In Canada, Surrogates are not compensated financially, but are reimbursed for their expenses and costs during the surrogacy process. This includes costs related to medical treatments, travel, net lost income, and other related expenses. Here are the steps to becoming a Surrogate in Canada:
1. Understand the Commitment
Becoming a Surrogate is a big decision, and it’s important to understand the full commitment involved. Surrogacy in Canada involves carrying a child for another family, and the process can take up to 12 months or longer, depending on factors like fertility treatments and the pregnancy itself. Understanding the emotional, physical, and time commitments is crucial.
2. Research Surrogacy Agencies or Independent Surrogacy
In Canada, many Surrogates choose to work through surrogacy agencies that will help them create a profile that will be presented to Intended Parents and that will provide legal, medical, and emotional support throughout the process. Alternatively, some people may pursue an independent surrogacy arrangement, where they manage the process without an agency, though this still involves consulting professionals like lawyers and medical providers.
Agency-Based Surrogacy: Agencies provide a lot of support, including presenting Surrogates with Intended Parent profiles and handling logistics related to the medical treatment.
Independent Surrogacy: This approach involves more personal management and coordination of the process but still requires legal and medical oversight.
3. Meet Eligibility Criteria
To become a Surrogate in Canada, you must meet certain requirements, which can vary depending on the agency or Intended Parents, but generally include:
Age: Surrogates must be at least 21 years old.
Health: You should be in good physical health with no chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
Pregnancy History: Having at least one healthy pregnancy is often a requirement, as it demonstrates that you are capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.
Non-Smoking: Surrogates must be non-smokers, as smoking can complicate pregnancy and affect the baby’s health.
Mental Health: A stable mental health history is required to ensure you're emotionally prepared for the surrogacy process.
Stable Environment: A stable and supportive home environment is important, as the pregnancy will require a lot of attention and care.
4. Undergo Medical and Psychological Screening
To ensure you're physically and emotionally prepared, you will undergo screenings, including:
Medical Screening: You’ll undergo a full medical evaluation to confirm that you’re in good health and suitable for pregnancy. This may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and screenings for any underlying health issues.
Psychological Screening or Implications Counselling: Psychological assessments and/or implications counselling are performed to ensure you are mentally prepared for the emotional aspects of surrogacy. These evaluations also help assess the support you will need throughout the process.
5. Enter a Surrogacy Agreement
Once you're matched with Intended Parents, you will work with a lawyer to review and negotiate the surrogacy agreement. This is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement.
Legal Representation: It’s important that you, the Intended Parents, and any other involved parties have independent legal counsel to ensure that the agreement is fair and legally sound.
Reimbursement Details: The surrogacy agreement will specify what expenses will be reimbursed. This can include things like medical costs, travel expenses, lost wages, and any additional costs incurred during the surrogacy process. The agreement will clearly outline what is and isn’t eligible for reimbursement.
6. Undergo Fertility Treatments and Embryo Transfer
In most cases, if you are acting as a gestational Surrogate (i.e., the child is not biologically related to you), you will undergo fertility treatments to prepare for the embryo transfer.
Ovarian Stimulation: You will receive hormone treatments to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation.
Embryo Transfer: After your body is prepared, an embryo created using the Intended Parents' ova and sperm (or Donor ova/sperm) will be transferred into your uterus.
7. Pregnancy and Regular Monitoring
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you will receive regular medical check-ups throughout the pregnancy to ensure both your health and the baby’s health. The Intended Parents may be involved in these appointments, especially if they live nearby.
Prenatal Care: You will attend prenatal appointments with your obstetrician or gynecologist to monitor the pregnancy.
Reimbursement for Pregnancy-Related Expenses: As part of the surrogacy agreement, you will be reimbursed for medical expenses, travel costs (if applicable), and any other out-of-pocket costs related to the pregnancy. This can also include things like additional childcare or household help if needed.
8. Delivery and Legal Parentage
The birth of the child marks the conclusion of the surrogacy process. In Canada, the legal rights of the Intended Parents are usually confirmed through a parentage order or adoption process, depending on the province.
Handing Over the Baby: After birth, the child is handed over to the Intended Parents. They will typically go through legal procedures to establish themselves as the legal parents of the child, ensuring that the Surrogate’s parental rights are relinquished.
9. Post-Birth Support
After the birth, you may experience physical recovery and emotional adjustments. Many agencies or Intended Parents will offer support during this period.
Post-Birth Reimbursement: You may receive reimbursement for any final expenses related to the birth or recovery, such as post-birth medical care, medications, or follow-up appointments.
Emotional Support: Post-birth counseling or support groups may be offered to help you adjust to the emotional transition after carrying a child for someone else.
10. Final Reimbursement and Closing the Surrogacy Agreement
Once the baby is born and any final medical and legal processes are completed, the Intended Parents will reimburse any outstanding expenses as agreed upon in the surrogacy agreement. This may include final reimbursement for things like lost wages, childcare during the pregnancy, or medical-related costs not covered by insurance.
Conclusion
In Canada, becoming a Surrogate involves a number of steps, with a focus on reimbursement for expenses rather than direct compensation. This process includes medical and psychological screenings, legal agreements, fertility treatments, and pregnancy monitoring. The goal is to ensure that Surrogates are reimbursed fairly for any expenses incurred during the process, including medical costs, travel, and lost wages, while maintaining a supportive and ethical environment for both the Surrogate and the Intended Parents.