How COVID-19 Has Affected Intended Parents
Beginning your surrogacy journey as an intended parent is already an emotional, and sometimes overwhelming, process, especially if you don’t live in the same country as your surrogate. Not to mention that during the COVID-19 pandemic it’s a much more difficult process to navigate. We’re sharing the most up-to-date information we have on how COVID-19 has changed international surrogacy for intended parents.
Travel Restrictions During the Pandemic
Generally with international surrogacy, it’s already a lengthy process to obtain the child’s citizenship in the intended parents home country. And during COVID-19, this has become even more of a challenge, with many parents finding their surrogacy travel plans interrupted.
Unfortunately, these travel restrictions and border closures cause difficulties in obtaining necessary paperwork, which can delay arrangements to bring babies home. With the rapidly changing demands of COVID-19, GSHC Surrogacy’s process has evolved to keep up with the times—doing our best to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
Tips for International Surrogacy Travel
The surrogacy journey is a long process and it’s heartbreaking that intended parents aren’t able to witness the birth of their baby. However, GSHC Surrogacy can help with some advance planning, and many of our international intended parents are able to travel to the United States shortly after their baby is born.
We are happy to assist men and women who don’t have access to surrogacy in their home country and are searching for a reliable surrogate in the United States to help them realize their dream of having a child. Here are a few suggestions to help make your international surrogacy journey a little smoother:
- Due to a voluntary 14-day quarantine, many international travelers plan to arrive in the US at least three weeks before their baby’s delivery. This gives the IPs a little leeway to greet their new baby shortly after birth.
- Once your surrogate gets pregnant, we recommend contacting your US consulate in your home country for special permission to enter the country. GSHC Surrogacy will assist as much as possible with the arrangements but be prepared for this process to take several months.
- Make sure to bring the following documents to the consulate appointment:
- A copy of your surrogacy contract
- The surrogate’s contact information
- A letter from OBGYN verifying the baby’s due date
- Any other documents that establish your parental rights
We understand that international surrogacy stress has been heightened since the pandemic took the world by storm. At GSHC, we are committed to changing with the times to ensure the safety of our surrogates, intended parents, and newborn babes who will be traveling internationally.
Are you ready to begin your surrogacy journey? Complete our Surrogate Intake Form to get started.