If you have further questions, please let us know. We are happy to help clarify. If you are ready to explore the possibilities, fill out our inquiry form to receive a detailed information packet, or call us at 301-217-0074.
Do you work with all intended parents, whether they are single, married, gay or LGBT?
Yes! We are happy to assist any intended parent on the path toward realizing their dream of building a family.
How do we get started with any process?
Please submit an Inquiry Form. We will then provide you with information about our program, how we might be of assistance to you, and can make arrangements for a free initial consultation. You may also call us directly at 301-217-0074.
What's the difference between a “gestational carrier” or “gestational surrogate” and a “traditional surrogate”?
A gestational carrier or gestational surrogate* is a woman who carries a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg (ovum) of the intended parent or an egg donor, and the sperm of the intended parent or sperm donor. This is different from a traditional surrogate, who carries a child using her own egg and is the genetic and biological mother of the child. With traditional surrogacy, pregnancy is usually achieved using artificial insemination.
What is assisted reproductive technology (ART), or third-party reproduction?
These are procedures that take advantage of increasingly sophisticated and successful, advanced technologies to help the infertile achieve a pregnancy. IVF, for example, and other related procedures are collectively known as ART. Third-party reproduction is a process that includes the use of any of the following: donor sperm, donor eggs, donor embryos, traditional surrogate mothers, and gestational surrogates.
Do you work with clients from any state or country?
Yes. Although ARTparenting is based in the Maryland/Virginia/DC area, we work with clients from all over the United States and from other countries as well. We welcome intended parents from all over the world.
What are the legal issues in the state in which I/we live that are relevant to surrogacy for intended parents?
Your attorney must be able to advise you about the relevant laws in the state in which you live, and the state in which the gestational surrogate lives and will deliver. The location will affect how you will be legally recognized as the parents of your child and obtain a birth certificate with your names on it after the delivery of your baby. It is imperative to work with a surrogate who lives and will deliver in a surrogacy-friendly state. Your surrogacy agreement must be drafted by an attorney with the relevant state language contained therein.
Do all states have similar laws regarding surrogacy?
No, all states are not the same. It is the job of your attorney or program (1) to educate you about which states are surrogacy friendly and, (2) to make sure you are only working with a gestational surrogate that will deliver in a surrogacy-friendly state.
What do we do if surrogacy is illegal in the state in which I/we live? Can ARTparenting help me/us?
Yes. We can match you with a gestational surrogate who will deliver in a surrogacy-friendly state. Please contact ARTparenting to find out how your state laws will affect you.
Will my/our name(s) be on the birth certificate?
This is the ultimate goal! How this is accomplished will depend completely on the state in which you live and/or the state where the gestational surrogate delivers, as well as the type of surrogacy involved (traditional or gestational). Your attorney will advise you about what legal steps are necessary to legally recognize you as your child’s parent(s) at the time you are matched with your gestational surrogate.
From a legal standpoint, what exactly happens after the birth?
This depends on the states involved. ARTparenting will help the intended parent(s) obtain one of the following: a pre-birth order, a post-birth order, or we will go through a step-parent or second-parent adoption process to legally recognize you as the sole legal parents of your child and obtain a birth certificate with the your names on it. In a few states with applicable state statutes, this is handled without the involvement of a court process. No matter what the legal process is, this will not affect the ability of the intended parent(s) to be with the baby in the hospital, to make medical decisions for the baby, or to go take the baby home after the birth.
Can I/we use my/our own gestational surrogate and still work with you?
Yes. If you have your own gestational surrogate, you can have ARTparenting prepare the legal agreement, manage the gestational surrogate's expense account, and assist the parties throughout the process. ARTparenting can also take care of the legal process before or after the birth.
* Although Gestational Surrogates are also commonly referred to as Gestational Carriers (and less accurately as Surrogate Mothers), we use the term Gestational Surrogate in this website.
MERYL B. ROSENBERG, ESQ.
ARTparenting
1004 WILLOWLEAF WAY
POTOMAC, MD 20854
301-217-0074
© 2013 Meryl B. Rosenberg, Esq.
Website: ellenemmerich.com
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Note: Certain pictures included on this website are of models and are for illustrative purposes only