Step by Step Guide
The process of surrogacy does not have any time element. For some it is a very long journey, for others short. Each section can also be individual in time, for example one surrogate took three years to decided that it was definitely what she wanted to do.
The process itself can be broken down into the stages below. We have given a brief statement for each section. There are more details and a chance for you to ask questions you need to log on to our message board. http://forums.a-little-wish.co.uk/Default.aspx?g=topics&f=119
*steps 8 and 9 may be the opposite way around if the baby/ies are early and have to stay in hospital.
Step 1 Information gathering …
Finding out IF surrogacy is right for you and your family and you checking you are in a position to undertake a surrogacy journey
Step 2 Deciding which path is for you …
There are many ways to start your journey and to find/ be found by surrogates or intended parents. You need to also decide if you are going to join a group, *a little wish* or if you are going to take the independent route.
Step 3 Host (Gestational) or Straight (Traditional) ...
This decision may be automatically decided for you due to health reasons or it is something you will have to decide upon
Step 4 Getting to know each other ...
This is very important. Just because someone looks good on paper … does not mean that you will be able to deal with difficult situations if that is what happens on your journey. You all need to get to know each other VERY well before an offer of help may or may not be made.
NO INTENDED PARENT SHOULD ASK A SURROGATE TO HELP!
Step 5 Agreement form ...
Regardless of the path you take this is really important. It allows difficult aspects to be discussed to reduce any problems on a journey. It is ideal to have joined *a little wish* for both parties views to be heard and understood.
Step 6 The journey ...
This is where fate takes over … sometimes people are lucky and a pregnancy on the first attempt and a baby/ies 9 months later – for others it takes a little longer
Step 7 The Birth ...
The EXCITING BIT, what all the hard work and support has been about … a loved and wanted baby/ies entering into the world
Step 8 Taking Baby/ies Home ...
This covers information about administration and who will want to check up on your baby and how you are all adapting
Step 9 Registering the birth/s ... :)
This is your first legal requirement and details of how to do so, and the limitations of the law.
Step 10 The Parental Order ...
The ending of your journey. This is a legal requirement for the intended parents to be able to call the baby/ies legally their own and for the surrogate to relinquish their rights.
Step 11 **A New Family Life** ...
Good Luck and Enjoy … until the next journey?
|