Surrogacy (Gestational Carrier)

Pooyesh Fertility Clinic

Surrogacy (Gestational Carrier)

 

 

 

Surrogacy is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for an intended couple who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. The surrogate carries the embryo for nine months and, after delivery, the baby is handed over to the intended parents.

How the Surrogacy Process Works

To begin the surrogacy process, the intended parents’ eggs and sperm are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory using IVF or ICSI. The resulting embryos are frozen. Once the surrogate’s uterus and endometrial lining are adequately prepared, one or more embryos are transferred to her womb through embryo transfer.

Common Indications for Surrogacy

  • 1 Medical conditions where pregnancy may worsen the mother’s health or pose serious risks to her life
  • 2 Congenital or acquired absence or malformation of the uterus
  • 3 Recurrent pregnancy loss (miscarriages)
  • 4 Repeated failure of IVF or ICSI treatments

Requirements and Documentation for Intended Parents

To proceed with surrogacy, the intended couple must provide the following:

  • Referral letter from a gynecologist confirming the necessity of surrogacy
  • Negative test results for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, etc.)
  • Psychiatric evaluation approval from a licensed mental health specialist
  • Embryo freezing approval form from the IVF lab
  • Birth certificates (ID booklets) of both partners, with photocopies of all pages
  • National ID cards of both partners

Eligibility Criteria & Documentation for Surrogate Candidates

Women who wish to become surrogates must meet the following requirements:

  • Under 40 years of age (in good health and without any chronic or underlying medical conditions)
  • May be married, widowed, or divorced (married is preferred)
  • Not currently breastfeeding
  • Not on any special medications
  • Free from medical conditions that would endanger her or the fetus during pregnancy
  • Must have successfully completed at least one previous full-term pregnancy
  • No history of miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or serious complications in previous pregnancies
  • No more than two previous C-sections
  • Negative screening for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, etc.)
  • Free from substance abuse (a valid negative drug test is required)
  • Must have a normal pelvic ultrasound confirming a healthy uterus (approved by a physician)
  • Approval from a cardiologist
  • Psychiatric clearance for both the surrogate and intended parents
  • Birth certificates (ID booklets) and photocopies of all pages
  • National ID cards of both the surrogate and her spouse (if applicable)
  • One recent passport-size photo (4×3 cm)
  • If divorced or widowed, a notarized statement declaring her marital status and affirming that she is not currently engaged or in a temporary marriage (Sigheh) is mandatory
  • A normal Pap smear result from within the last year

 

Important Considerations for Surrogates

  • Before embryo transfer, you will need to attend multiple appointments at the clinic according to a set schedule.
  • During the initial evaluations, you will undergo a pelvic ultrasound, gynecological exam, Pap smear, and drug screening. Infectious disease screening (HIV, hepatitis, etc.) will also be performed on both you and your spouse.
  • You will be referred to a psychiatrist to assess your mental and emotional readiness and to an internist/cardiologist to ensure your heart and overall health are suitable for pregnancy.

Note: All medical evaluation costs will be covered by the intended parents.

  • If any health or psychological issue is identified, or if the treating physician determines that you are not a suitable surrogate, you will not be selected for the procedure.
  • If approved, you will return on a scheduled day (usually the first or second day of your period) for a baseline ultrasound. You will then begin taking medications to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer.
  • The uterine preparation phase generally lasts about 2 to 3 weeks and may require 2 to 3 follow-up ultrasounds at specific intervals.
  • On the scheduled day of embryo transfer, you and your spouse will come to Pooyesh Fertility Clinic to complete legal procedures and undergo the embryo transfer.
  • Embryo transfer is a quick, non-surgical, and painless outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia.
  • Prior to the transfer, you and your spouse (if applicable), along with the intended parents, must visit the clinic’s legal department to sign a legally binding surrogacy agreement.
  • If pregnancy occurs, all contractual obligations will be honored. If pregnancy does not occur, you will receive only a procedural compensation (typically 3% of the full contract amount).

Note: The average pregnancy success rate through surrogacy is approximately 30%.

  • Legal disclaimer: As a gestational carrier, you are only carrying the embryo. You will have no legal rights over the baby once born.