GESTATIONAL CARRIER
Gestational Carrier - patient's eggs are fertilized with husband's sperm and then the resulting embryos are transferred into a third party's womb. The third party is the gestational carrier. The gestational carrier carries the pregnancy to term at which point she gives the baby to the genetic parents. The gestational carrier has no genetic link to the baby.

Using a gestational carrier has been a viable alternative for some time for women who may be able to produce eggs but not sustain a pregnancy. A woman who acts as a gestational carrier agrees to "provide a womb" for a couple who could not otherwise carry a baby through to birth. The intended mother's eggs are fertilized with the intended father's sperm through a regular IVF cycle. The resulting embryos are transferred to the gestational carrier instead of the mother-to-be. Even frozen embryos can be used. If a woman cannot produce eggs, donor eggs are often used so there is no genetic link to the gestational carrier.

Using a gestational carrier is a much more involved process than even egg or sperm donation. In addition to the medical process each woman must to adhere to, a proper surrogacy arrangement is a complex legal contract involving responsibilities, and expenses. This should be handled by a lawyer who specializes in third-party reproductive law. Many times, undocumented surrogacy "favors" are carried out by friends or family members to great satisfaction and success. But more often now, they are handled by agencies which specialize in surrogate arrangements. An agency will also provide proper psychological and medical screening that is critical to a successful surrogacy.

For information on Melissa Brisman, reproductive lawyer click here.

Melissa Brisman, Esq

www.reproductivelawyer.com

ADOPTION

At some point an infertile couple may be faced with the notion that, for whatever reason, prescribed ART treatments may not work. There is always another option open to these couples: Adoption. There are many books and Web sites available on the subject of adoption which can be very helpful. See our Resources page for links to agencies and organizations.

There are many questions a person or couple needs to answer for themselves before exploring the adoption process:

• What sort of child would I want to adopt? Newborn, toddler or an older child?
• Am I willing to adopt more than one child at once?
• Does the child have to have the same racial or ethnic characteristics as myself?
• Could I consider a child with disabilities?
• Do I have a preference for a domestic-born child or would I consider a child from another country?
• How much background information do I need? Medical, emotional, family history?
• How much birth-parental involvement would I be willing to share? The level of personal contact, from planned visits to simple letter-writing or even no contact at all?
• What kind of expense can I afford?
• What risks am I willing to take in terms of security?

Answers to these questions will help determine what kind of adoption is right for you. In many ways, adoption can be as rewarding, fulfilling and stressful as giving birth to your own biological child.

Adoption of Children Whose Parental Rights Have Been Terminated  

There are many children in the local area whose parent’s rights have been terminated and are eligible for immediate adoption. These children tend to be older, their average age being 9. These children are in need of a stable home, loving care and a warm embracing family.

The County of Onondaga Department of Social Services Children’s Division offers a listing of children who are available for immediate adoption. Children may be adopted by married couples, unmarried couples, same-sex couples as well as single individuals. There is an interview and application process. The cost is low or free for this kind of adoption because the child’s legal fees are generally covered by the state.

Additionally, the County of Onondaga Department of Social Services Children’s Division is seeking individuals to become foster parents.

For additional information about either of these programs you can contact Cathleen DeMarzo or Norm Bethka at 315.435.8346.