- Geelong Psychologist. Telehealth Available. Medicare Rebates. Book Appointment:
- 03 5292 8833
- [email protected]
SURROGACY IN AUSTRALIA
At Happy Minds Psychology we are passionate advocates for Surrogacy in australia and Donor Conception
Surrogacy in Australia is another way to create a family. If you have experienced infertility of any kind, surrogacy may be something for you to consider. Happy Minds Psychology provides Independent Psychological Assessments and Surrogacy Counselling for Surrogacy in Victoria and across Australia.
Altruistic surrogacy is where the surrogate is only compensated for expenses relating to pregnancy. People are beginning to understand that creating a family through surrogacy is possible for them. Because of the generosity of some amazing women, new mums and dads are being created!
How do i start our surrogacy in Australia journey?
Due to the fact that different states have different legal requirements, a good place for you to start is by contacting your IVF clinic to discuss surrogacy in Victoria. Your GP in Geelong can give you some recommendations or you can try researching clinics near you. Because of the legal implications for surrogacy in Australia, it is important you speak with a lawyer. Make sure they are knowledgeable about surrogacy in your state and experienced in working with the complexities of surroacy law in Australia. Specialist Family & Surrogacy lawyers such as Sarah Jefford and Nicole Russell will be able to guide you through the surrogacy process. Check out Sarah’s highly informative Surrogacy Podcast here and download her free Surrogacy Handbook here.
There are special considerations if you are using donor egg or sperm. Therefore, it can be highly beneficial for you to get some supportive counselling to manage this in a positive way. As well as giving thought to how you may feel about the donation, it is important you work through how you might handle telling your child.
Some Helpful Resources to begin your Surrogacy Journey
The Australian Surrogacy Facebook (ASC) group is for IPs and surrogates across Australia https://www.facebook.com/groups/ftsaus
If you are a surrogate/wannabe surrogate, there is a private surrogates-only group that you can join once you join the ASC.
Some helpful common Acronyms in Surrogacy are:
GS = Gestational surrogate / surrogacy
TS = Traditional surrogate / surrogacy
IP = Intended parent
IM = Intended mother
IF = Intended father
PTS = Parents through surrogacy
P = Parent, normally previously an IP
PRP = Patient review panel (for Victorian IPs only)
VARTA = Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority https://www.varta.org.au/
Surrobub = Baby born through surrogacy
Dibling = Donor sibling (i.e. children who are biologically connected through donated eggs or sperm)
IVF = In vitro fertilisation
ICSI = Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (an alternative to IVF)
A wonderful starting point is surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford’s resources – the best starting point for both Intended Parents and potential surrogates:
Handbook: https://sarahjefford.com/surrogacy-handbook/
Blog: https://sarahjefford.com/blog/
Podcasts: https://sarahjefford.com/surrogacy-podcast/
Amazing Surrogacy stories: https://sarahjefford.com/amazing-surrogacy/
For IPs – Do I qualify for surrogacy: https://sarahjefford.com/do-i-qualify-for-surrogacy-in…/
For potential surrogates – So you want to be a surrogate: https://sarahjefford.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-surrogate/
Australian surrogacy laws: https://sarahjefford.com/surrogacy-laws-in-australia/
And finally – pick up a copy of the new book More Than Just A Baby: https://sarahjefford.com/more-than-just-a-baby/
How happy minds can help you
Appointments to assist you with either an independent pre-surrogacy Psychological Assessment or Surrogacy Support Counselling are available now. If you live in Victoria, your appointments should be in person. However, appointments can also be offered via Zoom, or via phone across Australia out of hours.
Email Happy Minds Psychology at [email protected] or use the contact form below to get in touch.
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