Surrogacy in Encino, CA
Infertility and other issues prevent some people from having a child on their own. Thanks to gestational surrogacy, couples and individuals can experience parenthood without putting their or their child's health at risk.
Learn how Drs. Marc Kalan and Nurit Winkler help patients build their families through surrogacy in Bakersfield, Encino, and Greater Los Angeles, CA.
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process in which one woman carries a baby for another woman or intended parent. Surrogacy has been practiced for thousands of years, when one woman would turn to another woman to help her have a child. This profound relationship between a surrogate and intended parent continues today with the modern practice of surrogacy.
Dr. Kalan and Dr. Winkler are greatly experienced in the technical, emotional, and medical aspects of modern surrogacy. The expert staff at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center manages a multitude of surrogacy cycles each year, and is dedicated to making the experience successful for their patients.
Types of Surrogacy
Traditional Surrogacy
A traditional surrogate is someone who uses their eggs and carries the pregnancy to term for the intended parent(s). The resulting child is genetically related to the surrogate. Most fertility specialists prefer not to use traditional surrogacy because of the potentially negative psychological effects on the surrogate and child as they get older. Traditional surrogacy also increases the risk of legal ambiguity on parental rights once the child is born.
Gestational Surrogacy
A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries a pregnancy that is conceived with eggs from another woman. In a gestational surrogacy, embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) from eggs and sperm of the intended parents or their selected donors. Once an embryo is created, it is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. The gestational surrogate does not have a genetic link to the child, acting solely as a carrier for the pregnancy.
Helping Families Grow Hear From a Real Patient
“100% i recommend Dr Kalan. its because of him i have my beautiful rainbow baby! Thank you Dr Kalan for helping us on our journey to parenthood!! You truly are a blessing!!” Melie Sin
Reasons to Consider Surrogacy Why It May Be Right for You
Uterine Factors
Surrogacy may be ideal for women who have congenital uterine abnormalities, a scarred uterus from prior surgery, or who experienced complications from a prior pregnancy. It's also a good option for women who lack a uterus due to surgery or who were born without a uterus (uterine agenesis).
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
If you've experienced two or more miscarriages, this is known as recurrent pregnancy loss. It also means a high risk of another pregnancy loss. Surrogacy allows women who've experienced recurrent pregnancy loss to become mothers themselves, and protects their health and the health of their child.
General Health Risks
A number of medical conditions put mothers at risk during pregnancy or delivery, including heart disease, kidney and liver disease, autoimmune conditions, cancer, uncontrolled seizure disorders, and chronic conditions that require the use of medications that are potentially dangerous during pregnancy.
Same-Sex Couples
Assisted reproductive technology has helped LGBTQ couples experience parenthood. Same-sex female couples who cannot carry a child themselves can work with a surrogate to have their child. Same-sex male couples can similarly benefit, requiring both an egg donor and a gestational carrier.
Multiple IVF Failures
Though IVF is popular and often effective, some patients are unable to conceive despite multiple attempts. Rather than risk another failed IVF cycle, surrogacy could be a better option. Another IVF cycle is performed, though there may be a higher chance of success with the gestational surrogate.
Mental Health Factors
We rarely discuss the emotional toll that pregnancy can take on women, but it's a conversation we should have more. If a mother experienced severe postpartum depression or other physiological conditions from a previous pregnancy, surrogacy can help avoid mental health effects.
Legal Considerations California Family Laws
There are no federal statutes or guidelines regarding surrogacy, and different states have vastly different surrogacy laws. This leads to a number of legitimate concerns regarding parental rights.
As one of the most progressive states in the nation, California family law clearly protects all individuals in third-party reproduction (egg donation and gestational surrogacy). The courts in CA have consistently protected intended parents’ rights and obligations, regardless of whether the parents use their own genetic material, donor eggs, and/or donor sperm.
Because of these supportive statutes, patients come to CA from all over the world to benefit from gestational surrogacy. The physicians at Los Angeles Reproductive Center are accustomed to assisting local, out-of-state, and international patients in this exciting and hopeful process. We can answer any questions you may have before embarking on this journey together.
Would You Like to Learn More? Contact Our Double Board-Certified Fertility Doctors
Gestational surrogacy may be just what you need to create the loving family you've always wanted.
With offices in Encino and Bakersfield, CA, Dr. Kalan and Dr. Winkler have made parenthood possible for countless couples and individuals. If you've faced any fertility setbacks, you can rely on our team to provide patient, compassionate, state-of-the-art care.
For more information about surrogacy, we encourage you to contact our fertility specialists online. You can also schedule a consultation with our team by phone.
Call Our Fertility Clinic
(818) 946-8051
5-Star Reviews Compassionate and Patient Fertility Doctors
Robyn Elizabeth
Encino, CA
2023
I’m so grateful that I found this place and that after my second IUI, I became pregnant. Thank you to Dr. Kalan, Dr. Winkler, and Nurse Kimberly for your expertise, care, and kindness. I’m blessed to be expecting a baby boy next year in 2024. Thanks again for all that you do
View on GoogleAndrew Hewett
Encino, CA
2023
Both doctors we saw and all the staff were very professional, lovely to interact with and we felt like they cared for us during the who le process. We were luckily to find such a wonderful clinic and blessed with two beautiful children. Thank you so much
View on GoogleExplore the Benefits of Surrogacy
Biological Connection
Many patients yearn for a child that is biologically theirs. Gestational surrogacy allows intended parents to have a genetic link to the child that is conceived. Gestational surrogacy can use an egg from the mother, sperm from the father, or both. This means that the child is not only legally yours, but genetically as well.
Faster than Adoption
Adoption often requires many legal hoops to jump through and can take several years. Though adoption has benefits, there is also no guarantee that a biological mother will follow through if you choose infant adoption. With gestational surrogacy, the intended parents are the legal parents and, in many cases, the biological parents.
How Are Surrogates Screened?
Medical History
Surrogates must be healthy enough to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. A potential surrogate must undergo a medical screening to check for a history or risk of miscarriage and potential pregnancy complications. They must be free from major health concerns that may hinder a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Psychological Testing
Surrogates are screened to determine if they are emotionally capable of handling the surrogacy process. Surrogacy can be an emotionally and physically difficult time, and a potential surrogate must be able to handle the fact that the child they are carrying and delivering will be going home with the intended parents.
Previous Pregnancies
Most agencies require that a surrogate mother have at least one previous pregnancy delivered at full term without any complications. It is also beneficial if the woman has been a surrogate before, as this shows she can handle the surrogacy process. Many agencies also have a limit to the number of pregnancies a woman can have before she is disqualified from becoming a surrogate.
Tips for Picking a Surrogate Qualities You Should Look For
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- At least 21 years of age, and no older than 40
- Excellent physical and medical health
- Passed a psychological screening
- Trustworthy, mature, and committed
Donors and Surrogacy
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When a couple or individual cannot carry a child to term or produce a viable embryo on their own, they will need a sperm donor or egg donor in addition to a surrogate. Once an embryo is ready, it can be transferred to the surrogate. Dr. Kalan and Dr. Winkler can help you find egg donors or sperm donors who will meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Surrogacy in Encino & Bakersfield
Q. Can I have a relationship with and get to know my surrogate?
A. It depends. Some intended parents and surrogates choose to have a relationship throughout the IVF process and into the pregnancy. Others do not. If you wish to have that relationship, it is important to discuss your desires during the matching process so your agency can match you with a surrogate who has the same desires and goals as you.
Q. Are there any background checks performed on surrogates?
A. All agencies have different processes, but most surrogacy agencies do perform background checks on the surrogate to ensure they are not a legal liability. In some cases, any other adult in the home of the surrogate, such as a spouse or partner, may also be evaluated. Please be sure to discuss this with your agency beforehand to determine their specific processes.
Q. Can I be in the room during my baby’s delivery?
A. Again, this will depend on you and your surrogate, and this is often a question asked during the matching process. If this is important to you as an intended parent, be sure to make your wishes known from the beginning so you can find a surrogate who best aligns with your interests.
We Truly Care About You Positive Experiences and Life-Changing Results
“Dr. Kalan is the best doctor we have ever met. He’s a professional, ability, knowledgeable, friendly, patience and responsible doctor. We are so lucky to find him. We have a twins now.” Selina Pi
