Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Intended Parents
What is an egg donation and surrogacy agency?
An egg donation and surrogacy agency are commonly known as a one-stop center for those entering the third-party reproduction process. This is because we coordinate between professionals involved in the process — like clinics and surrogacy attorneys.
We help to make your surrogacy journey as stress-free and easy as possible for you. We can offer not only case management services, but counseling and support along the way.
Egg donation and surrogacy can be a complicated process, but we make it easy by taking our expertise, breaking down the process and helping everyone involved.
What You Can Expect:
Before you decide on a surrogacy agency, it’s important to discuss these services in detail to make sure that your needs are met and you're comfortable with the level of services provided.
We help to make your surrogacy journey as stress-free and easy as possible for you. We can offer not only case management services, but counseling and support along the way.
Egg donation and surrogacy can be a complicated process, but we make it easy by taking our expertise, breaking down the process and helping everyone involved.
What You Can Expect:
- Matching services to find a surrogate or an Intended Parent
- Screening services to ensure every party is mentally, physically and emotionally ready for the process
- Coordination of information and services between clinics, attorneys and other professionals to make sure every step is completed
- And more!
Before you decide on a surrogacy agency, it’s important to discuss these services in detail to make sure that your needs are met and you're comfortable with the level of services provided.
Which IVF clinics do you work with?
We work with some of the top-rated fertility clinics and doctors across the U.S. and we have built great relationships them. We will work with any fertility clinic that the Intended Parents choose. When you are choosing a clinic, you should consider some of these things: your relationship with the doctor and other medical staff, your comfort with their process, and the clarity of their financial information.
I do not live in the United States. How many times do I have to travel to the U.S. during my journey?
If you live abroad, you may be required to come to the United States 2-3 times.
If you are using your own sperm and/or eggs, all medical testing must be conducted in the U.S. to meet U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidelines and clinic protocol. In addition, you will be required to come to the U.S. for the egg retrieval process and/or to leave your sperm sample.
We recommend that you return to the U.S. at least once during the pregnancy if possible. And of course you will be here for the delivery of your child. Since you won't know the exact day your surrogate goes into labor, you should prepare to come to the U.S. on short notice during the final month of pregnancy, or at least one week prior to the due date.
If you are using your own sperm and/or eggs, all medical testing must be conducted in the U.S. to meet U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidelines and clinic protocol. In addition, you will be required to come to the U.S. for the egg retrieval process and/or to leave your sperm sample.
We recommend that you return to the U.S. at least once during the pregnancy if possible. And of course you will be here for the delivery of your child. Since you won't know the exact day your surrogate goes into labor, you should prepare to come to the U.S. on short notice during the final month of pregnancy, or at least one week prior to the due date.
How do you find egg donors and surrogates?
We receive applications via our website, social media, current surrogates and other outreach efforts. We are vigilant about responding to all inquiries we receive in order to verify their eligibility.
How many embryos should we transfer?
The current recommendation is to transfer one embryo for every one child desired. While the pregnancy rate for a single embryo transfer (SET) is 38-50%, the likelihood of multiple births is less than 1%. When two embryos are transferred (DET), the pregnancy rate is only increased to 47-60%, while the likelihood of multiple births jumps to near 30%. It is recommended to only transfer the number of embryos of live births desired and repeat transfer on the next IVF cycle if implantation does not happen.
What are our options for embryos we do not use?
You have two options for embryos you’ve had made and do not wish to transfer into a uterus. First, you can donate the embryo either anonymously or directly to another couple. Or, you can have the embryo(s) thawed and discarded, where it will not result in a transfer or birth of a child.
Should we have genetic testing completed?
There are a number of options for genetic testing of both a pre-transferred embryo and a fetus. Most parents choose to have the embryo PGT tested to ensure that the embryo is healthy and a good candidate for transfer to optimize the chances of pregnancy. Fetal testing is common to check for genetic conditions prior to the birth of the child but is completely optional.
I’ve been diagnosed with HIV; can I still have a baby through surrogacy?
Yes. At Accel Conceptions, we offer concierge services to help those who have been diagnosed with HIV or other chronic diseases to conceive a child.
Is my journey HIPPA protected?
Yes, absolutely. Many surrogacy agencies require all parties to release authorization to share information about their journeys to promote the agency. This generally includes images, basic information, and profiles. At Accel Conceptions, we respect your privacy and will only share what you’d like us to.
Surrogacy
What are the basic requirements to become a surrogate?
- Between the ages of 21-38
- No major complications during pregnancy and/or delivery.
- Have given birth to at least one child and have full custody.
- Have no more than 3 deliveries via c-sections / 5 births.
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 32.
- Tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free.
- Be communicative, responsible, and dependable.
- Healthy lifestyle with a stable support system.
- US Citizen / Permanent Resident.
- No criminal history.
What kind of support can we expect, as a surrogate, if we choose Accel Conceptions?
As a surrogate, it is important to work with an agency who provides you support in every aspect of your journey.
Here at Accel Conceptions, the support you will receive from staff and other surrogates is unparalleled. We are here to help you and would love nothing more than for you to embark on your surrogacy journey with us!
Here at Accel Conceptions, the support you will receive from staff and other surrogates is unparalleled. We are here to help you and would love nothing more than for you to embark on your surrogacy journey with us!
What happens if the Intended Parents change their minds and want to deny parental rights?
The Surrogacy contract will legally be upheld in terms of compensation and medical decisions. Based on what is discussed in the contract in terms of abortion as an option may be pursued, otherwise, the child will need to be placed for legal adoption upon birth. The gestational carrier will have no legal or parental obligation to the child.
Do surrogate have the right to keep the child?
No. The surrogate does not have the right to keep the child. It is important to know that there are legal contracts in place for this specific concern. Court documents and legal contracts between the surrogate and intended parents protect all parties. The baby will always legally belong to the intended parent (s).
I’ve never been pregnant before; can I be a surrogate?
No. For your safety and to ensure a healthy journey for all parties involved; to become a surrogate, you must have had at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy and delivery.
I’ve had a tubal ligation; can I be an Egg Donor?
Yes! Your eggs are not a part of the process
How long does a surrogacy journey take?
On average, the complete process takes roughly 15-18 months. That includes the time of application submission to delivery of the baby. Some journeys may take more or less time.
I still want to have more of my own children, should I wait to be a surrogate?
Having completed your own family prior to becoming a surrogate is a strong suggestion, but not a requirement. While many women continue to build their own families after their journeys, it is a good idea to consider the implications of additional pregnancies and the possibility of not being able to carry another pregnancy after your journey.
What will the relationship be like between the surrogate and Intended Parents?
Well, the answer is: it depends. The relationship between surrogate and their IPs will vary and depend. Having an open mind and heart is imperative during the surrogacy process.
Can I remain in contact with the parents and child after delivery?
That will be up to you and the Intended Parents to decide. Many surrogates and parents keep in contact well after the baby is born, and just as many choose to split ways. Each journey is unique.
Can I be a surrogate if I had my baby via c-section?
Yes! Whether the surrogacy results in another c-section or a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) is between you and your OB/GYN. If you have already had 3 c-sections, we'll discuss your options, but it does significantly decrease your ability to be a carrier.
Am I able to join the program after coming from another agency?
If you are no longer under contract, yes, absolutely! Our focus is supporting surrogates with more attention and care.
How can you carry the baby and then give it away?
This is a valid question and one that has many answers. Each surrogate has their own feelings; however, the most factual answer is the baby is not genetically linked to you.
Are surrogates matched with local Intended Parents?
Sometimes, but not necessarily. We have Intended Parents all over the world and surrogates around the nation.
Egg Donation
I’ve never had a baby; can I be an egg donor?
Yes, your ability to get pregnant and/or carry a baby to term have no effect on your ability to donate eggs.
Is egg donation painful?
Egg donation is not a painful procedure, however, there may be some discomfort for some women. The physical discomfort is similar to a standard PAP Smear.
Can I donate my eggs anonymously?
Yes. However, your profile will contain pertinent health and relevant historical information for the Intended Parent’s information.
Will I have any legal responsibilities to the child?
No. Your responsibility ends at the donation. Some egg donors choose to learn about families who use their eggs, but it is not required.
Will donating my eggs make me infertile?
No. A healthy woman will continue to have their reproductive cycle throughout their life, unaffected by egg donation. Although there is a chance that you may experience infertility, it is not a result of Egg Donation.
How long do I have to wait between donation cycles?
If you intend to donate multiple times, you’ll need to have two complete menstrual cycles in between donation cycles.