The process: Once you have decided to let us manage your journey you will make the deposit.  We then present you at least two Gestational Carrier candidates within two weeks via a video conference (you may be present if you choose).  You match with your GC, and then we finish her medical and psychological screening.  She will be pre-selected and partially screened at the time you meet her.  Note, we always have GCs available due to the small scope of acceptance.

When you and your GC agree to work together, the first payment is due.  With the assistance of our legal team, you will sign a gestational surrogacy agreement with your GC.  If your GC fails either the medical or psychological screening, we immediately replace her at our expense.  At this point, you will be assigned a case manager who will assist you every step of the way.

The next step is to create your embryos (if you don't have them already, of course).  Ideally, both the egg and sperm donors present at one of our clinics in Guatemala City.  Once your embryos are created, your GC will be hormonally prepared for the embryo transfer.  The fertility physicians will perform two embryo transfers.

At 12 weeks of pregnancy (fetal heartbeat) the second payment will be due.  At thirty weeks of pregnancy, the third payment is due. In the sad event of a pregnancy loss prior to 30 weeks, the third payment is not required.

You are expected to be present before the anticipated delivery date.  Generally, you will be able to take your baby home within 10 working days past your child's birth.  This largely depends on the speed of your embassy in processing paperwork and issuing passports.  We will accompany and assist you in obtaining the birth certificate, passport, and other legal documents.

If you cannot be present at birth and be present to process paperwork, a power-of-attorney can be enacted.  This gives our legal team the ability to act for you and this comes with a fee.

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Process and Outcome / Presentation Introduction

Our methods and processes used to ensure a successful journey are nearly the same as best practices in the USA but have added advantage.  We differ in regards that are more beneficial to the Intended Parents' concerns and life-changing for the Gestational Carrier.  First, we put everything you need in one place.  You only need to work with us.  Secondly, we come at a much lower cost.  Finally, we are able to care for and support your Gestational Carrier in ways not possible in the United States.

The methods and protocols used to create families through assisted reproductive technology (ART) with GCs in Guatemala are not that different from methods in the United States.  Our team has extensive experience in screening GCs, managing their journeys, and assisting anxious IPs.  We apply all USA best practices, and some extra measures related to the social activity (see below), in accomplishing successful journeys in Guatemala.

Our principal methods come to us through guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM.org).  Additional guidance comes from professional societies such as Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy, and workshops we have attended at professional meetings.  We have enhanced some of our methods from lessons learned screening thousands of GC candidates, managing hundreds of GCs, and working with eager IPs over the past five years.

On the legal side, we have licensed attorneys having experience in new born registration, passports, (Guatemalan Government) and several embassies including the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Sweden, and Great Britain.  We also have business relationships with many family attorneys in Intended Parent home countries such as Spain, Germany, USA, Portugal, UK, Australia and several more.  
 

Screening and Selecting GCs

Gestational Carriers are screened on four primary dimensions.  In order of easiest to the most complex, they are Medical, Psychological, Background, and Social.

Medical Screening is the easiest of the four dimensions.  This starts with reviewing the medical records of the GC candidate.  Were her past pregnancies full term and her deliveries uncomplicated?  Does she have any medical issues that could compromise her health or that of the baby?

The ASRM guidelines clearly outline the physical and biochemical (blood work) parameters to be examined following the medical record review.  Drug testing is normally a part of her initial medical screening and may continue through the hormonal workup prior to and after embryo transfer.

Psychological screening is best done in person and consists of a clinical exam along with a battery test.  Telescreening has become more accepted and in wider spread use.  We prefer in-person clinical examination.  Common battery tests are the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Index (MMPI) and the Personality Assessment Index (PAI).  Additional tests might be used such as addiction propensity exams.

Background checking is typically accomplished with the use of a licensed detective agency with access to special non-public databases.  Best practice in background checking would include investigating any non-criminal legal matters (liens, judgments, etc) and review of all social media. 

Social review or psychosocial examination is the most difficult and can greatly impact the outcome of a journey.  Will the woman follow in great detail the instructions of the medical professionals?  Will she cut corners in taking her prescribed hormones, prenatal vitamins, or eating properly?  Will she engage in risky behavior, or be surrounded by toxic elements such as second-hand smoke?  The social constitution of the GC candidate is the answer to all of these questions.