Deciding on a surrogacy agency can be stressful. At Eternal Spring, we work to take the extra load off your shoulders. We will take care of everything and walk with you through every step so you can feel relieved and reassured.
Keep in mind that the surrogacy process might take up to 2 years until you go home with your baby in your arms.
Here is a detailed guide that explains what you can expect to receive and achieve at every milestone.
Step #1 - Be convinced
Before taking any steps, be sure you want a surrogate to be part of your process of having a family. Then you search countries, ask questions, and decide which venues might be right for you.
How long it takes: As long as you need.
Step #2 - Deciding on a venue
If you can’t afford the United States, your biggest decision is where to go. If you are married you can choose Georgia or Ukraine. And if you are not, your choices are Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina. Research these countries, select the one that suits you best, and makes you feel most comfortable.
"If you have decided on surrogacy and you are not married, Guatemala and the Eternal Spring Program are your ideal destination. We are here to help you." – Dr. Kramer
How long it takes: As long as you need.
Step #3 - Make a call to understand your Guatemala surrogacy journey
Remember, consultation is free. The purpose of this call is to determine if Eternal Spring in Guatemala is the best agency for you. You will have a video call with our expert, Dr. Kramer, who will answer all your questions. If you require legal advice, we can schedule a follow-up call with an English-speaking lawyer.
How long it takes: 1 hour
Dr. Kramer will never limit you to one call, you can schedule meetings as many times as you need. If you decide Guatemala is not right for you, Dr. Kramer can still assist you and guide you to another venue.
Step #4 - Decide what is right for You
We will always have a way to help you because our packages are flexible and complete. Take note that in your Guatemala surrogacy journey, the flexible part is the source of the genetic material (you can get a local egg donor, send eggs, send embryos, or be the egg donor).
Packages may include:
Gestational carrier + Local egg donor
Egg shipping
Obstetrics
Hospital and GC health
Fertility clinic: sperm collection and freezing, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization
Legal agreement: providing all local documentation to take your baby home
Local assistance and more tailored to your needs and wants
We will send you complete information on the packages available.
How long it takes: Experience shows us that people take from 30 days to 4 months to decide when they want to start.
Step #5 - The agreement
When you choose Eternal Spring, you sign our agreement. Before signing, you will get a draft, customized to your needs. It may vary from one person to another, because you may want genetic testing, shipping of eggs, to be the egg donor, etc. so it will be tailored to what you want. It will also detail payments, which are usually 4 payments of 25% of the total at a specific stage of the process. This ensures you pay only for what needs to be done now and nothing else.
Once you are convinced with the terms, you sign the agreement and make Payment No. 1. Now you are ready to join the program. At this point you will be scheduled either for your sperm collection, egg donation or both.
How long it takes: 2 weeks
Step #6 - Choose an Egg Donor (if applicable)
We have many healthy, beautiful women willing to help you create your family. They are usually able to start right away. We will schedule you into the clinic in Guatemala, do screening on the egg donor, and prepare her for the egg retrieval. If you are shipping us eggs, this will be the time.
How long it takes: Local egg donor: 3 months / Egg shipping: 30 days
Step #7 - Your Gestational Carrier
Your GC undergoes a thorough evaluation, so be assured you will get the right one for you. Best practices dictate that she is pre-recruited, pre-screened both medically and psychologically to prevent any unwanted situation. To protect you and avoid any kind of problems, you will not have direct contact with her.
At this moment you make Payment No. 2.
How long it takes: 30 days
Step #8 - Getting pregnant
Once you have your GC and your eggs, we need to have IVF (In vitro fertilization) to create embryos and do the transfer. The GC and egg donor must be processed in parallel in a top clinic in Guatemala. Our policy is to transfer only one embryo, and in rare cases, a second embryo transfer may be required. At 14 days, we do a pregnancy test.
How long it takes: 2 weeks
Step #9 - While You Are Waiting
At 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, you will hear the awesome heartbeat of your baby. At this moment you make Payment No. 3. Your GC will begin having monthly visits with an obstetrics/gynecology physician.
How long it takes: 6-7 months
Step #10 - Get Ready for Your Baby
At week 30 of pregnancy, you make Payment No.4. Make arrangements for your trip to Guatemala, you will need to be here when your baby is born.
How long it takes: 1 month
Step #11 - Take your baby home
When your baby is born, we will register them with the Guatemalan government and with the embassy or consulate of your nationality. Then you can apply for a passport. We will help you with your paper work so you will be able to go home. In the meantime, you can relax, be with your baby, visit Antigua.
How long it takes: If you are a US citizen: under 3 weeks/ If you are from elsewhere: up to 6 weeks.
Hopefully, this will give you a clearer and simpler understanding of your surrogacy process with Eternal Spring in Guatemala.
Dr. Kramer and his team will help you with your decision and accompany you throughout your entire journey.
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