New guidelines issued for surrogates

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the leading professional medical organization focused on fertility and infertility, recently released new guidelines for gestational carriers (PDF). Since ASRM is a medical organization, these recommendations are mostly intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals, but if you're considering using a surrogate to carry your child, you may want to check out the latest thinking on what can be a very complex issue.

The new document aims to provide more clarity and guidance for good practice on these topics:

Screening & testing of genetic parents & gestational carriers
Complex medical & psychological issues for gestational carriers, parents & children
Updates on optimal screening and testing for STDs and psychological assessments

If you're considering using a donor or surrogate, you may want to read these ConceiveOnline.com articles as well:

Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship When Using a Donor or Surrogate

Third-Party Reproduction and the Law (a 2009 article, so be sure to check that any specific laws mentioned are still current in your state).

Are you considering using a gestational carrier/surrogate? What are your biggest questions and concerns?

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