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Surrogacy

Gestational Carrier

There are many ways to build your family! Northeastern Reproductive Medicine offers paths to collaborative family building, such as using a surrogate to carry your baby.

If you have a medical contraindication to pregnancy or need a uterus to build a family, the use of a gestational carrier (GC) may be a wonderful way to safely bring your child into the world. You will receive specialized care from our experienced team of third-party specialized providers and nurses. We have excellent resources through children’s books, counseling services, and evidence-based research to help guide you and answer questions.

Why Pursue a Surrogacy Journey in Vermont?

  • Healthy environment for your surrogate’s pregnancy: Vermont was ranked the #1 place to live in America according to a July 2023 survey by CNBC, citing clean air, protection from discrimination, and beautiful landscapes.

  • Vermont offers a safe-haven for reproductive rights and the protection of your parenthood, your frozen embryos, and your surrogate’s health.

  • NRM ensures a protected and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ and single parents by choice.

    • Vermont was the first state to adopt civil unions, and, in 2009, to legislate same-sex marriage.

  • Ease of legal and logistical coordination.

    • Vermont Intended Parents are recognized through a pre-birth order without a need for post-birth adoption.

Who Should Consider a Gestational Carrier Using IVF?

  • People who don’t have access to a uterus in their family or intimate relationship

  • People who have a uterus and have a contraindication to carrying a pregnancy, such as:

    • Uterine abnormalities, such as a T-shaped uterus or Mullerian anomaly, or hypoplastic uterus with history of infertility or repetitive pregnancy loss

    • People with untreatable intrauterine scar tissue

    • Absence of the uterus, whether surgical (hysterectomy) or from birth (Mullerian agenesis)

    • Medical conditions in which risks of pregnancy would outweigh any benefits, such as:

      • Severe heart disease

      • Systemic lupus erythematosus

      • History of breast cancer

      • Severe renal disease

      • Cystic fibrosis

      • Prior poor obstetric history, like history of severe pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome

Will You Pursue Surrogacy?

When you are ready, the next step is to schedule an initial consultation so that we can meet with you and develop a personalized plan designed to deliver the family of your dreams.

Schedule A Consultation

Who Might Consider Becoming a Gestational Carrier?

Surrogates offer a gift to intended parents- a gift of life and family. 

Gestational carriers are between 23-42 years old, with a BMI <35, and at least one past healthy pregnancy that delivered a healthy child at term. Gestational carrier agencies help coordinate intended parents with a healthy GC candidate. 

 NRM works closely with Vermont Surrogacy Network and other agencies of your choice.

What is the Screening Process for Intended Parents?

To keep you and your baby safe, ensure safety of your surrogate, and set you up for success, NRM follows American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and FDA guidelines.

  • Medical history and fertility testing, to create a protocol for embryo creation.
  • Infectious disease testing and genetic carrier screening are performed through blood tests.
  • Counseling, both together with your surrogate and independently, to ensure all parties are on the same page and to address the ethical, emotional, and social issues related to the process.

What Screening Will be Performed on Gestational Carriers?

The GC will undergo a complete medical history screening, including the following:

  • Detailed obstetric history
  • Lifestyle history
  • Physical examination
  • Evaluation of uterine cavity (most commonly by saline-infusion ultrasound)

Lab Testing

  • Infectious disease testing of GC and GC partner (if applicable)
  • Screening for immunity to rubella and varicella
  • Blood type and antibody screen

Mental Health Evaluation

The goal of GC counseling is to provide the GC (and their partner if applicable) with a clear understanding of the psychological issues related to pregnancy, optimizing their relationship with the intended parents and understanding what challenges can arise; and understanding the impact of carrying a pregnancy on the GC and their family, as well as relationships with partner, friends, and employers.

What Other Components Are Needed Prior to Undergoing a Gestational Surrogate IVF Cycle?

The GC (and a partner) and intended parents meet together with a mental health professional to discuss expectations regarding a potential pregnancy. This includes a discussion of the type of relationship all parties desire; plans during the pregnancy such as for prenatal diagnostic interventions; the possibility of unexpected situations and how each individual might approach different challenges; and respecting the GC’s right to privacy. Consultation with an attorney familiar with third-party reproductive law is required.

With GC Arrangements, a Legal Contract Should Cover the Following:

  • Number of embryos to transfer

  • Financial obligations on the part of the intended parents and the GS

  • Expected behavior of the GC to ensure a healthy pregnancy

  • Prenatal diagnostic tests

  • Agreements regarding fetal reduction or therapeutic abortion if indicated

  • Declaration of parentage according to state laws