JA Surrogacy FAQs
What services do you provide?
At JA Surrogacy Canada, we provide guidance and support for both intended parent(s) and surrogates throughout their journey. Listed here is a comprehensive list of the surrogacy process along with consulting, care, and support provided by JA Surrogacy professionals.
Walkthrough: We will lay out the path you will need to take to successfully complete your journey.
Ongoing Support: Our team of dedicated surrogacy professionals are available throughout your journey to address any questions you may have.
Detailed information is provided on professionals in the field, networking options and fertility clinics. Intended parents are also given a copy of our Guide to Surrogacy.
Community support and networking with other intended parents.
Assistance in liaising with your surrogate, the fertility clinic, lawyer, OB/Midwife, and Birthing Hospital.
Support and mentorship for the surrogate.
Helping prepare and organize for the realities of the journey.
Mentoring and assisting with the surrogacy process.
Compassionate care with dedicated JA Surrogacy professionals.
Community support from other surrogates.
Consultation on reimbursement regulations, practices, and process.
Support towards the legal reimbursement process via third party receipt management.
Illustrating options and opportunities through the surrogacy process for both the intended parent(s) and surrogate.
Fostering the relationship between the surrogate and intended parent(s).
Mediating between the parties as necessary to keep towards a successful journey for all parties.
How long has JA Surrogacy Canada been in business?
JA Surrogacy Canada was founded in January 2018 by Jennifer Allen. In a short period of time, JA Surrogacy Canada has rapidly risen to be one of the top Canadian Surrogacy agencies and has gained a reputation for being the industry’s ‘ethical option’. It has grown exponentially in that short time and now has a number of staff members that work remotely all across Canada.
How much does it cost for an initial consult?
There is no charge for the initial consult. Fees are only applicable once you have made the decision to use the consulting services provided by JA Surrogacy Canada.
What is the role of the surrogacy agency?
At JA Surrogacy Canada, we know sometimes it takes a village to create a child. Our team of dedicated professionals is here for you every step of the way to provide support, consultation, and understanding. In a short period of time we have gained the trust of intended parents and surrogates all around the world. Leaders in the surrogacy community in Canada and abroad have connected with us. We feel privileged to serve the families and surrogates who have entrusted their journeys to our care. We strive to advance awareness and build support for the surrogacy community. We do so by looking within our organization and continually employing the best strategies and practices to provide excellent consulting care.
Are the surrogate mothers in your program screened?
Yes. Screening will often take place at a fertility clinic which you as IPs have chosen. Some clinics are willing to send requisitions to the surrogate’s doctor so that they can do it locally. If your surrogate has a partner, some clinics will also require that they are screened through blood tests as well. There are two portions to the screening process; medical and psychological.
What is a medical screening?
This portion of the screening is performed to ensure the surrogate is physically capable of undergoing the surrogacy process. They will be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, other various transmissible diseases, drugs, and will be required to provide vaginal cultures. The tests include an internal ultrasound, blood draws, and a physical with the fertility doctor. Some clinics require the surrogate’s partner to do a medical screening as well, but they only require a blood draw from them.
What is a Psychological Screening?
This portion of the screening is performed by a Psychologist or Social Worker who specializes in working with gestational carriers and intended families. The screening ensures that the surrogate fully understands the emotional ramifications of surrogacy. A personality assessment will be administered at that time as well. The Psychologist or Social Worker will provide a written report and a recommendation regarding their ability to perform the duties of a surrogate. Most fertility clinics will allow the surrogate to schedule this screening via telephone or Skype. Once the report is complete, it will be sent to your nurse and they will notify us of the results.
what happens after a surrogate passes screening?
Once all the screening is completed the surrogate will then meet/Skype with the fertility doctor. The doctor will explain how the IVF process works and what to expect. They will inform the surrogate about transfer, embryos, drugs, emotions etc. We remind surrogates to take this time to ask the fertility professionals any questions they may have about the medical aspects of fertility treatments.