During the surrogacy process, it is important that you familiarize yourself with various important terms to have a clear understanding of the procedures, legalities, and discussions involved. Here are some important terms related to surrogacy:
Intended Parents (IPs): Individuals or couples who commission and wish to be the legal parents of a child born through surrogacy.
Surrogate/Surrogate Mother: The woman who carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of the intended parents. She may be genetically related to the child (traditional surrogacy) or not (gestational surrogacy).
Gestational Surrogacy: A type of surrogacy where the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child she is carrying. The embryo is created using the intended parents or donor eggs and sperm and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
Traditional Surrogacy: A type of surrogacy where the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child she is carrying. Her own egg is fertilized with either the father’s sperm or the donor’s sperm.
Assisted Hatching: A procedure in which the embryologist makes a small hole in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of an embryo before transferring it to the uterus. This will facilitate the implantation of the embryo.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Medical procedures and techniques used to achieve pregnancy through methods such as IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer: The procedure of placing embryos into the surrogate mother’s uterus for implantation and subsequent pregnancy.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Genetic testing is done on the embryos before transfer to identify any genetic disorders or abnormalities.
Cryopreservation of Embryos: The process of freezing and storing embryos created through IVF for future use, if needed. Cryopreservation allows for the preservation of embryos for subsequent transfer attempts.
Luteal Phase Support: The administration of progesterone and sometimes estrogen after embryo transfer to support the development of the uterine lining and increase the chances of successful implantation.
Surrogacy Agency: An organization that assists and facilitates the surrogacy process, matching intended parents with surrogates, providing guidance, support, and coordination of services.
Surrogacy Attorney: An attorney specializing in reproductive law who advises and represents intended parents or surrogates on legal matters related to surrogacy, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, establishing parental rights, and navigating any legal complexities.
Surrogacy Coordinator/Case Manager: A professional who oversees and manages the surrogacy process, facilitating communication and coordination between intended parents, surrogates, medical professionals, and other involved parties.
Order/Parental Adoption: The legal process by which intended parents obtain legal parental rights and responsibilities for a child born through surrogacy. The process may include obtaining a parental order or going through adoption procedures, depending on the jurisdiction.
Surrogacy Support Groups: Organizations or online communities that offer emotional support, guidance, and information to intended parents and surrogates throughout the surrogacy journey.
In Patriot Conceptions, we are committed to providing you with a personalized, transparent, and empowering surrogacy experience. We will guide you towards the fulfillment of your dreams and the creation of your loving family. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward parenthood through surrogacy.
