Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries a baby for another couple or person. This may be an option for a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy, for same-sex male couples or single men wanting to have a child.
Surrogacy in Australia must be arranged altruistically, ie. surrogates can only be reimbursed for their time, but not paid for carrying a pregnancy. A surrogate cannot both carry the pregnancy and contribute the egg; therefore, the egg needs to come from the intending mother or an egg donor. Embryos therefore need to be formed through IVF/ICSI, in a laboratory.
Surrogacy timeline:
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Initial consultation/information session with an IVF counsellor (minimum period to complete assessment period 6-12 months)
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Medical assessment of surrogate, intending parents and/or donor and registration with IVF clinic
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Counselling for surrogate (and partner), intending parents and/or donor/s
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Psychological assessment of the surrogate (and partner) and intending parents by independent psychologists
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Legal advice for the surrogate and partner, and intending parents by independent legal advisors
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Patient review panel for assessment of case
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Commencement of IVF treatment
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Embryos undergo 3 month quarantine period before being transferred into surrogate
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Post delivery support counselling offered to all parties
Further information about surrogacy and finding a surrogate:
Surrogacy & surrogate mums in AU & NZ | Fertility Society