IVF Surrogacy Services - Melbourne, VIC | Newlife IVF
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Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an arrangement where another woman carries and gives birth to a baby, rather than the biological mother. With increasing accessibility in Australia, surrogacy is a good solution for women unable to carry a pregnancy. It can also assist gay couples and single men wanting to have a child.

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Who requires a surrogate?

There are a number of reasons why a woman may be unable to successfully carry a pregnancy or give birth. These include:

  • Absence of a uterus, which may occur as a defect from birth, or as a result of surgical removal (hysterectomy);
  • Abnormalities of the uterus, i.e. the uterus may be abnormal in shape, or its inner lining (where the embryo implants) may be scarred;
  • Presence of a medical condition that prevents safe carriage of a pregnancy.

Gay couples or single men wanting a child also require a surrogate, in addition to securing a donor egg.

How can I find a surrogate?

Finding a surrogate can be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. In Victoria, a surrogate must meet a couple of criteria. First, the surrogate must be altruistic — that is, they cannot be paid for carrying the pregnancy beyond reimbursement for pregnancy-related expenses (e.g. medical costs, travel expenses). Second, the surrogate cannot both contribute the egg and carry the pregnancy. The egg must be contributed from the intended mother of the child or from a donor.

Unfortunately, Newlife IVF is not permitted to assist you in finding a surrogate (nor can any other IVF provider). However, our counsellors can certainly orientate you to the Victorian surrogacy community and provide support and information as you look for a potential surrogate. It is important to note that you cannot publicly advertise for a surrogate — you will need to look for a surrogate via your network of family and friends, or via online sources. The Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) provides comprehensive advice on how to navigate the process. Other organisations that can also provide assistance include Growing Families and Surrogacy Australia.

Once an appropriate surrogate is found, all the people involved must receive counselling and independent legal advice. Like standard IVF processes, everyone involved needs to have a police check and a child protection order. The intended parent(s) and surrogate must also seek approval from the Patient Review Panel, who will determine whether the arrangement is appropriate.

What happens once a surrogate is found?

Once an appropriate surrogate is found, an embryo is required for transfer into the surrogate’s womb. The methods through which you can obtain this embryo depend on your situation. You and your partner may provide the egg and sperm, or they may be provided by a donor. Alternatively, a donor embryo may be used.

Where can I find more information?

The information on this page is certainly not exhaustive, and we recommend that you refer to the information provided by the VARTA to gain a more complete understanding of the issues pertaining to the use of a surrogate. Other organisations that provide useful information and resources include Growing Families and Surrogacy Australia. If surrogacy is a suitable option for you, our fertility specialists will dedicate adequate time to answering any questions you may have and do their utmost to assist you on this journey.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of surrogacy?

    There are two main types of surrogacies – traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is genetically related to the child she carries because her own egg is fertilised by the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, making her genetically unrelated to the child. Victorian clinics are only able to facilitate gestational surrogacy arrangements.

  • Why do people choose surrogacy?

    People choose surrogacy when they are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves due to factors such as infertility, medical conditions or same-sex male partnerships. Surrogacy offers an alternative pathway to parenthood for individuals or couples who wish to have a biological child.

  • Is surrogacy legal?

    The legality of surrogacy varies depending on the country, state or jurisdiction. Some countries and states have specific laws and regulations that govern surrogacy arrangements, while others may have no restrictions. You must research and understand the legal framework surrounding surrogacy in your location of interest before proceeding with the process. In Australia, all surrogates are altruistic – that is, women cannot be paid to act as surrogates. However, reimbursement for some expenses is permissible in many states.

  • What are the steps involved in surrogacy arrangements?

    Surrogate women are asked to attend consults with a fertility specialist. In Victorian gestational surrogacy arrangements, women must have given birth to a live-born child before being eligible to be a surrogate – and because of this, potential surrogates may also need to consult with an obstetrician to ensure they can carry a pregnancy and discuss any risk factors. Surrogate women must also undertake medical screening, counselling, legal advice and a consenting process. Furthermore, Victorian gestational surrogacy arrangements require approval from the Victorian Patient Review Panel before a fertility clinic can provide treatment.

  • What are the emotional considerations for surrogacy?

    There are various emotional considerations for all parties involved in surrogacy, including the intended parents, the surrogate and their respective families. During the counselling process, we discuss topics such as attachment and bonding, relationships, support systems, mental health and resilience, navigating the pregnancy and childbirth process, and many other topics. Counselling is an integral part of preparing for a surrogacy arrangement in Victoria.

  • What are the financial considerations for surrogacy?

    Some financial considerations include the preparations leading up to surrogacy (counselling, legal advice, medical screening and the creation of embryos), the ongoing expenses of pregnancy and birth, and the reimbursement of costs incurred by the surrogate woman. The total cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on factors such as the location, medical requirements and legal considerations.

  • Are there risks associated with surrogacy?

    While surrogacy can be a rewarding experience for many families, it also carries potential risks and challenges. There may be risks involved during the creation of embryos used in the surrogacy arrangement, medical complications during pregnancy or birth, risks to emotional health and wellbeing, and legal risks. It’s essential for all parties involved to receive comprehensive information and counselling and to provide informed consent before proceeding with the process.

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Get in touch

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our fertility doctors, please call (03) 8080 8933 or email [email protected]. Fertility appointments can also be booked via our online booking page.

Our three Melbourne clinics are based in Box Hill, Clayton and East Melbourne and are open Monday–Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm. We welcome patients from all over Victoria, as well as those seeking care interstate or internationally. All fertility treatment requiring day surgery or lab access (e.g. egg collection, embryo transfer) will take place at our state-of-the-art treatment centre in Box Hill. Fertility consultations and IVF cycle monitoring can be arranged at all three Melbourne clinics.

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