HOW COVID-19 AFFECTS THE SURROGACY PROCESS
How is COVID-19 affecting International Clients/IP’s?
International IP’s are experiencing new difficulties and delays in entering the U.S. due to shutdowns in the state department, where visa applications are being processed. We are advising IP’s from outside the U.S. to start their visa process much sooner than normal. We are also advising all international IP’s to designate someone here in the U.S. (preferably in the state in which their Surrogate will be delivering) as their power-of-attorney (POA), authorized to pick up their child from the hospital and care for their child until the IP’s can get in to the country. The sooner IP’s start both of these processes, the better.
What are IVF clinics doing to help prevent the spread and keep patients safe?
How do IVF clinics deal with surrogacy during the COVID-19 pandemic? IVF clinics are limiting the number of people allowed in their facility at the same time, they are adhering to the 6 feet apart rule, temperatures are taken of all people who enter and there are sanitizing stations located throughout the facility. Face masks must also be worn at all time by the patients and the staff. Most facilities are also doing extensive cleaning protocol to make sure the risk of contracting COVID-19 is as low as possible.
Can my surrogacy attorney assist me in this process?
Yes, in fact, when you are introduced to your U.S. attorney who will draft the contract between you and your surrogate, it’s not too soon to immediately start discussing travel plans, Visa applications, applying for exemptions, etc. Your surrogacy attorney is the expert who will assist you with these necessary steps in the process.
Are there any restrictions at the hospital
my child will be born at?
Once IP’s are able to enter the U.S., many hospitals have altered protocols regarding facility entry. While our support team works daily to provide our IP’s with the most up-to-date information about specific hospital protocols where their surrogate will deliver, those protocols change frequently, and are different for each facility. We update IP’s and Surrogates whenever we receive Read morenew information. As your Surrogate’s due date approaches, IP’s are strongly encouraged to check in with the SAI Support Team frequently, and to pay close attention to email or WeChat alerts from SAI staff members with relevant and timely information.
Will I have difficulty purchasing necessary baby items
like a car seat and formula?
Many stores are still closed, making it more challenging to obtain some of the items you will need to care for your child in a convenient way. We recommend choosing items you will need (our Support Staff can assist you with a list of recommended items) from an online source and having those items shipped directly to where you will be staying in the U.S. If you don’t have an address here to ship to, we can assist you with alternatives Read moreWe want to assist in any way possible to make your experience as seamless as possible.
How difficult will it be to get my child’s birth certificate?
Birth certificates are taking longer than normal due to an increased volume and decreased staff. Each state has its own process to obtain them. The best overall option is to order online. Online orders are reviewed and electronically transmitted to the agency for processing. Currently, the vast majority of agencies can process online requests, although this could change. The other options vary, Read moredepending on the agency from which you wish to get the record. In most cases you can obtain the record by going to the vital records agency, but many agencies are beginning to close their doors to the public for now.
How difficult will it be for me to travel to the U.S. right now?
Prior to flying to the U.S. be sure to check with your airline and your local government regarding travel restrictions. These vary from country to country and airline to airline. Just be sure you have no surprises at the airport on departure day.
Will I have to Quarantine when I arrive in the U.S. and if so what are the procedures?
- Please be aware that there may or may not be quarantine restrictions in place depending on the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in your country and also the destination Read moreto where you are traveling. Be sure to check for these restrictions and make plans to quarantine safely if required.
- If you plan to stay at a hotel, you must make reservations in advance and follow the health department requirements regarding quarantine protocols in that area. Please Read morefactor this into your travel plans, as some states are more stringent than others depending upon the level of virus spread in that area.
- If you are traveling with children, please be advised that the vast majority of U.S. hospitals are not allowing children entry. You will need to make sure you have childcare for Read moreyour current children while you’re entering the hospital to pick up your newborn.
- Masks are required at all times while out in the public and at every hospital. Please make sure you bring a good supply with you, as they can be difficult Read moreto obtain locally in some states.
- Hand sanitizer supplies may also be low in some areas of the country. SAI advises you to pack some to bring with you, in case you are Read moreunable to locate it in the U.S. on short
- Once you have your residence/hotel/accommodations established you could of course, order sanitizer, masks, gloves, etc. online and have it shipped directly Read moreto that address, to hold until you arrive.
- Be aware that the pandemic restrictions placed on the public vary from state to state and even county to county within the U.S. be sure to research (google) the Read morerestrictions in place in your destination so you are aware of them. (e.g. masks required, no gatherings outside your household, restaurants closed/open, retail stores closed/open, no church services, beaches open/closed, etc.) Your attorney, and our Support Team can assist you with finding that information, if you need help
- There is a shortage of coins in the U.S. at present. This means that most establishments will not take cash as payment as they cannot make change due to the coin shortage. Read moreIt is safest for you to plan to pay with credit/debit cards whenever possible.
Testimonials
We could not have asked for things to go more smoothly that they did with Surrogate Alternatives… not only their kindness, but for their vast knowledge of the entire process. I thank them every day in my heart for doing what they do, for without them, I would have never known what to do first Read more.
Ginger & Bill, parents to Baby Lorence
- I am currently working with SAI and they have been there for me every single step of the way from questions to procedures they are always there. And if I ever forget to ask a question I shoot over a simple email and within an hour I almost always have a response! They are always Read more.
Nicole L.
- SAI changed our lives for the best! Our twin boys are a miracle in our lives. Game changers! The staff is amazing and the experience has been supportive and full of love. Choosing a California surrogacy agency is as easy as S A I!! Read more.
Donald Collins
