We aim to make becoming a parent through surrogacy a seamless, smooth and hugely rewarding process for you and your surrogate
We’ve outlined the steps here, 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 and explain how matching with a surrogate works. We discuss insurance issues and financial matters. Most importantly, you tell us what you’re looking for in a surrogate. Heads up: the initial consultation can last a few hours and may get emotional. 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 Agency Agreement. You also fill out an application that lets us get to know you better. Lastly, you meet your personable, professional and altogether like-able case management team from Southwest Surrogacy.
3. Finding the best gestational carriers
We’re very particular about surrogates. They’re the cornerstone of a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The women we work with are generally 21-35 years of age and occasionally in their early 40s. They’re in good health, with no psychiatric illnesses or sexually-transmitted diseases. These women live in financially secure, happy and stable environments. Their spouse or partner fully supports their decision to be a surrogate, if applicable. Our applicants undergo medical and psychological assessments and every adult living in their home gets a background check. Based on these screenings, we select women we deem supremely qualified.
4. The match
We take your list of preferences and match you with a surrogate, then send you her profile. We facilitate a meet-up by phone or Skype and, if possible, in person. The match is hugely important. Don’t be shy: if the surrogate we recommend doesn’t feel like the right fit, tell us. We’ll happily go back to the drawing board and create a new match. A portion of the agency fee —discounted by 20 percent for active-duty military personnel—is due at this time.
5. Medical screenings for everyone
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.
6. The surrogacy agreement
Both intended parents and the gestational carrier will have independent legal counsel to answer their questions and help them fully understand the legal issues. Experienced attorneys in the state the gestational carrier will deliver will represent each side's interests as all parties come to a mutual understanding and agreement on all legal aspects of this incredible journey. Gestational carrier's attorneys fees are covered by the intended parents.
7. Baby's beginnings: 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 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 Southwest 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.
10. 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. Heads up: we love holding babies.