Even if you have already found your perfect match without the help of an agency, we want to make becoming a parent through surrogacy a seamless process for you and your surrogate.
Congratulations on your good fortune of having someone in your life – be it a friend or family member – wanting to take this journey with you! We’ve created a flat-fee concierge service program designed help you every step of the way, beginning with a no-charge consultation and ending with the birth of your baby (wow, that’s exciting).
1. Let's talk
Your relationship with Southwest Surrogacy begins with a no-charge consultation. You meet with one of our staff members in person or via phone or Skype. We tell you about our program, explore where you are in the process and examine how we can help make the entire journey smoother for you. You learn about the Southwest’s, surrogacy-friendly judicial system. We discuss insurance issues, financial matters and what is included in our flat fee. We allow as much time as you need to share your story and to make sure we understand your history, desires and needs around this very important decision.
2. It's official
Once you decide to partner with us, you sign an agreement with Southwest Surrogacy called the Concierge Services Agency Agreement. You will fill out a small amount of paperwork. Lastly, you meet your personable, professional and altogether like-able (if we do say so ourselves!) case management team from Southwest Surrogacy.
3. Background checks all around
Just like the Gestational Carriers in our full service matching program, we will conduct a full background check on your Gestational Carrier and her spouse, partner, or any adults living in her home. You get to join the fun, too! In addition to the background checks, we will send your Gestational Carrier to a psychological assessment and you will be provided a psychological counseling session to help you more fully understand the process you are all undertaking.
4. Medical screenings for everyone
If you don’t already have your gestational carrier’s medical records, we will assist with gathering her records and submitting them to your chosen fertility doctor. If you’ve been working with a fertility doctor, you may know that reproductive endocrinologists require that all parties undergo a complete medical screening before beginning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Medical screenings also precede the legal agreement with your surrogate. We’ll help arrange those appointments, too!
5. Insurance (maybe not the most fun, but so important)
Insurance is complicated issue when it comes to surrogacy journeys. Most insurance providers do not cover IVF (unless you are fortunate enough to work for Google or Facebook!). Those costs tend to be out of pocket. The maternity and delivery costs of your Surrogate, however, are important to have covered by insurance. It’s possible your Surrogate has insurance already that does not include a surrogacy exclusion, lien, or other surrogacy-unfriendly language. We help figure that out with you. And if her insurance is unfriendly, we help you with exploring other insurance options.
6. The Surrogacy Agreement
The legal agreement with your surrogate (and her spouse, if applicable) ensures that the best interests of all parties are represented. An attorney based in the state where your surrogate will deliver specializing in assisted reproductive technology law represents you, as intended parents, and drafts the agreement. Your surrogate also has legal representation.
7. Escrow (a new baby and a new house have something in common!)
Most Intended Parents and Surrogates on this journey together like to take money out of the equation. The involvement of an escrow manager allows all costs and expenses agreed to in the legal agreement to be paid automatically by a third-party. We provide escrow services for you as part of the Concierge Fee. That way you can forget about money and finances and just focus on the baby!
8. Baby's beginning: The IVF Process
A licensed reproductive endocrinologist oversees and manages the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in their IVF clinic. If you have a fertility specialist, we coordinate the IVF process with your clinic. Your surrogate’s travel expenses over 75 miles are your responsibility. If you do not have a relationship with a clinic, we can recommend several excellent clinics in the Southwest. Regardless of where the IVF occurs, we’re involved as much or as little as you wish.
9. She's pregnant!
Yay, the news you’ve been waiting for! We offer support throughout the pregnancy as you and your surrogate prepare for the baby’s arrival. Schedules, medical appointments, insurance guidance—we’re available to help when and how we can, just say the word. We also communicate with the hospital to be sure everyone is on the same page and supported. We even have a cute sign for the hospital room door explaining that this is a surrogacy birth and medical questions involving the baby should be directed to the Intended Parents.
10. One last legal piece
Your legal team files the documents with the court that establish your parental rights and stipulate that your name(s) appear on the birth certificate from the start. If you live abroad, we assist with the required legal documents and passports and coordinate the efforts to bring your baby home. Please note that international intended parents will want to consult with an attorney in your home country regarding any residency or citizenship requirements for a U.S. surrogate-born child.
11. Your child arrives!
Every parent remembers the moment they held their baby for the first time. The experience is unforgettable. We’re here to help in whatever ways we’re needed in the days leading up to and after your child’s birth. This includes making sure the birth certificate and all legal documents are in order. And, of course, passport and travel documents for international Intended Parents. Also, heads up: we love holding babies.