Surrogacy Process in Florida
Beginning Your Surrogacy Journey
We'll hold your hand each step of the way
Understanding the Florida surrogacy process is a necessary step before deciding if becoming a surrogate is right for you. In a gestational surrogate cycle, the surrogate plays a vital role in an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedure, which utilizes either the egg of the intended mother or that of an egg donor. The intended mother or egg donor undergoes a regimen involving stimulating hormones designed to encourage the development of multiple follicles. Concurrently, the surrogate takes specific medications aimed at preparing the uterine lining to not only accept the embryo but also to support the ensuing pregnancy. Importantly, there is no genetic connection between the surrogate and the implanted embryo.
To ensure a fulfilling and positive surrogacy journey, several critical components are integrated into the process. These include the application and evaluation phase, where the potential surrogate is carefully assessed for eligibility; the matching phase with intended parent(s), which considers compatibility and expectations; the medical screening phase to assess overall health; and finalizing the legal agreement to protect the rights of all parties involved. Subsequently, the surrogate enters the medical IVF cycle that is tailored to her needs. Finally, the pregnancy and delivery phase concludes the journey. In navigating the Florida surrogacy process, please note that some cycles may vary in minor ways depending on geographical location and specific clinical protocols. We encourage you to thoroughly review the detailed process outlined below.
Phase One: Surrogate Application
The first step in the Florida surrogacy process, and to initiate your surrogacy journey, you’ll need to complete a comprehensive surrogate application questionnaire. This detailed questionnaire is designed to gather critical information about various facets of your life, including your overall health, lifestyle choices, experiences with past pregnancies, and your employment history. After receiving your completed application, we will rigorously review it against the agency criteria that are outlined under our “surrogate requirements” section. If you successfully meet these criteria, the next step involves coordinating an interview with you, which could take place in our office or be conducted via a Skype interview for convenience.
Following the interview, the next step in the Florida surrogacy process will be to schedule an in-home visit to further understand your living environment. To ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved, arrangements will be made for key assessments such as a Psychological Evaluation, Medical Pre-screening, and a comprehensive Background Check. Once we receive clearances from these evaluations, we will assist you in crafting a “surrogate bio,” a document that serves as your introduction to potential intended parents. Concurrently, we will share profiles of potential intended parents with you to help determine compatibility. If there is mutual interest between you and the intended parent(s), we facilitate a meeting for all parties to become acquainted. Upon successful matching, the final step entails making arrangements for you to be medically cleared at the intended parent(s) fertility clinic, solidifying your role in this life-changing endeavor.
Phase Two: Psychological Screening, Background Check, Medical Pre-Screening
Background Check:
You and your spouse and/or partner will complete a background check searched by your name and SSN. This is conducted on both a federal and state criminal records, as well as residential history.
Psychological Screening:
You will undergo psychological screening with a PhD Psychologist whose focus is on third party reproduction. The psychologist will administer the MMPI-2 or PIA, personality assessment questionnaire. Your spouse and/or partner will be required to attend this appointment. This appointment is for the purpose to ensure that you are of sound mind and emotionally stable to undergo the surrogacy process. Also, that you have the support of your spouse and/or partner. During this appointment the psychologist is also there to provide support to you and discuss any concerns or fears that you may have.
Medical Pre-Screening:
We will request your past pregnancy records going back seven years and any current medical records. We require that you have a current pap and/or physical exam completed in the last twelve months. If you are due for your annual exam we will make arrangements for you to complete. You will need to provide a clearance letter from your current OB/GYN stating that you are medical cleared to be a surrogate.
Phase Three: Medical Screening
Medical Screening: Once your match is official you will then be seen at the intended parent(s) fertility clinic by their reproductive endocrinologist. This appointment is to conclude that the intended parent(s) fertility doctor deems you suitable to be a gestational surrogate. You will be required to complete an in-depth exam from the fertility doctor. Complete infectious disease testing, meet with the clinical nurse coordinator to go over the steps that are medically required of you and the medications.
Every clinic can possibly have different protocols. Your spouse and/or partner will be required to complete the FDA infectious disease panel.
- Meet with a Reproductive Endocrinologist
- Physical examination
- Gynecological Exam – Pap smear (this should be completed as part of the prescreening)
- HIV Antibody
- Hepatitis A, B and C Surface Antigen
- Hysteroscopy – a small camera is placed in the uterus to look at the uterine cavity
- RPR for Syphilis
- Blood count and chemistry
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - Blood type and RH
- Drug toxicology
- Group B Strep
all screening costs are covered by the intended parents.
Phase Four: Gestational Surrogate IVF Cycle
You’ll have the full support of your nurse at your cycling clinic. Your nurse will review each step of the cycle plan with you. Your nurse will explain each medication that will be used. All necessary medications that you will be required to use in order to prepare your lining to accept the embryo for implantation and support a pregnancy. You’ll have all of the support from us throughout the process. From the start of the medication protocol to the embryo transfer takes five to six weeks. Some clinics use a more natural approach using less medication, but sometimes requiring more monitoring appointments leading up to the embryo transfer. Every clinic is different.
- You will start with Lupron to down regulate you. You might take birth control as well.
- You will then start taking estrogen in either a patch form or oral pill. Estrogen grows your endometrial lining to thicken to support implantation of the embryo.
- You will then start using progesterone in either a suppository form or injection. This is what supports the pregnancy until the placenta begins to release this hormone naturally.
- You will have an embryo transfer where a small catheter is inserted into your vagina and through your uterus. The embryos will be placed in the uterus with the hopes of implantation.
- You will have a beta test (pregnancy test) 10 days later to confirm a pregnancy.
- You will have blood draws and ultrasound throughout the first 8-10 weeks to monitor the pregnancy before being released to the Ob/Gyn.
- You will have several lining checks before the embryo transfer to confirm that your uterine lining is thick enough to accept the embryo for implantation.
Phase Five: Gestational Surrogate Pregnancy And Delivery
With a surrogate pregnancy is does differ somewhat then your natural pregnancy. With a surrogate pregnancy you went through IVF so you will be required to continue on medication to help support the pregnancy that are naturally produced by the body in a natural pregnancy for the first trimester.
Every clinic can possibly have different protocols. Your spouse and/or partner will be required to complete the FDA infectious disease panel.
- You will be monitored more closely throughout the first 8-10 weeks at the fertility clinic then from a natural pregnancy.
- The intended parents are a huge part of this journey and might want to attend appointments with you. On going open communication about ever appointment is crucial to the intended parents should they not be able to attend.
- The delivery is a very special time for all involved. Before this time our surrogate coordinator, mental health counselor, intended parents and surrogate will meet to come up with a birth plan that everyone is comfortable with.
Throughout your surrogate journey with Creative Love we will provide you with support with either in person or through Skype to assure that all of your questions are answered and that you have the full support that you need.
If you are ready to join our agency family we welcome you to complete a surrogate application with us today! If you are still exploring the possibility of becoming a surrogate, or would like to better understand the different steps of the Florida surrogacy process, we welcome you to contact us. We will be happy to assist you throughout your journey.
