Organization important for surrogacy
If you have done any research into surrogacy you know there are so many pieces and variables! Your IVF Clinic or Reproductive Endocrinologist choice is your starting point, and while we recommend using an agency to help manage your surrogacy journey, there are other companies and organizations that support surrogacy. These organizations are important in their support of surrogacy with standards or during the process with all the pieces of this process.
Helping with standards and guidelines for surrogacy are:
ASRM: American Society for Reproductive Medicine
A non-profit, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
ASRM recommendations for surrogacy:
· Carriers must be of legal age, and preferably between the ages of 21 and 45 years. Certain situations may dictate the use of a carrier older than 45 years of age, but all parties involved must be informed about the potential risks of pregnancy with advancing maternal age.
· Ideally, the carrier should have had at least one, term, uncomplicated pregnancy before being considered as a gestational carrier for another couple.
· Ideally, the carrier should not have had more than a total of five previous deliveries or three deliveries via cesarean section.
· Ideally, the carrier should have a stable family environment with adequate support to help her cope with the added stress of pregnancy.
Reproductive Alliance
Reproductive Alliance is working to develop field-wide standards that protect the intended parents, surrogates, and the field at large by sourcing the knowledge and experience of professionals in all facets of the third-party reproduction field.
https://reproductivealliance.org
SEEDS: SOCIETY FOR ETHICS IN EGG DONATION AND SURROGACY
SEEDS is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of egg donation and surrogacy agencies, whose purpose is to define and promote ethical behavior by all parties involved in third-party reproduction.
Support Organizations:
RESOLVE
The National Infertility Association is dedicated to ensuring that all people challenged in their family-building journey reach resolution.
Mental Health Professionals
Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors that are knowledgeable about infertility, IVF, and surrogacy. Finding someone who is knowledgeable about the surrogacy process and whom you are comfortable talking to may help you navigate through this journey.
Check out Dr. Alison Wilson’s video https://vimeo.com/194419232
Facebook groups that are supportive of surrogacy and the process
There are a lot of groups on Facebook about or on surrogacy. You may find some of these to be helpful, and supportive and find lots of great information. *Warning – We all know people can be relentless online, sadly this applies even to some of these Facebook groups.
Insurance information about surrogacy:
ART Risk
ART Risk Solutions takes a proactive approach to provide financial services for the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) community.
Legal Organizations:
ABA – American Bar Association
ABA’s mission is to serve equally its members, the legal profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession.
https://www.americanbar.org/about_the_aba/
AAAA - Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
AAAA is a credentialed organization dedicated to the competent and ethical practice of adoption and assisted reproduction law. It advocates for laws and policies to protect the best interests of children, the legal status of families formed through adoption and assisted reproduction, and the rights of all interested parties.
https://adoptionart.org/
Escrow:
SeedTrust
SeedTrust is the leading technology-enabled escrow fund manager for egg donation and surrogacy. They endeavor to help families grow and reduce the financial stress of the escrow process by providing secure, transparent, affordable, and reliable escrow services to intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors throughout their collaborative reproductive arrangements, allowing parents and surrogates to focus on what matters most, building families.
https://www.seedtrustescrow.com/about-us/
SEAM
SEAM’s mission is to bring the joy of parenthood to as many families as they possibly can.
They believe that every person who wants to be a parent should be able to be a parent.
And surrogacy can be a long frustrating, emotionally challenging process. There are many moving pieces, and financial management can be one of the toughest aspects to deal with alone.
That’s why they provide escrow account management services for third-party reproduction agreements. Because you have more important things to worry about than reviewing expenses and approving payments.
LGBTQ:
Men Having Babies
The international nonprofit Men Having Babies (MHB) is dedicated to providing gay men with educational and financial support to achieve parenthood through surrogacy. MHB’s annual conferences, workshops and webinars provide over two thousand attendees worldwide with unbiased guidance and access to a wide range of relevant service providers. The organization’s Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP) annually provides hundreds of couples with over a million dollars worth of cash grants, discounts, and free services from over seventy providers.
https://www.menhavingbabies.org
Gays with kids
Share honest and accurate portrayals of how gay, bi and trans men are creating their families, and what life is like raising them.
Family Equity
Family Equality is fighting to protect and support LGBTQ+ families.
https://www.path2parenthood.org
Other:
Passport/Visa Advisors
Passport & Visa Advisors have helped international couples and individuals to obtain a US passport for infants born in the United States via surrogacy.
https://passportvisaadvisors.com/surrogacy/
There are many other organizations or companies that work with surrogacy journeys. If you don’t see them here check out our resource page.