Surrogacy in Rhode Island: 35 Important Terms

We know that surrogacy terminology can seem overwhelming! We’re here to demystify it for you. If you are pursuing a surrogacy journey in Rhode Island, here’s some lingo for you to learn:

3DT (3-Day Transfer): the transfer of an embryo at day 3 of development

5DT (5-Day Transfer): the transfer of an embryo at day 5 of development (most common time for transfer in gestational carrier arrangements)

AAARTA: an organization of experienced assisted reproduction attorneys, now part of AAAA (pronounced “Quad A”); most of the attorneys in our referral network are members of AAAA or other prominent professional organizations

Adoption: a court process occurring after birth that transfers legal rights as a parent from one person to another; generally, the adoption process is not used for surrogacy in Rhode Island

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): conception methods requiring the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos in the laboratory; this includes IVF

Beta: blood test for hCG levels to determine if a woman is pregnant

Birth Certificate: the document issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health for each child born in Rhode Island

Blast (Blastocyst): an embryo at day 5 of development

Compensation:  the money paid by IPs to a gestational surrogate for her participation in the process; compensation is permitted for Rhode Island matches

DE (Donor Egg): donor egg being used for IVF or gestational surrogacy

Donor Egg Bank: a program that provides frozen donor eggs to IPs, generally in batches of 5-6 eggs

Embryo: an egg that has been fertilized by sperm

ER (Egg Retrieval): the surgery an IM or Egg Donor undergoes for retrieval of her eggs

Escrow Account: an account where the IPs place the funds that are to be used to compensate the surrogate

ET (Embryo Transfer): the procedure where the embryo is transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier

Expenses: the money paid by the IPs on behalf of a gestational surrogate to cover her costs incurred on account of the surrogacy; payment of expenses is permitted in Rhode Island

FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer): the procedure where a frozen embryo is transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier

GC (Gestational Carrier): a gestational carrier/gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the baby she is carrying for the IPs; at New England Surrogacy, we facilitate arrangements with gestational carriers in Rhode Island and all other New England states

Gestational Carrier Contract: a written contract between the gestational carrier and the intended parent(s) setting forth the terms of their arrangement; also called Gestational Carrier Agreement

Home Study: a review of the prospective parent’s ability to parent a child; generally, not required for gestational surrogacy in Rhode Island

Hysteroscopy: ultrasound to view the lining of the uterus

Independent Attorney: an attorney who represents either the intended parent(s) or the gestational carrier but not all of them

IP (Intended Parent): a prospective parent via surrogacy; both IFs (Intended Fathers) and IMs (Intended Mothers) can pursue gestational surrogacy in Rhode Island.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): procedure by which an egg is combined with sperm outside the body resulting in embryos, which are transferred to the uterus

LMP (Last Menstrual Period): the start date of a woman’s last menstrual cycle; not an accurate way to date surrogate pregnancies

Mock Cycle: a trial cycle to determine how a surrogate’s body will respond in preparation for an embryo transfer

OB (Obstetrician): doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care

PBO (Pre-Birth Order): court document that establishes who the legal parents of a child are and whose names will appear on the birth certificate

PGD & PGS: methods to test embryos for genetic and chromosomal defects

Progesterone in Oil: shots of progesterone in oil are used to prepare the inner lining of the uterus for the transfer and implantation of the embryo

RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist): doctor who specializes in infertility and IVF

Superior Court: the court handling PBOs in Rhode Island

Ultrasound: picture using ultrasound technology; performed transvaginally during surrogacy cycles

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section): when a woman chooses to vaginally deliver a baby after having delivered a previous baby via C-Section; requires full monitoring in an appropriately equipped hospital

If you are looking to become a surrogate in Rhode Island or another New England state, we’d love to talk to you. Please head over to our brief surrogate intake form to schedule some time to talk with us. We look forward to chatting with you!

If you are an intended parent interested in an initial consult (these are always free), please head over to our appointment scheduling system. We look forward to being part of your family building team!


If you’re interested in growing your family via gestational surrogacy, set up a free consultation with us today!