it ..read more

Sperm donors play an integral role in assisted reproduction. There are many scenarios in which people require donated mobile gametes to add a new member to their families. Lesbians may use donor sperm to begin a pregnancy. Single women and married heterosexual couples where the man has reproductive health challenges may also require donor sperm to fertilize eggs. Some people arrange for donations from people they know. Many others go to specialized facilities that have donor materials on hand, as well as information about the men who donated available sperm. Such systems offer the ability to s ..read more

A surrogacy contract is a legally binding agreement between the intended parents and a surrogate mother. It outlines the terms, conditions, rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement.  Surrogacy contracts safeguard the interests of intended parents and are essential tools in navigating the complexities of surrogacy.  Clearly defined roles and responsibilities A surrogacy contract meticulously outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. It defines the rights and obligations of the intended parents, the surrogate, and, if appli ..read more