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!