Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy and gestational carrier options towards making informed choices for a family of your own.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a form of surrogacy where the surrogate, also known as the gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for someone else but is not genetically related to the baby.

What is a Gestational Carrier?

A gestational carrier is defined as the use of a third party female to provide a uterus to carry a pregnancy until delivery. The embryos are created without any genetic contribution from the carrier. Typically, at least one of the gametes (sperm or eggs) is from the intended parent(s).

gestational Surrogacy IVF Procedure

Surrogacy uses a straightforward IVF cycle. The gestational surrogate takes fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries, and an embryo is created using the gamete(s) of the intended parent(s) and transferred into the uterus of the surrogate.

Gestational Carrier Pregnancy Rates

The chance for success is dependent mostly on the intended parents and not on the carrier. It is presumed that an acceptable carrier candidate has been found. The age of the partner who provides the eggs is of utmost importance. In addition, the number of embryos transferred, the ovarian reserve and whether fresh or frozen embryos are used are all important considerations.


Surrogate candidates and screening

The ideal gestational carrier (surrogate) is under 30 years of age, in a stable monogamous relationship, who has their own children and a history of pregnancies with vaginal births and no complications.

These recommendations are to maximize the chances of delivering a healthy child and lessening the risk of other legal issues.

A surrogate can be someone who the couple had a relationship with beforehand or someone from a surrogacy agency. A sibling or friend is usually a better choice if possible.

Gestational Carrier Screening

A surrogate should undergo the same testing as the person who has infertility. This includes testing of ovarian reserve, uterine cavity assessment, and testing for transmissible diseases. In addition, testing for common genetic mutations and a chromosome analysis is reasonable.


IVF1 Flower Pattern

Get Surrogacy Guidance
Consult Us About Your Family's Future

Schedule A Consultation

Gestational Carrier: Legal information

In general, a gestational carrier is less risky than surrogacy because the couple intending to produce a baby are usually the genetic parents. Historically, there have been less issues with gestational carriers than with surrogates. The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act applies only to gestational carriers. The law excludes surrogates.

Breaking down the Gestational Surrogacy Process

Step 1
INTENDED PARENTS

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Morris

With the direction of Dr. Morris, the intended parents may complete their necessary testing.

Per FDA regulations, each partner who contributes gametes is considered a donor and they must complete testing to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission. If the donors do not pass testing, they may not be allowed to use a gestational carrier.

Testing includes:

  • Completion of questionnaire by both partners
  • Physical exams for both partners
  • Blood testing for both partners
  • Urine or cervical cultures
  • A second set of questionnaires and blood and urine tests will be completed after medication treatment has begun. Those who fail the second tests may not be allowed to use a gestational carrier.
Step 2
INTENDED PARENTS

Identify a potential gestational carrier

The carrier should have their OBGYN complete an obstetric certification letter and submit it to us. This letter states that their doctor has reviewed their medical history, performed an examination, and has determined that they are an acceptable candidate to become pregnant.

Step 4
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

After the Procedure

Mental health professionals for the intended parents and gestational carrier must complete a mental health certification letter and submit it to us.

Step 3
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Retain an attorney who specializes in reproductive law

Step 5
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Finalize and execute the carrier contract

Step 6
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Complete & send Attorney Certification Letter

The attorneys for each side must complete and submit an attorney certification letter stating that the carrier contract has been executed in accordance with Illinois state law.

Step 8
GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Testing

Complete all testing as directed by our office.

Step 7
GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Schedule A Consult Appointment

Schedule an consultation appointment with our office. Be sure to specify that you are a gestational carrier and tell us the name(s) of the intended parents.

Step 9
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Consent Forms

Sign consent forms for the gestational carrier cycle.

Step 10
INTENDED PARENTS & GESTATIONAL CARRIER

Medication Treatment

Medication treatment may begin.

IVF1 Flower Pattern

Begin your surrogacy journey today.

Schedule A Consultation

Patient Testimonials

I honestly can’t praise this company enough. Dr. Randy Morris bedside manner is absolutely amazing, his staff professionalism and customer service is also amazing. Your experience with this company will be nothing but perfect. From the initial call to the receptionist. To speaking with the nursing staff, billing, etc. everyone wants to help you with family planning. No matter what my outcome is, I know I’m with a co that will make sure I have the best chances. Thank you to Dr Randy Morris and Staff a bunch!

Misty Johnson

Dr. Morris and staff were very friendly. Dr. Morris was very informative and patient with answering all questions I had. We were uncertain on the options and next steps to take and Dr. Morris explained all the details and options we have. Excellent staff and a great doc.

Jenita Crawford

He is a very professional and good doctor. the whole clinic is very nice. all the staff are amazing. The doctor operated on me for endometriosis and I got pregnant during the second IVF. we have a wonderful 1 year old son. thank you doctor we still have an embryo, I think I will definitely come back to you in a year or two.

Ziva Ru

The staff is amazing here. I’m in the middle of IVF and had an issue with a medication and they went above and beyond to make sure everything was done to continue our journey (on the weekend no less); truly above and beyond. The staff are very caring and professional. Definitely recommend Dr. Morris and this amazing practice.

Megan Buetikofer

Amazing staff. They made us feel like family. They cried when I called to tell them the birth of our daughter. Starting round two next month. Simply the best. They care!

BT Warner

Thanks to Dr.Morris I am holding today my little dream girl. I don't have enough words to express how thankful I am to him and everyone working in IVF1 Naperville. Highly recomend Dr.Morris and his clinic to everyone looking for real professional help and attitude!

Petya Vasilev

I don't even know where to start...THANK YOU! Thank you for giving us our son. We went through a year of IVF. Although there may have been things I didn't want to hear (chances of pregnancy, factors out of our control, etc.) it was important to hear the truth and know what our chances were. The staff was always great with us and they were very patient. They really have everything figured out and what the best options out for outcomes. I never felt pressured to make certain decisions and always felt well informed. Again, I can't thank Dr. Morris and all his staff for everything!!!

Lauren Throm

Dr. Morris is by far the best fertility doctor! When I transferred to IVF1 from my previous fertility doctor, he read all my medical records in depth. Never once did I feel stressed or unsure of what was happening. The entire staff there is so nice and make you feel so comfortable. It was so easy to schedule appointments, get medications, or ask a nurse a question. My calls were always returned within 20 minutes. I highly recommend IVF1! Dr. Morris made it possible for us to get pregnant!

Lisa

I’m so grateful to have been referred to Dr. Morris and his team! I’ve spent the last month or so working with the team and they’ve made what is naturally a hard process both mentally and physically as comforting and easy as possible. Dr. Morris’s success rates speak for themselves, but what I want to let everyone know is that he is equally comforting. A special thank you to Jocelyne, Pam and Barbie, these three women on his staff from front desks to RNs really have made the experience an extremely positive one. PS. My cousin who referred me to Dr. Morris has a smart, healthy and beautiful baby boy who he helped bring into this world!

Alex Villa
IVF1 Testimonial QuotesIVF1 Testimonial Quotes