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14 Mistakes to Avoid For Women Considering Becoming Surrogate Mothers or Gestational Carriers

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If you are a woman who wants to be a gestational carrier or traditional surrogate independently, without the help of an agency, then you need to really consider what you are getting yourself into. Surrogacy is a life changing endeavour and as great as it sounds in theory, in practice it’s a huge undertaking. Financially, the surrogacy process sets back most Intended Parents anywhere from $65,000-$100,000+ and that amount does not come with a guarantee of a take home baby. Looking into ‘independent’ surrogacy situations is most common among those who are finding it difficult to raise the full amount of funds needed and therefore will consider cutting corners. Women who are compelled to help couples and individuals sometimes find themselves compromising their beliefs out of the goodness of their hearts. Below are 14 common mistakes to avoid. Its so important to be true to own ideals…that is one of the best gifts you can give to your Intended Parent(s) and to yourself!

14 Mistakes to Avoid For Women Considering Becoming Surrogate Mothers or Gestational Carriers

1-Giving out personal information, especially before a contract is signed, such as social security numbers and release of medical information to anyone but the attorney, psychologist or clinic.

2-Not having a face to face meeting before any contracts are signed

3-Using an ‘old’ or past contract

4-Not having your own legal representation when reviewing your surrogacy contract

5-Being ‘talked into’ agreeing to issues that are fundamentally against your personal ethics/religion or life style i.e. abortion, selective reduction, working with IP’s that you don’t feel comfortable with, etc.

6-Not insisting that all compensation per the contract be deposited into an escrow account before the first transfer

7-Not insisting that the IP’s have at least one visit with a psychologist who is recommended by the clinic

8-Agreeing to at home inseminations (IUI)

9-Going without term Life Insurance of at least $250,000 (or any insurance policy for that matter).

10-Cutting out benefits such as lost wages, maternity clothing allowance, c-section reimbursements and child care, etc. because you don’t think you will ever need them

11-Staying with Intended Parents for more then a week in their own home

12- Thinking that it’s OK to use federal or state funded medical insurance for a surrogate pregnancy

13-Not visiting a psychologist if relationship problems arise

14-Thinking that the surrogacy process will be fast and easy

Top 10 Don’ts When Planning a Surrogacy Arrangement

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If you are considering attempting a surrogacy arrangement independently, there are many issues to consider. Often times, when trying to cut financial corners and when desperation and vulnerability are a part of the picture, some may find themselves in a courtroom fighting for their baby just because one (or more) of these top 10 mistakes were made!

Top 10 Don’ts When Planning a Surrogacy Arrangement

10) Don’t work with a woman under the age of 21

9) Don’t work with a woman who has never given birth to a child of her own

8) Don’t use a contract downloaded from the Internet with no legal guidance

7) Don’t use the sperm from an ex boyfriend

6) Don’t work with a Surrogate who lives in a state that makes “commercial surrogacy contracts” unenforceable

5) Don’t ‘do’ in home inseminations

4) Don’t have the compensation payments to your surrogate come directly from you-use an escrow agent

3) Don’t forget to pay all the bills regarding the surrogacy and pregnancy in a timely manner

2) Don’t have your surrogate stay with you for more then a week if at all possible

1) Don’t forget the Psychological Evaluation

Some of these issues are common sense but the mistake most often made is skipping the psychological evaluation.(#1) This is usually required by most clinics but some may still leave it up to the Intended Parents discretion. Because this is not an insurance covered expense, IP’s might feel comfortable enough with their chosen carrier to skip this very important step! Doing just that is one of the worst mistakes Intended Parents can make in a surrogacy arrangement.

The Measure of an Egg Donor Agency

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The Measure of an Egg Donor Agency

How should one measure the success of an egg donor agency? On the face of it one might say, “Well, it must be the number of pregnancies achieved!” “Is it?” Is the number of pregnancies achieved not the result of more factors than an egg donor agency can take credit for? After all, the fertility clinic and doctors and their treatment prescribed, the age of the donor and her fertility screening, the quality and quantity of the sperm used to fertilise, the ability of the uterus to facilitate the growth of the embryo. These are all factors that must be optimal in order to achieve pregnancy.

The fact is that all egg donor agencies are governed by certain criteria that ensure donors are viable as fertile egg donors. These factors include egg donors being between the ages of 18 and 35, having a certain and optimal BMI and being screened before an egg donation cycle is undertaken. These factors result in all agencies being created equal as regards the actual donor. Or does it? How does one rate an agency? What after all is the role of the egg donor agency?

We conclude that the role of the agency includes both “passport” factors and “differentiating factors.” Passport factors are standard practices that allow an egg donor agency to remain viable and attractive to recipient parents. They include, promptness in dealing with enquiries, a professional and understanding approach and first hand knowledge and experience of the IVF process. What then differentiates one agency from the rest, if it is not the number of pregnancies achieved, the level of professionalism and first hand experience?
Well, put yourself in the shoes of the recipient parents… what would be most important to you…what would be the differentiating factors for you?
Would you not want to know about the donors, whose genes you choosing, inside and out? Surely her grades at school, her tertiary education, her sexual orientation, how her grandparents may have died, whether she or anyone in her family suffers from one of 90 different conditions that can be passed on genetically, her parents hair and eye colour, their height and body frame…the list goes on and on. The fact is that not all egg donor agencies take the interest, time or effort to make as much information available as possible to prospective parents means that all egg donor agencies are not, in fact, created equal. At the end of the day, when that little miracle is born, don’t you agree it’s worth having made an informed decision? After all, as potential egg donor recipient parents, isn’t it worth it for you to take care in choosing an agency that gives you all the information?

By Dawn Blank, Gift ov life Egg Donor Agency www.giftovlife.com

Egg Donation – A Happy Ending

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For those women whose “partners look at them and they fall pregnant” the use of donor eggs may seem completely absurd. It’s a case of “If you have never walked in someone’s shoes don’t judge them,” and often it’s a complete ignorance, as is the case when you are dealing with a choice you would never have to make.

The reality is that, for those increasing woman who, without the use of donor eggs would never be able to experience motherhood, egg donation is the greatest gift of life.

The need for donor eggs is on the increase, as infertility becomes a widespread in a sentence that does not discriminate. Our fast paced lifestyles; stress, cancer and delaying having children are all factors that can result in a woman’s ovaries not functioning to produce viable eggs for fertilisation. For these woman an egg donor is a last resort and a gift of life. The world of fertility brings fulfillment and joy to couples via egg donation, or surrogacy. In South Africa we are fortunate as egg donation is legal and agencies have an ever-expanding range of doors available to choose from for egg donation.

By Dawn Blank, Gift ov life Egg Donation & Surrogacy Agency www.giftovlife.com

Babies via egg donation & the importance of the birth mother

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Epigenetics is a new (well to some of us!) buzzword in the field of egg donation for conception. Essentially Epigenetics refers to factors outside the gene, such as a cell’s exposure to hormones or genetic variations that can modify a gene. Such factors can change what is ultimately expressed; they can change a phenotype i.e.: they can alter what an organism looks like as a consequence of the interaction of its gene AND the environment. In terms of conception via egg donation that environment begins with the womb of the birth mother. Some examples include hormone and reproductive factors in a woman that may influence the chances of breast and ovarian cancer. These factors are believed to be linked to a woman’s exposure to estrogen and progesterone and their effects on cell differentiation in the breast that occur during pregnancy.
Conventional science has historically linked cell behaviour to the genes present. Latest research suggests however that cells send out signals unique to an individual that I turn receives signals from the outside. This is specifically interesting for birth mothers where it appears our identities may be formed in the womb, linked to an exterior field of energy.

World Epigenetics studies are now focusing on how donor conceived babies DNA may actually be expressed based on the woman who carries that baby. The study of Epigenetics reveals that our lives are more than the sum of our inherited genes. During growth in the womb and after birth differences begin to reveal themselves due to specific genes being active in some people and non-active I others. There are a number of reasons for certain genes to be active and others not including the way the hosts body functions, lifestyle and how we think and feel – our emotions and reactions. The world of babies conceived via egg donation it’s the woman carrying the baby at the conception of life that starts the process of which genes are active and non-active. The birth mother helps shape the baby she carries from the moment that embryo is implanted in her uterus.
By Dawn Blank gift ov life, Egg Donation Agency www.giftovlife.com

Legalities of Egg Donation in South Africa

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Egg donation in South Africa is indeed legal and legislated as Chapter 8 of the National Health Act (Act no 61 of 2003) Gamete donation is regulated by The Policy Committee of the South African Society of Reproductive Science and Surgery. The 2008 Guidelines for gamete donation provides the latest recommendations for clinicians involved in assisted conception using gamete (egg) donors.

Egg donation in South Africa is anonymous which allows the recipient parents to choose whether to reveal the details of their child’s conception. For psychological and to ensure optimal egg quality, only donors between the ages of 21 and 34 can be recruited by egg donor agencies.

There are no requirements in South Africa for an egg donor registry to be kept and the child’s birth certificate details the names of the recipient parents.

It is important for intended parents planning egg donation in South Africa to choose a reputable egg donation agency – one that works with the leading fertility clinics in South Africa. You should also be provided with a Detailed Profile of the Egg Donors available, according to international best practice and covering physical attributes, personality, reproductive health, genetic history, medical history, school grades and family history details.

Egg Donation in South Africa is not only legal and ethical, it provides restored hope to those who otherwise could not experience the joy of a child. Planning your egg donation through Gift ov life egg donation and surrogacy agency – www.giftovlife.com – ensures that you receive world-class service, a choice of national egg donors and access to the top fertility clinics nationwide.

South Africa – Destination for Australians seeking Egg Donors

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Australian egg donation laws have resulted in South Africa becoming an attractive destination for couples seeking Egg Donation. The legal process involved in Australian egg donation is complex; this coupled with the fact that donors cannot be compensated for their donation has resulted in a shortage of donors. Furthermore the egg donor’s details are required to be noted on the birth certificate, which for many intended parents is not an option. If an Australian couple wishes to advertise for an egg donor hey must first seek permission from the Health Ministry.

Gift ov life is South Africa’s foremost fertility agency offering Egg Donation and has seen an increased and increasing number of Australian recipient parents visiting its branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town for egg donation services.

The reasons are clear. Egg Donation in South Africa requires anonymous donation for egg donors and recipients. Egg Donors also receive a small compensation for their efforts. South Africa does not keep an egg donation registry and thus there is no contact between egg donor and recipient parents.

Gift ov life works with the top South African fertility clinics in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban where world-class IVF donor egg success rates are achieved. South Africa also offers very affordable IVF and egg donor costs, as many Australians have discovered.

Gift ov life egg donation program offers more than 50 available on line donors, screened by world class standards, resulting in relatively quick selection and treatment towards possible pregnancy – a well received alternative to Australian egg donor IVF.

Visit www.giftovlife.com or email us on info@giftovlife.com for more information or to contact one of our co-founders directly.
We look forward to assisting you with your gift ov life.

South Africa – Dream Destination for Egg Donation & IVF

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Couples or individuals in need of egg donation have the following requirements:
World class fertility clinics with world class success rates; a wide choice of available and well-screened egg donors; affordable IVF and donor matching costs and for most…a beautiful and sought after holiday destination. Look no further than South Africa and Gift ov life, a foremost South African Egg Donor and Surrogacy Agency.

What should Recipients to Egg Donation look for in choosing an agency to work with? We recommend that you choose an agency that:

– Offers a wide choice of available egg donors – Gift ov life has 50+ donors who are available for you to view on line. You may also request detailed profiles of donors on line.

– Provides you with a Detailed Donor Profile that reveals the extent to which the donors have been screened – Gift ov life egg donors complete an extensive questionnaire: 98 different medical conditions are screened, grandparents history and in depth personal, academic and lifestyle reviews of the donor.

– A national agency, offering donors in Jhb and Cape Town – the availability of national egg donors gives you a wider choice of donors, allows you to choose your fertility clinic and sight seeing between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

– Provides you with personal transport transfers – Gift ov life is aware that being in a strange country can be daunting. We want to keep your stress to a minimum. The co-owners of Gift ov life offer personal transfers to and from the airport and to/from your hotel to clinic, at o cost, to ensure that you are very well taken care of during your stay with us.

– An agency whose owners have personally experienced IVF – Both Gift ov life’s co-owners have, between them, been treated at all the major fertility clinics in South Africa and have undergone many IVF treatments. We are experienced and we understand.

Our advice is to ask these questions of the agency that you enquire to work with. Ensure that you get the best advice, treatment and egg donors available.

If you require an egg donor or would like to become an egg donor, please visit our website www.giftovlife.com .
You are also welcome to email us at info@giftovlife.com.

At Gift ov life our world class, affordable Egg Donation and Surrogacy Program is focused on assisting you to get pregnant via egg donation IVF in South Africa.

Infertility Answers, Inc.~ Research is Key!

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If you are considering Egg or Sperm Donation, Surrogacy or Embryo Donation, research is KEY! There are so many facets to the Third Party Family Building journey that it’s imperative that those seeking to be donors or surrogates do their research as well as Intended Parents looking for the services offered from women advertising themselves as “good candidates”. You can find information regarding these issues and more, including medical and legal concerns world wide, on Infertility Answers, Inc. http://infertilityanswers.org/ This easy to navigate site is perfect for those just starting to understand the complexities of Third Party Family Building.

Wishing you all the best!
Sharon LaMothe

Surrogacy~ Will Any Body Do?

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Intended parents have been through hell…and finally, the couple or single, have decided that surrogacy may be the solution for them…instead of adoption they can make their own baby…using their own genetics (or at least pick the genetics from a wide pool of donors) and the wild card…a surrogate. It could be a family member, a friend or a woman found through an agency or on the Internet, but no matter who she is…she will always be the wild card. She can be the nicest, cleanest, most honest woman in the world…until….she is 1) asking for more money or benefits,2) she won’t agree to selective reduction or abortion, 3) won’t accept phone calls 3x per day and after 10 PM at night….etc. If these things happen she is perceived to be cold and calculating and secretive. What happened to the woman who was open and honest? Maybe she was lost on the way to the clinic? or during the first meeting….was their a meeting? Or was it just taken for granted that any “body” would do? Something to think about!

Sharon
www.InfertilityAnswers.net