West Coast Surrogacy Featured in Parenting OC Magazine

                          EXPLORING SURROGACY WITH WEST COAST SURROGACY

Director of West Coast Surrogacy, Amy Kaplan, was recently featured in Parenting OC Magazine.
Here is an excerpt and the entire story can be viewed at the link:

Who Can Be a Surrogate?

Potential surrogates must undergo and pass a lengthy physical and mental exam to determine if she is a prime candidate. According to Amy Kaplan, President, West Coast Surrogacy/West Coast Egg Donation in Irvine, some of the main guidelines for potential surrogates include: must be between the ages of 21 to 40; have children of her own; have a history of full-term pregnancies without complications; a non-smoker; living a stable and healthy lifestyle; and have a support network of friends and family. “We look to see if she is willing to make lifestyle changes during the pregnancy—if requested by the intended parents—(i.e. refrain from coloring her hair, painting her nails, willing to eat organic food if provided an allowance, refrain from drinking caffeine, etc.)” Kaplan stated. She continued, “A surrogate does need to pass a psychological evaluation, as well as a medical screening exam. During this exam, a reproductive endocrinologist will evaluate her uterus and review her medical and pregnancy history. She and her partner/husband will also have screening for infectious diseases and drug use.” Becoming a surrogate does not have to be a one-time deal. As long as a woman meets the required criteria, she can be a surrogate as many times as she wishes. However, many fertility specialists prefer to use a surrogate candidate with no more than seven pregnancies.

What Does the Process Include?
The preconception phase is a complex one that can last several months. Besides being matched with the right surrogate for the intended parents and entering and passing the medical screening processes, the intended parents and surrogate then enter into the legalities of the surrogacy—a legal contract—where this phase alone can take up to at least two months to ensure that all parties are on board with the proposed terms and conditions. “The attorney will represent the intended parents and draft the legal contract between the parents and surrogate. This attorney will also file the documents to establish the legal parentage of the child/children,” Kaplan explained. “In California, this paperwork is filed and the Judgment of Parentage is granted prior to the birth. The parents’ names are listed as the legal parents on the birth certificate. This is the case with same sex couples as well. The surrogates name is not listed on the birth certificate.” This contract is a vital aspect of the entire course because it provides both parties with provisions that they have agreed upon. According to Kaplan, the surrogate does has the right to make decisions about her own body and about reduction and abortion, however, that decision could lead to a breach of contract. She also has the right to be compensated, reimbursed and have her medical expenses paid in accordance with the contract terms. Like many, Lawson and her husband paid $80,000 to $90,000 for each of their surrogates.
http://parentingoc.com/2014/04/exploring-surrogacy/