The surrogacy journey is a much more complex process than just a list of medical services. Being in the field for more than a decade, managing international communications with patients has taught me that simply knowing the technical and medical details of the process is not enough to be a field expert. I meet intended parents daily and personally consult them for their future journeys – people from all over the world, from different cultures and time zones, but all sharing the common hope and dream of parenthood.

The whole structure of our communication is based on trust, empathy, and transparency. The process itself can be overwhelming, involving different professionals, doctors, lawyers, and various parties. In order to make this journey smooth, our main goal is: first, to understand the patients’ needs and expectations by listening to their stories; and second, to offer the best possible solution to make their dreams come true. Once I meet them, I do not see them merely as clients, but as people who carry long and often heartbreaking stories behind them  – failed IVF cycles, disappointments after FETs, but also sparkles of joy. I see people who are brave enough to fight for their main goal to become parents.

On the other hand, it is sometimes extremely difficult to stay on the line – to avoid becoming a personal psychotherapist while still keeping the relationship on the right track and leading them toward the goal of parenthood.

Sometimes distance matters. In an AI-driven world where everything has become digital, people still want to meet in person and see the individuals they are going to work with. That is why we always take the chance to be present at international conferences organized for parents. We also host our own private events in different countries and cities throughout the year. There, interested individuals can attend and meet people with similar interests, including those who have completed their journeys or are currently in the middle of them and are happy to share their experiences. This helps everyone believe that it is really happening and that they have a community around them for support.

Asking the right questions

There are many types of families – heterosexual, same-sex, or single parents. All of them are willing to have a child, each with different life experiences along the way. Their fears and expectations differ as well. Top expectations and worries usually involve timelines, the genetic link with the newborn, legal frameworks, safety, and transparency. All mentioned above is part of our inner protocols and is a standard for us. However, we make sure that a patient is truly ready for the journey before signing up. Readiness means:

  1. Understanding that surrogacy is third-party reproduction and that 100% success is never guaranteed.
  2. Recognizing that the whole process requires expertise and paperwork aligned with the country’s legal framework, which can only be managed through well-thought-out agreements and trust between parties.
  3. Acknowledgment of the risks of pregnancy and the surrogacy process itself. Parents should be ready mentally and financially for this journey.
  4. Knowing they are not alone in this journey and are not the only ones who choose this path.

Journey management and preparation

Before starting the journey, several essential steps must be fulfilled by intended parents:

  • Initial Lab Tests: It is mandatory to review the results of required laboratory tests, which should be conducted in the parents’ home country. Standard checkups are performed before the freezing of biological materials to ensure all parameters are within the normal range.
  • Legal Documentation: Our legal team carefully reviews all necessary documents before registration. This includes verifying marital status, passport information, country eligibility for surrogacy, and embryo reports (in the case of frozen embryos).
  • Final Review: Formal signing and enrollment can only take place once we have thoroughly reviewed all documentation and medical results.

Our responsibility as an agency is to make sure the patients are fully informed at every step of the journey. My main message to future parents is always this: the journey is time-consuming and will require patience. There will be ups and downs, but what I can guarantee is that you will not be alone. We are here for you, and no matter what, you will have all the necessary information provided to make the right decisions as our relationship is based on trust and transparency. We believe that true trust is gained once all parties understand “Plan B.”

 

Natia Janadze

Head of International Department

Surrogacy Consultant