Understanding Surrogacy For Cancer Survivor Intended Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it possible to have a biological child after cancer treatment?

  Yes, many cancer survivors successfully have biological children after treatment. Depending on your situation, options may include using your own preserved eggs or sperm or donor gametes. Vireo will work with you to explore the best path for your family.

• What kind of medical evaluations will I need before starting the surrogacy process?

  Before starting surrogacy, you may need a comprehensive medical evaluation, including tests to assess your reproductive health and any impacts from cancer treatment. Vireo will guide you through the necessary evaluations to ensure your readiness for this journey.

• Are there fertility treatments available for cancer survivors?

  Yes, there are fertility treatments available for cancer survivors, including options for egg or sperm retrieval prior to treatment or the use of donor gametes. Vireo can connect you with fertility specialists who understand your unique needs and can guide you through the options.

• Will my medical history affect my eligibility for surrogacy?

  Your health history is an important consideration in the surrogacy process, particularly your cancer treatment history. While certain medical conditions may affect your eligibility, many cancer survivors can still pursue surrogacy. A thorough medical evaluation will help determine the best path forward.

• Are there specific legal considerations for cancer survivor intended parents?

  Yes, there are specific legal considerations for cancer survivor intended parents, especially regarding the use of donor gametes and establishing parental rights. Vireo is experienced in navigating these legal aspects and will guide you to ensure your rights and the rights of all parties are protected.

• Is there a risk of transmitting cancer through genetic material?

  Current research indicates that the risk of transmitting cancer through genetic material is low, especially if the cancer is not hereditary. However, it's essential to discuss your specific situation with a medical professional and a genetic counselor to understand any potential risks based on your cancer history.

• Can we use our own eggs and sperm in surrogacy?

  If you were able to preserve your eggs or sperm before treatment, you may be able to use your own genetic material in the surrogacy process. If you were not able to preserve them, we can assist you in finding the perfect egg or sperm donors who match your needs.

• Can we select the gender of our baby?

  In some countries, gender selection may be legally permitted for family balancing purposes through Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS). Vireo can assist in determining if gender selection is an option based on your chosen destination.

• Can we select the surrogate mother ourselves?

  Yes, at Vireo, you can be involved in the surrogate selection process. We provide a curated list of surrogates who meet specific health, psychological, and lifestyle criteria. You’ll have the opportunity to review profiles and select a surrogate who aligns with your preferences.

• What are the medical risks for the surrogate and baby?

  Vireo only works with surrogates who meet strict health and medical criteria. Both the surrogate and baby will receive top-notch medical care throughout the pregnancy to mitigate risks, ensuring a healthy delivery.

• How does the egg or sperm donation process work?

  We collaborate with partner clinics that provide a carefully selected pool of qualified egg donors, while you may choose sperm donors from local and international Cryo banks, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Donors are pre-screened for health, genetic history, and other key factors. Once a donor is selected, the eggs or sperm are retrieved and used to create embryos, which are then transferred to the surrogate.

• What if I have concerns about using donor gametes?

  It’s natural to have concerns about using donor eggs or sperm. Our team at Vireo is here to provide you with all the information you need, including legal implications and emotional support. We can also connect you with other intended parents who have gone through similar experiences.

• How does surrogacy work for LGBTQ+ cancer survivor parents?

  Vireo is dedicated to supporting all families, including LGBTQ+ parents. The surrogacy process is similar for LGBTQ+ individuals, with options for using donor eggs or sperm and selecting a surrogate. We provide tailored guidance to meet your unique needs and preferences.

• Can we attend our baby’s birth?

  Yes, our surrogacy programs allow intended parents to attend the birth of their child. However, for male intended parents, attendance at the birth must be agreed upon with the surrogate mother, as her comfort and consent are essential. Also, It's important to note that attendance may depend on hospital policies and the legal framework in the country where the birth takes place. Our team will help coordinate the process and provide you with the necessary guidance to ensure your attendance is seamless and stress-free.

• Is it possible for one partner to attend the birth while the other stays in their home country?

  Yes, it is possible for one partner to attend the birth while the other remains in their home country in most surrogacy destinations. However, in Georgia and Ukraine, this may only be allowed in cases of dire need due to specific legal and procedural requirements. We understand that sometimes logistical or personal circumstances may prevent both partners from attending. Vireo will support your family’s unique situation, ensuring that the absent partner is still part of the experience through virtual options like video calls, or providing updates as the birth progresses.

• Are babysitting services available?

  Yes, in some countries, we can assist you in arranging babysitting services during your stay. This can provide you with peace of mind as you navigate the final stages of your surrogacy journey and prepare to bring your baby home. Our local partners will recommend trusted services that meet your needs.

• What happens after the baby is born?

  After the birth, Vireo helps manage the legal paperwork necessary to transfer parental rights to you. We also assist in arranging travel documents, birth certificates, and anything else needed for a smooth transition home with your new baby.

• Do we need to stay in the destination country after the baby is born?

  Depending on local regulations, you may need to stay in the country for a period of 3 to 4 weeks to finalize legal procedures and obtain travel documents for your baby. Vireo helps facilitate these processes to ensure a smooth transition home.