Gestational Carrier

A gestational carrier is a woman who carries a pregnancy for someone else.

gestational surrogacy third party reproduction

Why You May Need A Gestational Carrier

There are many reasons why patients may work with a gestational carrier, including:

  • Absent uterus (congenital absence or prior hysterectomy)
  • Severe uterine factor infertility (fibroids, adenomyosis, intrauterine adhesions, persistent thin lining despite hormonal treatment, pelvic radiation)
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Repeated implantation failure
  • Medical conditions that preclude safely carrying a pregnancy (cardiac, pulmonary or renal disease)
  • Same-sex male couples, single men and transgender individuals

What is the Gestational Carrier Process

We can offer guidance to patients interested in becoming a gestational carrier by helping them select a carrier that fits their needs and preferences. Some may choose to work with a friend or relative to carry the pregnancy, while others may prefer to match through an agency with a woman who has applied to become a gestational carrier.

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fertility clinic nursing staff

What to Expect

The process of locating, connecting with and achieving a pregnancy with a gestational carrier can be a stressful and lengthy experience, but hopefully a rewarding one as well. Our approach is collaborative, with RMA physicians, nurses and mental health and financial counselors working together to support the patient at every stage of the process with the highest level of care and expertise.

Becoming A Gestational Carrier

 

The below information is intended for women who would like to become a gestational carrier and help build a family.

A doctor must first determine that using a gestational carrier is the best choice for the patient/intended parents. Being a gestational carrier is an important responsibility that includes many physical, medical, emotional, and laws for participants to consider. RMA works closely with all carriers, beginning with an intensive physical and psychological screening process at our fertility clinic.

Gestational Carrier Criteria

Before becoming a gestational carrier the following criteria must be met:

  • Take part in a preliminary phone interview with a physician and mental health professional.
  • Furnish copies of medical records and history.
  • Complete preliminary paperwork.
  • Provide any additional requested materials.
  • After the above criteria are met, the carrier will meet with the recipient couple, nurse, physician and mental health coordinator at a “screening appointment.”
Next Steps

Following the initial appointment:

  • The carrier will be briefed on medications that will be used during the implantation procedure.
  • A coordinator reviews the contract between the carrier and the couple.
  • Carriers and partners must complete a Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and participate in a series of interviews and tests.
first fertility clinic visit

Screening The Carrier

Prior to becoming available to match, all gestational carrier candidates (both known and recruited) undergo a thorough review of their medical and obstetric records, along with a clinical interview by the RMA doctor and mental health teams. This process is designed to ensure only healthy carriers are matched, both for the wellbeing of the child and the carrier herself.

Carriers also undergo a uterine cavity evaluation with either a saline sonogram or hysteroscopy to verify that the uterine environment is optimal for carrying a child, free of polyps, fibroids and scar tissue. At RMA, we only work with carriers from gestational carrier-friendly states and countries. Typically, this involves the carrier traveling to one of our offices for an appointment to complete the screening process and a second visit for the embryo transfer.

Screening The Intended Parents

Intended parents undergo routine infectious disease screening in compliance with requirements by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Genetic testing, along with a genetic counseling appointment, is required. Embryos can be created at any time through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), even prior to matching with a carrier.

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Treatment Specifics

Speak to a Fertility Specialist & Get Started

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Existing patients with inquiries, please call your local office or send a message via the Artemis Patient Portal.