Choosing Gestational Surrogacy during COVID-19

There’s no question that we are living in a world run by COVID-19. Our lives have been turned upside down, and though it seems to be returning to somewhat normal, it’s at a painfully glacial pace. For some, day-to-day life hasn’t changed too terribly much. They already work from home or are essential workers, so they still go into the office every day. For the rest, however, being stuck at home is a challenge. 

It’s a stressful time for all, to be sure. When it comes to those who are looking to grow their families, it can be even more stressful. This is, after all, one of the most important steps in their lives. Intended parents, hopeful, and waiting, are most likely on the edge of their seats.

For gestational carriers, or those looking to become a carrier, things are likewise uncertain and nerve-wracking. Since things are now in a constant flux, it’s getting harder and harder to get a solid grip on what the next step is. 

Today, we’ll discuss what choosing gestational surrogacy during COVID-19 looks like, address your potential concerns and any precautions that should be taken during this time. 

 What about travel restrictions or delays?

Thanks to this pandemic, there are heavy precautions when it comes to travel and safe distancing. Unfortunately for some, they were right at the beginning stages of their journey: the pre-screening and embryo-transfer. For others, they’re anxiously waiting for the new little bundle of joy to arrive.

While there are no restrictions on domestic travel, gestational carriers and intended parents alike may be choosing to self-isolate.

In order to avoid any further stress, it’s recommended that you come up with a contingency plan, if there isn’t already one in place. Get in touch with Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno, and keep us in the loop as much as possible — especially if you’re in the pre-surrogacy stage. 

If you’re in the middle of your journey, get in touch with your surrogacy attorney and ask for their assistance. Be as detailed about your circumstances as possible. This is also important for potential gestational carriers. For everything to go as smoothly as possible, you will have to be proactive in maintaining communication as well. 

Are there safety precautions in place?

Unfortunately, so far, we are unsure as to what impact COVID-19 has exactly on fertility. We understand that this  is frustrating, especially when it comes to gestational surrogacy. It’s natural for Intended parents and gestational carriers to feel antsy and want to get the show on the road. Rightfully so.

For the gestational carriers who are already pregnant, you may be at a higher risk to viral infections. Scary, we know.

you already know the basics on protecting yourself. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, etc. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands after handling dirty laundry, eating/preparing food, touching surfaces outside your home or items from outside that you have brought into your home. As  As far as we can tell, though, it is very unlikely that virus transmissions from gestational carrier to child. So, as long as you keep yourself healthy and safe, your baby will be too.

Is now a good time to begin the gestational surrogacy journey?

With all of this intimidating information, you may be wondering if it’s even worth pursuing the gestational surrogacy journey during COVID-19. Understandable! It’s a scary time. The choice is always yours, but we don’t see any reason for you to place your dreams of parenthood on hold — for either intended parents or gestational carriers.  Safety precautions are in place to ensure your health, safety and happiness throughout your gestational journey. 

How can we keep in contact with you?

Whether you’re looking to become a gestational carrier or an intended parent, you can be rest assured that Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno is still open and fully functional. We will not be closing our doors at any point during this time. While we are not able to serve you in person right now, we do have several remote and virtual options available. These include, but are not limited to:

• FaceTime
• Phone call
• Email
• Skype
• ZOOM

Choosing Gestational Surrogacy during COVID-19 

It doesn’t matter if you are currently in the middle of your journey or anxious to get started, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us here at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. We’re always happy to answer any questions and address any comments or concerns you may have.

Was there anything in this article that you would like to have seen addressed? Anything that could have been expanded upon? Let us know in the comments!

Be safe and well, friends!

Sources

American Bar Association: “COVID-19 and Family Law Issues” https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/resources/COVID-19/

American Society for Reproductive Medicine: “Recommendations For Development of an Emergency Plan for In Vitro Fertilization Programs: A Committee Opinion” https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/practice-guidelines/for-non-members/recs_for_development_of_an_emergency_plan_for_ivf_programs.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html

The Guardian: “No Elevated Risk of Coronavirus in Pregnancy, Experts Say” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/10/no-elevated-risk-coronavirus-pregnancy