SIMPLY SURROGACY
Want to become a real daddy? It’s possible.
For many gay men, having children is an important life goal but we often don’t consider it seriously. We resign ourselves to thinking that it’s impossible, too complicated, unavailable or even forbidden. Fostering and adopting are definitely viable options for many men and male couples but, for others, having a biological connection to the child is preferable. That’s where surrogacy comes in. It is legal in Australia and it can be quite simple.
“I found the amount of gay people who couldn’t believe that surrogacy was actually an option alarming. Some friends didn’t even know surrogacy existed,” says Stefano Cammarano of Simply Surrogacy.
Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproductive technology where a woman (the surrogate) offers to carry a baby through pregnancy on behalf of another person or couple and then return the baby to the intended parent/s once it’s born. If you’re a single male or are in a same-sex male relationship, you are eligible to use a surrogate.
Only altruistic surrogacy is legal. Altruistic surrogacy means the surrogate must not receive compensation for the process besides reimbursements for medical and pregnancyrelated costs. In other words, you cannot pay the surrogate to carry the baby. This also means that many surrogates end up being the ones nearest and dearest to you.
Once you meet the criteria in your state, are deemed eligible and have found a surrogate, the process begins. You meet with a fertility specialist for medical review, and counselling is done for all parties. This is a significant commitment so it’s important to make sure everyone is in the right shape and frame of mind to understand what’s ahead.
“All parties must be given independent legal advice,” says Cassandra Kalpaxis, Director of Simply Surrogacy. “We’re committed in ensuring everyone is made aware of their rights, obligations and outcomes of the process.”
The fertility clinic will then review all this information and, given their approval, the IVF treatment cycle begins. IVF is when an egg and a sperm are combined and fertilised outside of the body. Once it’s ready, embryo transfer to the surrogate occurs. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, ongoing care is given to the surrogate during this time.
“We love watching the faces of people light up upon seeing a positive pregnancy test result. It’s a testament to hard work and determination,” says Cassandra.
But that is just the beginning of the journey. There isn’t time to sit still. It’s essential that you discuss with your surrogate the big day well in advance. Simply Surrogacy provides a Birth
Plan, which breaks down all the finer details and important questions.
Upon the birth, you apply, with your lawyer, for a parentage order to transfer parentage from the birth parent to yourself or you and your partner.
“At first glance, the surrogacy process can seem intimidating,” says Cassandra. “There’s a lot to take in. But with our experience and knowledge, we’re there with you, one step at a time. With your determination and love, we can assist you in creating an everlasting legacy.”
We love watching the faces of people light up upon seeing a positive pregnancy test result.