Can Canadians Pursue Surrogacy in the United States?
The California Surrogacy Process
1. How does the California surrogacy process work?
A California gestational surrogacy journey typically involves several stages:
Initial consultation and family planning
Fertility treatment and embryo planning
Gestational carrier matching
Medical screening
Legal agreements
Escrow and insurance coordination
Embryo transfer
Pregnancy monitoring and support
Birth and post-birth coordination
The exact process and timeline can vary depending on the intended parents, gestational carrier, fertility clinic, medical circumstances, and legal requirements.
Westwood Surrogacy coordinates the different parts of the journey and helps intended parents understand what to expect at each stage.
2. How long does a California surrogacy journey take?
There is no single timeline that applies to every surrogacy journey.
The overall process can be affected by fertility treatment, embryo availability, gestational carrier matching, medical screening, legal agreements, embryo transfer, and pregnancy.
For international intended parents, travel and cross-border documentation may also affect the timeline.
During an initial consultation, Westwood can help intended parents understand the major stages involved and develop a plan based on their individual circumstances.
3. How does gestational carrier matching work?
Gestational carrier matching is an important part of the surrogacy journey.
The process typically involves reviewing the intended parents' preferences and circumstances, identifying an appropriate gestational carrier, reviewing medical and personal information, and allowing both parties to determine whether the potential match is a good fit.
Once a potential match is identified, the gestational carrier must complete the required medical and psychological screening and the parties proceed with the appropriate legal process before an embryo transfer.
Westwood supports intended parents throughout the matching and coordination process.
4. What medical screening does a gestational carrier complete?
Gestational carrier screening may include medical history review, physical examinations, laboratory testing, reproductive health evaluation, and other assessments required by the fertility clinic or medical professionals.
The specific requirements can vary by clinic and by the carrier's individual medical history.
Westwood coordinates with the appropriate fertility and medical professionals, while medical decisions and clinical evaluations are made by qualified healthcare providers.
5. What happens after a gestational carrier is matched?
After a potential match is identified, the intended parents and gestational carrier typically move through the required screening and legal steps before proceeding with an embryo transfer.
Depending on the circumstances, this stage may involve medical clearance, psychological evaluation, independent legal representation, contract review, escrow arrangements, insurance coordination, and preparation for the transfer cycle.
Westwood helps coordinate these steps so that the intended parents and gestational carrier understand what comes next.
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