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    Intended Parent Legal Services: What Is Medical Clearance?

    Jul 24, 2019

    The journey of adoptive parents and surrogates can be a long and complex one that requires time and attention. The steps involved are usually put into place to help protect the individuals, including the Child. One of the first steps that happen in the surrogacy process is medical clearance. Learn more about what medical clearance is and why it’s necessary through Intended Parent Legal Services.


    What is Medical Clearance with Surrogacy?

    Medical clearance is a medical screening that evaluates the health of the surrogate. Pregnancy can be very hard on a woman’s body, and it’s necessary to determine whether or not a surrogate is ready to carry a baby. Think of it like a medical examination that an athlete has to decide whether they are healthy enough to go back out into the big game after getting knocked down.


    Medical Clearance Process for Surrogates

    There are several tests and screenings that are involved in the medical clearance process with some being somewhat routine and others that are more specialized. Some of the exams you can expect to go through as a surrogate include:

    • a routine physical and pap smear in the same manner as a yearly checkup
    • bloodwork that looks for infectious diseases
    • a saline sonogram that looks for fibroids or other potential issues inside the uterus along with examining the lining of the uterus
    • a hysteroscopy, which is a scope that examines the fallopian tubes and the uterus through the cervix

    There may be other tests involved in your medical clearance required by the fertility clinic that you use or are based on your prior medical history. Also, keep in mind that if you’re in a relationship, your partner will also have to go through testing.


    All of these tests have the intention of protecting your health through the surrogate pregnancy along with the health of the child.


    Medical Clearance Process for Intended Parents

    Intended parents may also go through a medical clearance process, especially if they are using their own genetic material rather than donor material. This process typically looks for any potential genetic issues along with any infectious diseases that could be passed on to the embryo. The health of any babies born through this process is the primary concern.


    Becoming Medically Cleared

    There are a lot of times when you’ll be playing the waiting game during the surrogacy process. It can take about two business weeks to get the lab results back regarding everyone’s testing. As long as there are no surprises on the test results, all parties will be medically cleared, and the next step in the surrogacy timeline will be started. Intended Parent Legal Services can help to guide you through this step.


    Are you considering surrogacy and worried about all of the different steps involved? Do you want to be a surrogate, but aren’t sure about your rights in this process? Intended parents and surrogates can contact us today about Intended Parent Legal Services to discuss your situation. You can have your questions answered about the process and learn more about what to expect.

    10 Sept, 2024
    Adoption is a profound journey that reshapes family boundaries, often bringing immense joy and fulfillment. Among the various forms of adoption, kinship adoption stands out as a unique opportunity to maintain biological family ties while providing children with the stability and love they need. As an adoption attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of kinship adoptions and the myriad benefits they offer to both children and families. Preserving Family Bonds Kinship adoption occurs when a child is adopted by a relative or a person with whom they share a significant emotional bond. This could be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or cousin.. One of the most significant advantages of this arrangement is the preservation of familial connections. Children in kinship adoptions may experience less trauma compared to non-relative adoptions because they are placed in a familiar environment, with people they already know and trust. Continuity of Culture and Identity Children thrive on continuity, and kinship adoption can provide a sense of identity and belonging that is crucial for their development. By staying within their biological family, children can maintain their cultural heritage, traditions, and language. This continuity can help to foster a strong sense of self and supports a smoother transition into their new family dynamic. Strengthening the Support Network Kinship adoption not only benefits the child but also strengthens the support network for the adoptive family. Relatives often have an established relationship and understanding of the child's background and needs. This shared history can make it easier for the family to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together. Legal and Financial Considerations From a legal standpoint, kinship adoption can be more straightforward than other types of adoption. Since the adoptive parents are already related to the child, there may be fewer hurdles to overcome in terms of custody and parental rights depending on the circumstances. Additionally, some states offer financial assistance and resources specifically for kinship adoptions, helping to alleviate potential economic burdens. Emotional Stability and Well-Being Children in kinship adoptions generally benefit from greater emotional stability. They may be less likely to feel abandoned or rejected since they remain within their family unit. This stability is essential for their emotional well-being and may lead to better outcomes in terms of mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. Conclusion Kinship adoption is a compassionate choice that can enrich the lives of everyone involved. It offers a way to keep families together, preserve important bonds, and provide children with the love and security they deserve. As an adoption attorney, I am committed to supporting families through this process, ensuring that the best interests of the child are always at the forefront. If you are considering kinship adoption, we encourage you to explore this rewarding path and discover how it might benefit your family and your loved ones. Learn more about kinship adoption now.
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