We’ve all heard about surrogacy. More and more, the topic is tackled in popular culture, dramatized through film and TV, and has shone through the experiences of celebrities. To name a few: Neil Patrick Harris, Jimmy Fallon and Angela Bassett.

With that in mind, the topic of surrogacy has become somewhat of a familiar one. But, what about specific types of surrogacy? When is a good time to talk about them? What’s more, when is the right time for you to consider gestational surrogacy? Adoption Choices of Nevada is ready to give you the information you’re seeking. In addition to our adoption services, we offer gestational surrogacy, and want you to learn as much as you can while exploring your options for parenthood.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Another name for gestational surrogacy is “full surrogacy.” In other words, the child is not biologically related to the person who is carrying them to term (aka. gestational carrier). This differs from traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate donates her own eggs to be fertilized.

With gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created from the eggs and/or sperm of the intended parents then fertilized via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In some cases, both you and your partner or spouse will be able to have the genetic tie to your child. However, more times than not, due to health or medical conditions, only one of you can share genetics.

How Do I Know if I Should Start this Process?

As with many things in life, there are multiple instances where you find yourself looking into alternative methods. What follows is not an all-inclusive list, but five of the most likely instances you may want to consider gestational surrogacy in your exploration:

1. Infertility Struggles. Many heterosexual couples have discovered that they struggle with infertility issues. This is not an easy pill to swallow and takes time to fully accept. However, if you find yourself in this boat, gestational surrogacy is an amazing way to expand your family. Just keep in mind that you and your partner or spouse may or may not qualify until you have been unsuccessful conceiving for a full calendar year. Be sure to consult with your doctor and fertility specialist about any and all other requirements — age, medical history, health conditions, etc. — you may need to meet before seeking gestational surrogacy.
2. Same Sex Parent. More and more, same sex individuals and couples are growing their family through gestational surrogacy.  Not surprisingly, it’s for a similar reason as heterosexual persons do. The genetic and biological component. If you and your partner or spouse are seeking gestational surrogacy, it’s important to discuss which one of you will donate your egg or sperm before beginning treatments. For additional information, or to address any questions or concerns regarding this, be sure to consult with your doctor or fertility specialist.
3. Single Parent. Perhaps your schedule is too full, your job is too demanding or life in general is too hectic. So much so that you don’t have the opportunity to become pregnant or find a partner or spouse yourself. If you are a hopeful single parent, gestational surrogacy is a wonderful option to consider.
4. Pregnancy Complications. Maybe you are able to get pregnant, but have been unable to carry a pregnancy safely to term. While it is a very tough decision for you to make, for both your physical and emotional well-being, gestational surrogacy may be the safest way to add to your family.
5. Gestational Carrier. On the same note, another aspect available when you consider gestational surrogacy is through a gestational carrier. Believe it or not, there are women who choose to become a gestational carrier and dedicate a season of their life to helping others have children they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. If you and your partner or spouse are unable to conceive yourselves, but still want to have children through gestational surrogacy, you can ask a friend, family member or third party to carry your egg and sperm for you. Choosing your specific carrier is no easy task, so be sure to bring any questions and concerns to your doctor and fertility specialist. They will be your best resources on who can quality and what the process afterwards will look like.

When to Consider Gestational Surrogacy

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, it has likely been a long and arduous journey for you to get to this point. Surrogacy may even seem like a last-ditch effort for you and your partner or spouse to build your family. You are not alone. Infertility is a difficult reality to face, but it isn’t the end of the world. Choosing gestational surrogacy doesn’t mean you have failed as parents. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It gives you another way to have the family you’ve always dreamed of.

We understand that gestational surrogacy isn’t a decision that can be made lightly, but we are here for you every step of the way. If you want to learn more, or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Or, if there are situations you feel we missed, please let us know in the comments! We look forward to hearing from you!

Adoption Choices of Nevada

If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact, Adoption Choices of Nevada. You may visit the website here or contact us by 775-825-4673 (Reno Office) or 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas Office). Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm PST.

Support Adoption Choices

Adoption Choices, Inc. is partnering with Crowdrise, a fundraising website for nonprofits, to help our adoptive parents and birth parents with much needed financial assistance. We understand that expenses keep clients from fulfilling their dreams. Both with birth parents making a plan for adoption, and with adoptive parents growing their family. It is our mission to provide financial assistance through grants and scholarships, awarded annually in November, in honor of National Adoption Month. Funds assist adoptive parents with matching and placements, adoption finalization and helping birth mothers improve their lives through higher education — and much more.

However, we can’t do it alone. Please read up on our programs and donate money where you are able. Your donation will make a huge impact.

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. For information specific to Las Vegas, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now.
Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).

Meet the Author: Mallorey English is an aspiring proofreader and editor. She’s completed a couple of online courses through Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and has used her education to help edit her mother’s inspirational book, Monday Motivation: 52 Weeks of Inspiration to Keep Moving in 2018 and running blog Life Up and Running. She hopes to one day become a full time freelance editor. 

When she isn’t working, Mallorey can be found on a yoga mat, crafting a new project, or watching her favorite movies. She currently resides in northern Nevada with her husband and hopes to add on to their family in the near future. 

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Sources:

People.com: “Celebrities Who Have Used Gestational Surrogates” https://people.com/parents/celebrities-who-have-used-surrogates/

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: “How Common is Infertility?” https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common

Webmd.com: “What Is Gestational Surrogacy?” https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/qa/what-is-a-gestational-surrogate