1. What is the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy?

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In gestational surrogacy, the surrogacy process involves combining sperm from the intended father (or a sperm donor) and the egg of the intended mother (or egg donor) to form an embryo through in vitro fertilization. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is fertilized via artificial insemination, and the surrogate is both the carrier and the biological mother. Consequently, there is a much greater legal risk involved for intended parents in traditional surrogacy cases. Lumenes specialists exclusively handle gestational surrogacies.

 

2. How do I find a gestational surrogate? 

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At Lumenes, we pride ourselves on making successful matches. We do this by investing the time to understand your unique needs as an intended parent as well as through a rigorous surrogate screening process. Our surrogate screening process consists of:

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• In-depth consultations with potential surrogate candidates

• Background & insurance reviews

• Medical & mental health evaluations

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We will match you with a prospective surrogate based on a number of criteria; however, it is ultimately your decision whom you would like to be matched with.

 

3. Whose name will appear on the birth certificate? 

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The intended parents’ names will appear on the birth certificate. Lumenes helps IPs obtain pre- or post-birth orders, also known as court judgments, to establish their parental rights before or after their surrogate gives birth.

 

4. How do I begin the process?

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Your personal surrogacy journey will begin with a free consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss our program offerings and help you understand the surrogacy process. We will also use this time to ask you about your experience and answer any questions you may have. We have found consultations to be especially helpful during the matching process in connecting you with your surrogate. ALL INFORMATION YOU SHARE IS ALWAYS KEPT PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

 

5. How much does surrogacy cost?

 

There are many variables, so it’s tough to come up with a figure. It truly depends on your individual situation and needs.  A general estimate would be $120,000-$170,000 including the surrogate’s compensation.

 

 

6. How can I be sure that the money I put into an escrow account is safe?
 

Lumenes works with a firm specializing in Surrogacy and Egg Donation escrow services. Escrow funds held with the firm are insured by the FDIC. The firm distributes funds held in escrow based on the terms set forth in the Surrogacy Agreement and/or the Egg Donor Agreement. Using a third party escrow firm ensures that escrow funds are protected, and relieves the Intended Parent(s) of the burden of having to scrutinize expense receipts and insurance paperwork. At the end of each month, the escrow management company will provide the Intended Parent(s) and Lumenes with a detailed accounting of the month’s expenses prior to distributing funds. Using a third-party firm also eliminates the awkward situation in which a Surrogate has to ask her Intended Parent(s) for checks to cover her medical or other expenses related to surrogacy.

 

7. Will the Surrogate’s health insurance cover pregnancy-related medical costs?

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No agency can guarantee that a Surrogate’s health insurance will cover the costs of surrogacy, but we will refer you to an insurance review specialist who can review your surrogate’s policy and recommend a course of action.

 

8. Can I obtain a temporary US health insurance policy for my newborn?

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Yes, we can facilitate introductions to insurance carriers specializing in surrogacy that offer such plans. One caveat is that no insurance carrier will provide such insurance for multiples (i.e., twins or triplets, etc.) In such cases, it will be necessary to negotiate a rate with the hospital. The insurance carrier can assist international parents with this process.