St. Andrew Parish 17 Ripon Rd , Kingston, Jamaica
Surrogacy Brochure
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Become a Surrogate. Help Create a Family
Carrying a child for someone else is a life-changing act of generosity. Here’s what you need to know.
P. Prescott
Dr. Patricia Prescott – Founder
Ready to help a family in need?
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement where one woman, the surrogate, carries and gives birth to a child for others, known as intended parents. The most common type is gestational surrogacy, where an embryo is created using in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the intended parents' eggs and sperm (or donor gametes) and then transferred to the surrogate's uterus. The process involves medical evaluations, legal contracts, IVF to create embryos, embryo transfer, the surrogate's pregnancy, and finally, the legal finalization of parental rights after the baby's birth.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure used to help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy when natural conception is not possible. The process involves retrieving eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor, fertilizing them with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus of the surrogate. IVF allows for greater control over the reproductive process, ensures the child is genetically related to the intended parent(s) or chosen donors, and is the foundation of most modern surrogacy journeys.
Gestational Surrogate Matching
At assisted parenthood services we primarily focus on Gestational Surrogacy (Host Surrogacy). This is where the embryo is created through IVF using the intended mother's egg (or a donor egg) and the intended father's sperm (or donor sperm). There is no genetic link between the surrogate and the child.
How Gestational Surrogacy Works:
Embryo Creation:
An embryo is created in a lab using in vitro fertilization (IVF) (IVF), combining the eggs from the intended mother or a donor and the sperm from the intended father or a donor.
Embryo Transfer:
The created embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the gestational carrier.
Pregnancy:
The gestational carrier becomes pregnant and carries the baby to term.
Birth and Parenting:
After the baby is born, the child is given to the intended parents to raise.
The Surrogacy Process:
Psychological Evaluations
Potential surrogate will undergo medical and psychological screenings to ensure they are suitable candidates along with parental requirements.
Surrogate Selection
If the surrogate meets the requirements of the intended parents as well as pass both the psychological and medical requirements, then the matching process starts.
- Must pass psychological evaluation
- Must meet intended parent/s requirements
- Must meet medical requirements
The Matching Process
An interview is conducted with the potential surrogate and intended parents facilitated by a counsellor.
Surrogacy Contract
A Surrogacy legal contract will be created to outline the surrogacy agreement.
- This is to communicate clearly the legal process involved and the requirements of the surrogate during the process
IVF Treatment and Birth
IVF Treatment and implantation of the embryo, which hopefully leads to a successful pregnancy.
- Egg is fertilized and prepared for insertion
- Chosen surrogate will undergo implantation procedure
- Regular checkups & tests will be conducted to increase the chances of success
Birth & Legal Process
Once baby is delivered, legal procedures are completed to establish the intended parents as the legal parents.
What is surrogacy, and how is it different from traditional pregnancy?
Surrogacy is when a woman carries and delivers a baby for Intended Parents. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child, as the embryo is created via IVF using the Intended Parents’ or donor gametes.
Who can become a surrogate?
You must meet certain health and lifestyle requirements, such as being 21–42 years old, having had at least one successful pregnancy, maintaining a healthy BMI, being a non-smoker, and having no history of serious pregnancy complications.
Will I be compensated as a surrogate?
Yes. Surrogates are typically compensated for their time, effort, and commitment. Compensation varies depending on experience and circumstances, but first-time surrogates can expect around US$15,000 (This figure is an estimate and not the actual value)
What support will I receive during the process?
We provide full support, including psychological evaluations, medical coordination, legal guidance, and 24/7 emergency availability during the pregnancy. You’ll never go through this alone.
How long is the surrogacy journey?
From the initial application and evaluations through to the pregnancy and birth, the surrogacy process usually spans 12–18 months. This timeline depends on IVF success, legal processes, and individual medical factors.
question & answers
Have Questions As a Potential Surrogate?
How do I get started?
Complete the application form, by clicking on any of the links above.
Am I guaranteed a spot if I apply?
All applicants go through a screening process to check their eligibility before contact.