Third-Party
Reproduction

Intended Parent (IP)

 

This psycho-educational consultation is focused on helping the IP explore important topics, issues, decisions and emotions associated with their family building journey through third party reproduction. ASRM has specific guidelines for Intended Parents using third party assistance (sperm donor, egg donor, surrogate-gestational carrier and donated embryos). The guidelines include participating in a 60-90 minute session with a qualified mental health professional who has experience working with individuals and couples struggling with fertility and needing third party assisted reproduction procedures.

 

In line with ASRM guidelines, we will discuss selecting a donor and surrogate, future relationships, feelings associated with DNA or non-DNA connection, disclosure to your child, concerns about bonding, your support system, legal ramifications, and resources. The goal is to ensure the IP has enough information about what having a donor-conceived child is like, what common issues arise and an opportunity to think through options and tools to handle them. It is being informed before moving forward, it is informed consent.

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Topics that may be discussed in a Recipient/Intended Parent Psychological Consultation:

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• Comfort with the idea of using third party assistance and the overall proposed treatment plan

• Coping with any fertility challenges to date, including previously unsuccessful attempts and/or losses

• If using donated eggs, sperm or embryos:

  • Donor selection including whether to use an agency donor or someone you know personally

  • If agency donor, nature of contact (if any) one desires with the donor now or in the future

  • If personally known donor, current relationship dynamics and envisioned role of donor in resulting child's life

• If using gestational surrogacy:

  • Gestational carrier match, including whether to use an agency carrier or someone you know personally

  • Anticipated or preferred frequency of contact, nature of relationship, and degree of involvement during the pregnancy

  • Anticipated or preferred frequency of contact and nature of relationship after delivery

• For same sex couples, decisions and feelings about who will carry the pregnancy or which man's embryo will be transferred

• Decisions related to sharing with the resulting child information about the third-party assistance -- If, how, and when?

• Decisions related to sharing with others about the use of third-party assistance -- Balancing privacy and support needs

• Number of embryos one intends to transfer and feelings about a twin or multiple gestation pregnancy

• Considerations of multifetal reduction in the event of triplets or higher order gestation or termination of a pregnancy for medical reasons

• If applicable, decisions about embryos remaining once one’s family is complete

• Handling various aspects of the treatment protocol and medical procedures, including management of any existing mental health issues

• Preparing for possible outcomes

• Any pregnancy or parenting concerns related to history of infertility/loss or third-party assistance

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I will make it easy for you.

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At this point in my career, I have consulted with hundreds of parents, just like you. My time working at a leading surrogacy agency has given me the experience and tools needed to support you through this chapter of your fertility journey. You don’t have to explain fertility terminology or explain the process. I know you want to move fast and get to the next step in the process. So, when we meet, I will cut right to the point and have a written report based on American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines sent directly to your IVF Center, agency, or bank by within two business days.