A PERFECT MATCH RESPONSE REGARDING COVID-19 3/19/20
As the number of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases continues to rise world-wide, and travel bans are put into effect, we know our intended parents may have questions and concerns regarding their surrogate pregnancy or cycle. We are in touch with many clinics to try to get the most up to date information about how they are reacting to the virus and will continue to provide information and updates as we receive them. ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) and ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) have issued statements regarding infertility treatments.
ASRM: This stands for American Society for Reproductive Medicine. These guidelines are written specifically to clinics and other professionals involved with infertility treatments. ASRM currently suggests all embryo transfers be delayed; however, they also stated if a surrogate is on medications and is close to transfer that it may go forward as long as Intended Parents and Surrogate understand the potential risks. If you are considering a transfer of embryos, please discuss this with your clinic. Many clinics are in the process of determining how they will handle this as a matter of protocol for their clinic. We know of many clinics that have adopted the ASRM guidelines as their position and are delaying most embryo transfers, or are not starting new cycles at this time. It doesn't mean you can't select a surrogate, but it does mean most clinics will not screen a surrogate at this time, and certainly won't calendar any cycles until they receive further guidance from ASRM, ACOG, and CDC. Information is coming in daily, so what you read today could easily change by tomorrow. Please stay in touch with your clinic. As an agency we take our instructions from the clinics. To read the full opinion please click here: https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/patient-management-and-clinical-recommendations-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0aQC5sQ72VFZb1URAyh5famu_6KCjxk0CmQjZMtE_UQBiyL_LYAhwf7lY
ACOG: This stands for American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. These are the guidelines for OBs, so their guidelines are applicable to those who treat currently pregnant surrogates. ACOG states all non-essential pregnancy appointments should be canceled and all pregnant women should contact their OB for instructions during the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the full opinion please click here: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/03/novel-coronavirus-2019
SART: This stands for Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. In conjunction with ASRM, SART provides guidance to the physicians and clinics involved with Assisted Reproduction. To read the full opinion please click here: https://www.sart.org/news-and-publications/news-and-research/press-releases-and-bulletins/covid-19-suggestions-on-managing-patients-who-are-undergoing-infertility-therapy-or-desiring-pregnancy/
A Perfect Match is proactive and questioning all our surrogates regarding travel and exposure to COVID-19. Most of the nation has a travel ban that is in effect now, our schools are closed, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, dining in restaurants is prohibited, libraries are closed, sporting events canceled, church services canceled, etc. We tell surrogates to take this seriously and to call their clinic or OB to get further instructions.
Fortunately, we don't have any babies that are due for a while. We hope this danger with COVID-19 will pass quickly and all Intended Parents will be able to attend the birth of their child/children. The attorneys specializing in Reproductive Law are working with the courts, hospitals, airlines, etc. to have exceptions made for Intended Parents who are affected by the travel ban. In the event the ban continues and you are not able to enter the U.S. the attorneys will be able to provide emergency guardianship documents for the court to approve so someone can take care of your baby until you can get there. Please think about if you have any friends or relatives who might be able to step into this role should this happen.
Our community of agencies has also created a list of people working in this field who are willing to care for newborns should the parents not be able to enter the U.S. for a period of time, including a number of our own employees. We pray this won't be necessary for you, but please contact the law firm that created your contract and/or represented you for the parental establishment to get further information, so you can understand the process and can prepare ahead of time.
From everyone at APM, we hope you and your loved ones remain safe and free of COVID-19.