What is the difference between gestational and traditional Surrogacy? Does Platinum Surrogacy do both?
Traditional Surrogacy is where the Surrogate uses her own eggs in the Surrogacy journey, making her genetically related to the baby. Very few agencies in Canada work with Traditional Surrogacy, for the legal, financial and emotional complications. At Platinum, we only work with Gestational Surrogacy, which is where the Surrogate is carrying an embryo that has no genetic connection to her. This means that the egg either comes from the Intended Mother or an egg donor and the sperm either comes from the Intended father or a sperm donor.
In Gestational Surrogacy the egg is not the Surrogates, rather the egg from either the IP(s) or whomever they chose. Traditional Surrogacy is the egg of the actually Surrogate, meaning that the Surrogate is actually the mother. While both types of Surrogacy's are possible and beautiful, Platinum Surrogacy only deals with Gestational Surrogacy. By dealing with only Gestational Surrogacy it makes things and situations “less sticky” and ensures you get your baby at the end of the journey.
In Gestational Surrogacy the egg is not the Surrogates, rather the egg from either the IP(s) or whomever they chose. Traditional Surrogacy is the egg of the actually Surrogate, meaning that the Surrogate is actually the mother. While both types of Surrogacy's are possible and beautiful, Platinum Surrogacy only deals with Gestational Surrogacy. By dealing with only Gestational Surrogacy it makes things and situations “less sticky” and ensures you get your baby at the end of the journey.
Do I choose who I want to be my Surrogate?
Yes! The process starts with the Surrogate selecting you. We send your profile off to any Surrogate looking for Intended Parent(s) that match the criteria we have discussed with you ahead of time. An example of this would be similar values, similar opinions about termination, selective reduction, similar feelings about communication levels and involvement after the baby arrives. If the Surrogate connects with your profile, we will send you all of her information (including pregnancy history, medical information, her values and photos of her and her family). We will set up a connection and allow all the parties time to get to know each other. The choice is then up to you to proceed or not. We allow you all the time necessary to know whether this is the right match for you or not. We do not pressure these choices. Only you will know when you have found ‘the one’.
In Platinum Surrogacy we share your profile with only Surrogates that match your “criteria” and match the “criteria” of the Surrogate. An example of this would be if you wanted someone that was local to you. If all criteria’s match we introduce you to see if you everyone “clicks” . If there is no spark or connection we move on and try again when another potential match is available. Platinum Surrogacy does not match you with anyone, we simply aid to help find the best for both worlds.
In Platinum Surrogacy we share your profile with only Surrogates that match your “criteria” and match the “criteria” of the Surrogate. An example of this would be if you wanted someone that was local to you. If all criteria’s match we introduce you to see if you everyone “clicks” . If there is no spark or connection we move on and try again when another potential match is available. Platinum Surrogacy does not match you with anyone, we simply aid to help find the best for both worlds.
Are Surrogates paid to carry my baby?
No. Payment to any Surrogate in Canada is illegal. Surrogacy in Canada is altruistic. This means that your Surrogate will legally be able to claim and be reimbursed for all of her legitimate pregnancy related expenses but not be paid. She will need receipts and declaration forms in order to be reimbursed. That said, a Surrogacy journey is at least a year long, with many trips to and from fertility clinics, medications, travel expenses, child care, lost wages etc. These costs definitely add up. Our Platinum family will help prepare you for a very realistic expectation of the costs ahead of time so you are not taken by surprise. We always prepare you for the worst case scenario. Our Platinum family has an incredible reputation for no hidden costs after completion of a Surrogacy journey. When you give you figures, you can expect them to be very accurate.
It is actually illegal to pay a Surrogate through any part of your journey. Surrogacy in Canada is only reimbursable for costs that were actually spent.
It is actually illegal to pay a Surrogate through any part of your journey. Surrogacy in Canada is only reimbursable for costs that were actually spent.
How long is your waiting period?
While we wish we could answer this question, it is incredibly difficult to be accurate, as we cannot predict when you will find the right Surrogate for your growing family. Platinum Surrogacy only keeps 25 Intended Parents on file at any given time. We do this to assure that your profile is not overlooked or lost in a crowd. This provides you with maximum exposure for your profile and also assures we can get to know you (and your partner, if applicable) on a deeper level to help understand the type of journey you are looking for and who will match your unique personality. Still, we can’t give you an accurate timeline, nor can any other agency, because no one can predict how you will feel when you see each Surrogate profile. Our wait times tend to be less than others, but only because we limit the profiles we accept at any given time. We do not charge any fees prior to your match, nor do we charge any administration fees for helping you find the right Surrogate. This is a fact we take great pride in.
There is no real answer to this question. It all depends on both the IP(s) and Surrogates wants and needs. However, Platinum Surrogacy does not charge anything until you are actively talking with one of our Surrogates. We do not believe you should have to pay to be put on a waiting list for someone. We cannot guarantee you a match, as that is completely up to the Surrogate however we do try our best and ensure you do not pay a dime in the meantime.
There is no real answer to this question. It all depends on both the IP(s) and Surrogates wants and needs. However, Platinum Surrogacy does not charge anything until you are actively talking with one of our Surrogates. We do not believe you should have to pay to be put on a waiting list for someone. We cannot guarantee you a match, as that is completely up to the Surrogate however we do try our best and ensure you do not pay a dime in the meantime.
Do I have a say on my Surrogate’s diet or general health and activity levels?
Can I control what my Surrogate eats and their health?
No. You will have general guidelines set out in your legal agreement about health, certain food restrictions and activities your Surrogate needs to avoid. But in choosing a Surrogate to carry a child for you, you will need to trust her ability to make the right choices for herself and the safety of your child. We understand it is difficult to trust someone with the beginning stages of your child’s growth and development, but it is necessary to place your faith in her to make the correct choices. She will be screened thoroughly by your fertility doctor and evaluated by a counselor, prior to your embryo transfer.
No, our Surrogates pass a medical screening before you meet them to ensure their bodies are physically able to carry a child. Once you are officially matched your Surrogate will then see another doctor to make sure she is both mentally and physically able to carry your child. However you will have general guidelines set out in your contract about health while pregnant.
No, our Surrogates pass a medical screening before you meet them to ensure their bodies are physically able to carry a child. Once you are officially matched your Surrogate will then see another doctor to make sure she is both mentally and physically able to carry your child. However you will have general guidelines set out in your contract about health while pregnant.
I am a single parent, am I eligible for your program?
Absolutely!! Many Surrogates themselves are single parents. We do not discriminate against anyone choosing to become a parent through surrogacy.
Does your Program work with the LGTBQIA+ Community?
Absolutely! We have nothing but respect for the LGTBQIA+ community.
Can I be in the room for the delivery of my child?
In most cases, yes! However, this is exclusively the choice of the Surrogate and what she feels comfortable with. This is something that is discussed prior to embryo transfer and added to your legal agreement, but the Surrogate is legally able to change her mind at any point should she no longer feel comfortable with you being in the room. Labour is incredibly difficult and she would be completely physically exposed, so it is possible she may become uncomfortable. Also, Covid restrictions have varied from hospital to hospital and some will only allow one person in the room with the Surrogate. In such cases, that one person is most commonly her spouse or support person. We need to assure she is relaxed and at ease for the safety of your child during labour.
This is completely up to the Surrogate and what she feels comfortable with. The time of delivery is very stressful especially for a Surrogate and she needs to make sure she has all the support she can get at that moment to ensure a healthy delivery. This is something that is agreed upon both between the IP(s) and the Surrogate usually before the Surrogate goes to transfer. In saying this, we have had many IP(s) in the room for delivery!
This is completely up to the Surrogate and what she feels comfortable with. The time of delivery is very stressful especially for a Surrogate and she needs to make sure she has all the support she can get at that moment to ensure a healthy delivery. This is something that is agreed upon both between the IP(s) and the Surrogate usually before the Surrogate goes to transfer. In saying this, we have had many IP(s) in the room for delivery!
Do I stay in contact with my Surrogate?
Every contract is different as well as everyone’s wishes. Some IP(s) have an extremely close relationship with their Surrogate and others do not. All wants, wishes and needs are discussed before showing your profile to any Surrogate. By doing this we make sure that no one is set up for unrealistic expectations.
I do not live in Canada, can I get a Canadian Surrogate?
Absolutely! We work with individuals across the globe. You will always travel to Canada for the delivery of your baby. You will need to work with a lawyer from your country, familiar with Third Party Reproduction, to assure you are taking all the legal steps necessary for parentage and citizenship when you return home.
Can the Surrogate keep my baby after he/she is born?
Absolutely not. Since we only work with Gestational Surrogacy, the Surrogate has no genetic connection to your baby. Your legal agreement protects you (and your partner, if applicable) from this and spells out your intentions of parenthood ahead of the embryo transfer. Surrogates do not want to keep your baby. They may love being pregnant or love helping others grow their families, but they are usually completely finished with their own families and do not want anymore children. You will also find that Surrogates often ask us if their Intended Parent(s) will back out, leaving them with the baby, as this is a fear on their end also because they do not want your child. By the time a Surrogate or an Intended Parent enters into a legal surrogacy agreement, they are very sure of their desire to carry a child, or have a child, through third party reproduction, and both are very committed to the process.
No, as this is not her baby. The baby is yours. There are contracts drawn on both sides to ensure this does not happen. This is another reason we do not deal with Traditional Surrogacy and only Gestational Surrogacy.
No, as this is not her baby. The baby is yours. There are contracts drawn on both sides to ensure this does not happen. This is another reason we do not deal with Traditional Surrogacy and only Gestational Surrogacy.
Can the Surrogate change their mind?
Yes. A Surrogate can potentially change her mind right up until the day of your embryo transfer. We have never had a Surrogate change her mind, though it is possible. And while devastating, you would definitely want her to change her mind if she is not fully committed to the journey. That said, we take the time to know our Surrogates and their families and assure they are in the right place to make that commitment. We make ourselves available to your Surrogate 24/7 and assure she knows the risks and understands the expectations and responsibilities of the decision she is making, long before she ever looks at any Intended Parent profile. We are also the only agency in Canada that has a two tier agency enrollment fee schedule to protect our Intended Parents and help minimize any financial loss, in the unlikely event this happens. We cannot speak for other agencies and their processes, and want to assure this information is specifically for our Platinum Surrogacy Client Family.
A Surrogate can potentially change her mind up until the day of transfer. However, we minimize this risk by not only screening our Surrogates before we let them see your profile but also talking with them constantly and being there for them constantly to know exactly where their heart and mind are at, to answer all questions and address all concerns. Platinum Surrogacy also has a tier pay system for their enrollment fee to minimize all cost incase of this and to help protect our IP(s)
A Surrogate can potentially change her mind up until the day of transfer. However, we minimize this risk by not only screening our Surrogates before we let them see your profile but also talking with them constantly and being there for them constantly to know exactly where their heart and mind are at, to answer all questions and address all concerns. Platinum Surrogacy also has a tier pay system for their enrollment fee to minimize all cost incase of this and to help protect our IP(s)