Uterine or medical factors
Some people explore a carrier because of uterine absence or disease, prior treatment, recurrent loss, or a medical risk that makes pregnancy unsafe.
Gestational surrogacy
A coordinated path to parenthood, built on trust.
Gestational surrogacy connects intended parents, a gestational carrier, fertility care, embryology, counseling, and independent legal guidance. RCA helps coordinate the medical pathway while keeping each person’s role and safety clear.
Inclusive intended-parent careIndependent legal counselMedical + psychosocial screening
Who surrogacy can serve
Different reasons. One carefully coordinated medical pathway.
A gestational carrier may be considered when carrying a pregnancy is not possible, is medically inadvisable, or is not part of the intended parents’ reproductive path.
LGBTQ+ family building
Gay male couples and other LGBTQ+ intended parents may combine a gestational carrier path with egg donation and IVF.
Single parents by choice
A single intended parent may use donor eggs or sperm, embryos, and a gestational carrier based on their reproductive needs.
International intended parents
Cross-border care requires extra attention to scheduling, records, legal planning, travel, and local support.
Prior reproductive history
Repeated implantation failure or pregnancy complications may prompt evaluation, but do not automatically mean surrogacy is recommended.
Embryos already created
RCA can review existing embryo records and coordinate transfer planning when embryos were created at another program.
Surrogacy laws vary by jurisdiction. RCA does not provide legal advice or serve as a matching agency. Intended parents and carriers should obtain qualified, independent legal counsel.
How the pathway works
Five connected stages, with clear checkpoints.
The sequence can vary by medical history, embryo availability, matching, legal requirements, and local law.
01
Plan
Review reproductive history, embryo needs, timing, and the responsibilities of each participant.
02
Match
Work with an appropriate matching resource or identified carrier; RCA can review the medical pathway.
03
Screen
Complete medical, reproductive, infectious-disease, psychosocial, and other required reviews.
04
Legal
Independent attorneys complete agreements and required legal clearance before treatment proceeds.
05
Transfer
Coordinate endometrial preparation, embryo transfer, early monitoring, and transition to obstetric care.
Medical clearance protects everyone.
A gestational carrier’s candidacy is reviewed independently and can change when new information emerges. Clearance is not a guarantee of pregnancy or a promise that transfer will proceed on a particular date.
Common questions
Does RCA find or match gestational carriers?
RCA is a fertility medical practice, not a matching agency. We can coordinate with reputable outside professionals and review a proposed carrier’s medical pathway.
When are legal agreements completed?
Legal work generally must be completed—and the required clearance received—before medication and transfer steps proceed. Each party should have independent counsel.
Can embryos be created before a carrier is selected?
Often, yes. The best sequence depends on reproductive factors, donor needs, timing, storage, and the intended parents’ plan.
Can international intended parents work with RCA?
RCA welcomes international inquiries. Medical logistics may be coordinated virtually when appropriate, while legal, travel, and citizenship questions require qualified external advisors.