Gestational Carrier or Surrogacy Cycles

What is a gestational carrier/surrogacy IVF cycle in Hawaii?

A gestational carrier (GC), commonly referred to as a surrogate, is a woman who carries a pregnancy and gives birth on behalf of someone else, known as the intended parent(s). In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate does not contribute her own eggs and has no genetic link to the child. Instead, embryos are created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or from donors.
At the Fertility Institute of Hawaii, we specialize in coordinating surrogacy IVF cycles for individuals and couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. Our experienced third-party team ensures compassionate care, comprehensive planning, and medical expertise for surrogacy cycles from start to finish.

Surrogacy Options at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii

Every intended parent’s journey is unique. At FIH, you have multiple pathways to build your family through surrogacy. Intended parents can choose from three different options to undergo a surrogacy cycle depending on their preferences and circumstances:

Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii (SIH) – Our In-House Surrogacy Agency

The Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii (SIH) is the only surrogacy agency in Hawaii that is partnered directly with a fertility clinic. As FIH’s in-house surrogacy program, SIH offers intended parents the highest level of integration and support. SIH is designed to support intended parents through every step of the surrogacy process, from surrogate matching and screening to pregnancy coordination and delivery. SIH offers a streamlined, integrated approach by closely coordinating with our medical team at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii.SIH’s team will guide you through the entire process, from matching with a qualified surrogate to coordinating legal and psychological screening, to supporting the surrogate during pregnancy and delivery. Working with SIH ensures seamless communication, trusted partnerships, and a medically optimized journey.

Learn more about SIH here

Working with an Outside Surrogacy Agency

We also welcome patients who choose to work with a reputable and qualified external surrogacy agency to locate a surrogate. In these cases, the physicians at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii will perform all initial medical procedures while the outside agency coordinates surrogate matching, journey coordination, and legal documentation. Our clinic works closely with many reputable agencies across the U.S. to ensure continuity of care.

Known Gestational Carrier

This option allows intended parents to work with someone they may already know, such as a friend or family member, who is willing to assist and carry the pregnancy. If applicable, the third-party team at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii can discuss this option with you. This is a highly personal option and one that many intended parents find meaningful. While this path can be deeply rewarding, we strongly recommend partnering with an agency such as Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii (SIH) to ensure all medical, legal, and psychological evaluations are completed to the highest standard. Our team will still conduct all medical evaluations and provide guidance through every stage of the process.

Learn more about FIH’s surrogacy agency, Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii

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Who Should Consider Using a Surrogate?

Any patient or couple who cannot successfully carry a pregnancy to term due to medical or personal reasons can consider the use of a surrogate. This may include the following patients:

      • Women who have had their uterus removed.
      • Women with abnormal uterine function.
      • Women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
      • Women who have had multiple poor pregnancy outcomes, such as second-trimester losses and/or very premature births.
      • Women who have medical conditions for which a pregnancy would put their lives and health at substantial risk.
      • Same-sex male couples or single men.
      • Select transgender or gender non-binary patients who do not have a uterus or who are on hormonal therapy.
      • Women with personal reasons for the use of a surrogate

We offer inclusive care for all family types, and our team is proud to support LGBTQIA+ intended parents, international families, and individuals with complex fertility histories.

How does a Surrogacy IVF Cycle Work?

The surrogacy process involves careful planning, medical evaluation, legal contracts, and emotional support. Below is an overview of how a typical surrogacy IVF cycle works at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii:

Embryo Creation

Candidates for surrogacy may either use the eggs of the intended mother or the eggs of a third-party egg donor. Embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor and sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The source providing the eggs in a surrogacy case undergoes ovarian stimulation and an egg retrieval procedure. These eggs are then fertilized in the lab and cultured to the blastocyst stage before being frozen for later use in a surrogate.

Surrogate Preparation and Embryo Transfer

The surrogate undergoes a detailed screening process to ensure medical and psychological readiness. A surrogate can be provided by either an agency, such as the Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii, or by working with a known surrogate, such as a family member or friend who is willing to assist with carrying and delivering the pregnancy. Once matched and cleared, the surrogate will begin hormone medications (such as estrogen and progesterone) to prepare her uterus for the frozen embryo transfer cycle. With the surrogate’s consent, the parents are welcome to be present for the embryo transfer at FIH.

Pregnancy Monitoring and Ongoing Support

In the following weeks, the surrogate will self-administer hormone shots to help establish and support a pregnancy. If a pregnancy is confirmed, the third-party team at FIH will order monitoring blood work and ultrasounds. Typically, the surrogate will be followed by the physicians at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii until she is approximately 8 weeks pregnant. At that time, she will be discharged to her obstetrician for continuation of her care through pregnancy and delivery. The surrogacy agency will continue to follow the pregnancy until delivery and act as the liaison between the surrogate and the intended parents. This entire process will be explained in greater detail at your initial visit.

Why Choose the Fertility Institute of Hawaii for Surrogacy?

Choosing the right fertility clinic is one of the most critical decisions intended parents can make. At FIH, we bring:

      • Over a decade of experience with surrogacy cycles 
      • A dedicated, compassionate third-party reproduction team 
      • Exclusive in-house access to the Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii (SIH), our physician-led surrogacy agency 
      • Expertise in LGBTQIA+ family building, complex fertility cases, and international coordination 
      • Seamless integration of IVF, donor, and surrogacy services under one roof 
      • Personalized attention every step of the way 

Our program is designed to provide clear communication, expert guidance, and emotional support for all parties involved, including the surrogate.

INTERESTED IN BEING A SURROGATE? START TODAY

FAQs About Surrogacy at FIH

Is surrogacy legal in Hawaii?

Yes. Gestational surrogacy is legal in Hawaii, and intended parents can establish their parental rights through legal agreements and court processes. Because the legal process can be complex and varies based on individual circumstances, we strongly recommend working with a reputable agency, such as the Surrogacy Institute of Hawaii, to help facilitate a smooth journey.

How long does the surrogacy process take?

The entire process, from matching to delivery, can take 12 to 24 months, depending on factors like embryo readiness, surrogate availability, and legal requirements.

How much does a surrogacy cycle cost?

The total cost of a surrogacy journey can vary significantly depending on several factors, including agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical treatments, legal services, and insurance coverage. At the Fertility Institute of Hawaii, our team will provide a comprehensive estimate of all medical-related expenses during your consultation. However, it’s important to note that additional costs, such as surrogate compensation, legal fees, agency coordination, and insurance, will be outlined by the surrogacy agency you choose to work with.

Can we use embryos we’ve already created elsewhere?

Yes, we can receive and work with embryos created at other clinics, pending proper testing has been completed for the specimens. If this applies to you, please discuss the details with your provider so we can ensure a smooth and timely transfer process.

Ready to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey?

If you are considering surrogacy as part of your family-building plan, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to move forward, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started

 

 

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