The Surrogacy Journey: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Started with Confidence
Surrogacy offers a deeply rewarding path to parenthood, filled with hope, connection, and new beginnings. But behind every successful journey is careful planning, informed decisions, and a compassionate team.
At Heart of Surrogacy, LLC, we proudly adhere to the ethical and medical standards outlined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Founded by reproductive and adoption attorney Jeanne T. Tate, our agency is committed to guiding families and gestational carriers through a legally sound, medically safe, and emotionally supported experience.
Types of Surrogacy: Gestational vs. Traditional
ASRM distinguishes between two main forms:
- Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate contributes her own egg, is rarely recommended due to its legal and emotional complexity (ASRM Ethics Committee, 2012). Gestational surrogacy is the modern standard. The surrogate has no genetic relationship to the child. This is the only form of surrogacy offered at Heart of Surrogacy, where we coordinate medical procedures using IVF.
Surrogate Screening and Matching: The ASRM Standard
ASRM recommends that potential surrogates meet the following criteria:
- Be between 21–45 years old have had at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy, and undergo medical, psychological, and background screenings
At Heart of Surrogacy, our screening goes even deeper, assessing lifestyle factors, motivations, and support systems. Our goal is to ensure every match is not only medically appropriate but emotionally compatible as well.
Legal Clarity and Protection
According to ASRM, all surrogacy arrangements must include:
A written legal contract
- Independent legal counsel for all parties
- State-specific compliance (e.g., Florida’s supportive surrogacy laws)
(ASRM, 2021)
Heart of Surrogacy simplifies this step by offering access to attorneys experienced in surrogacy law. We help families understand every detail — from parental rights to insurance and delivery planning.
When surrogacy is managed with integrity and expertise, it becomes a powerful and positive journey. By combining ASRM’s evidence-based practices with the personal, hands-on care of Heart of Surrogacy, your path to parenthood can be deeply rewarding and safe for all involved.
Have questions? Ready to explore your options?
Contact Heart of Surrogacy today — we’re here to provide clarity, care, and confidence.
