Who are Canadian Surrogates?
Canadian surrogates are individuals who choose to help others achieve their dream of parenthood by carrying a pregnancy for someone else. They can come from diverse backgrounds and have various personal motivations, but they all share a common commitment to assisting intended parents in creating a family.
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Canadian surrogates typically undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the journey. They often have their own children, which provides them with valuable experience and a strong understanding of pregnancy and childbirth. Surrogacy in Canada is governed by legal and ethical guidelines to protect both the surrogate and the intended parents, ensuring a supportive and respectful process for everyone involved.
How much does it cost?
It’s essential to understand that surrogacy is a significant financial commitment, and intended parents should be fully prepared before entering a surrogacy match.
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Many intended parents begin by creating and freezing embryos, then take time to save additional funds for the rest of the process. We recommend that intended parents have a budget of approximately $120,000 for a gestational surrogacy arrangement in Canada. If you already have frozen embryos, we suggest a budget of around $90,000.
How long is the journey?
The entire surrogacy process can vary in length, but it typically takes between 15 to 24 months from start to finish. This timeline includes finding and matching with a surrogate, legal processes, medical procedures, and the pregnancy itself. However, individual circumstances can affect the duration, so flexibility and patience are important throughout the journey.
The Surrogacy Process
The surrogacy process involves several key steps, each designed to ensure a successful and supportive experience for all parties involved. Here’s an overview:
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Initial Consultation:
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Intended Parents and Surrogates: Both the intended parents and potential surrogates meet with a surrogacy agency or consultant to discuss their goals, expectations, and the surrogacy process.
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Screening: Initial screening involves assessing the health, lifestyle, and background of both parties to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
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Matching:
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Compatibility: The agency or consultant matches intended parents with a suitable surrogate based on preferences, values, and goals.
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Meetings: Both parties meet to discuss their expectations and establish a mutual understanding of the surrogacy arrangement.
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Legal Agreements:
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Contracts: Legal contracts are drafted to outline the rights, responsibilities, and compensation for the surrogate, as well as the intended parents' obligations.
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Legal Counsel: Both parties typically have their own legal representation to ensure that all legal aspects are covered and that the agreement is fair and comprehensive.
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Medical and Psychological Screening:
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Health Assessments: Surrogates undergo medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for pregnancy and to confirm that there are no health issues that could affect the pregnancy.
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Counseling: Psychological assessments help ensure that both the surrogate and the intended parents are mentally prepared for the surrogacy process.
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5. Embryo Transfer:
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The intended parents’ eggs and sperm are combined to create embryos in a lab. The embryos are then transferred into the surrogate's uterus.
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Monitoring: The surrogate’s health and the pregnancy are closely monitored through regular check-ups and ultrasounds.
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6. Pregnancy and Support:
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Ongoing Care: The surrogate receives prenatal care and support throughout the pregnancy. Both the surrogate and the intended parents stay in regular contact to address any concerns and provide emotional support.
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Communication: Regular updates and communication between the surrogate and intended parents help maintain a positive relationship and ensure that both parties are comfortable with the process.
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7. Birth and Post-Birth:
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Delivery: The surrogate gives birth, and the intended parents are usually present to welcome their baby.
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Legal Procedures: Legal procedures, such as obtaining a birth certificate and establishing parental rights, are completed as per the surrogacy agreement.
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8. Post-Birth Follow-Up:
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Support: Both the surrogate and intended parents receive post-birth support to address any emotional or practical issues that may arise.
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Debriefing: A final review of the surrogacy process ensures that all aspects of the agreement have been fulfilled and that any remaining issues are resolved.
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Each surrogacy journey is unique, and the process may vary based on individual circumstances, legal requirements, and agency practices.
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