An important checklist for Intended Parents to help safeguard your surrogacy experience.

 

• Determine if surrogacy is right for you.
  For Intended Parents contemplating surrogacy, seriously consider all issues prior to making a decision to go ahead with a surrogacy arrangement. 
  
  
• Contact your IVF clinic for information on their surrogacy services.
  Not all IVF clinics in Canada will provide services to assist you with a surrogacy arrangement. If they do offer services, they may have different requirements in regards to the surrogate's reproductive history, age or weight. It's important to find out early on before beginning your search for a surrogate mother what services your clinic provides and requirements they expect.
  
  
• Create a letter or profile about yourself.
  To help you find an ideal match, it is best to create a letter or profile about yourself (and partner). Describe your situation, surrogacy plans, time frames and any requirements you may have for your potential surrogate mother.
  
  
• Educate yourself.
  Before pursuing a surrogacy arrangement education yourself with as much information as you can. There are many resources online and it can be helpful to speak with others that have already experienced surrogacy.
  
  
• Arrange to meet your Surrogate Mother.
  It is very important to meet your surrogate mother (and her family if possible) in person, unless you are utilizing an agency or a surrogate professional who has some experience in screening candidates. E-mail or telephone communication may not always be accurate so it's important to arrange a meeting before making final decision.
  
  
• Have a Surrogacy Agreement in place.
  Before your surrogate mother begins any tests or medical procedures be sure to meet with a lawyer specializing in reproductive law and have a surrogacy agreement (or contract) in place.
  
  
• Never send any payments prior to signing a Surrogacy Agreement.
  Do not send money to your surrogate mother before signing a surrogacy agreement. All payments should be reimbursement after a receipt has been made. Some US surrogate mothers use retainer fees before attempts at pregnancy, be sure the retainer agreement complies with state law and has been checked by your lawyer.
  
  
• Consider the cost.
  Surrogacy can be expensive.  It is important to know the estimated cost of the entire process up front.  View our "The Cost of Surrogacy" page here.
  
  
• Legal Issues.
  Educate yourself on the legal status of surrogacy in your province, state or country.  Not being aware of current laws and taking shortcuts could result in jeopardizing your parental rights.  One of the best way to make sure you are properly adhearing to the laws and (often changing) regulations, is to hire a lawyer that specializes in third party reproduction, American agency or surrogacy consultant to help guide you through the surrogacy process.
  
  
• Relax!
  Take a deep breath, remain patient and try to focus on the end result... your baby!