COVID-19: Update

As events with COVID-19 unfold and restrictions placed on gatherings become more serious, A Perfect Match will have our employees work remotely. Please know we will be active on a daily basis and we will work on all our cases. We will check voice messages and emails throughout the work day and we will have the appropriate person respond to you as soon as possible. Our goal is to respond to all emails and messages within 24 hours.

May you and your family stay safe and healthy.

The Staff of A Perfect Match, Inc.

2/26/21: COVID-19 Latest updates from ASRM

Latest updates from ASRM (American Society For Reproductive Medicine). 

(APM is not responsible for the content provided from ASRM).

 

1/20/21: COVID-19 Latest updates from ASRM

Latest updates from ASRM (American Society For Reproductive Medicine). 

(APM is not responsible for the content provided from ASRM).

 

12/20/20: COVID-19 Latest updates from ASRM

Latest updates from ASRM (American Society For Reproductive Medicine). 

(APM is not responsible for the content provided from ASRM).

 

6/21/20: COVID-19 Latest updates from ASRM

Latest updates from ASRM (American Society For Reproductive Medicine). 

Click here to view (APM is not responsible for the content provided from ASRM).

 

3/31/20: COVID-19 Update

A PERFECT MATCH RESPONSE REGARDING COVID-19  3/19/20

California is still under a 'stay at home' mandate; therefore, all our employees are now working remotely.  Our staff continues to work on a daily basis and will return calls and emails within 24 hours,  whenever possible.  We thank you for your patience while we all navigate the State and Federal guidelines for this COVID-19 pandemic and do our part to stay home and blunt the curve of this terrible virus.  

As of March 30th, the stated position of American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) still recommends clinics do not commence new medicated cycles and they advise strongly against any embryo transfers. (Please read the information on the link provided below.)   Clinics vary on their interpretation of the guidelines and some clinics will still do the screening of surrogates and donors; others will do egg retrievals; others will still provide all services based on their assessment of individual cases.   Clinics are under ASRM guidance and they alone can determine the extent to which they will follow the guidelines. A  Perfect Match does not set policy for any medical clinic, so you are advised to check with your clinic to understand their protocol during this time of social distancing. 

The goal of A Perfect Match is not to cancel any cycles; rather, it is to work closely with our families, surrogates and donors to simply delay cycles until such time as everyone can be safely cared for by the professionals.  As such, we will extend the terms of all agreements for the time period necessary to complete a cycle and we consider cancellation (not delay) of a cycle due to COVID-19 a 'medical reason' per our agency agreement.  We will still match donors and surrogates now for when this outbreak is finally over; however, we have a refund policy in place should any of the parties become ineligible due to the virus.   For more information please reach out to:  [email protected]

Please stay safe and please follow the CDC, State and Federal guidelines. 

The staff of A Perfect Match, Inc.

Websites that provide up to date information about COVID-19 - updated 3/30/20

American Society for Reproductive Medicine:

https://www.asrm.org/Patient-Mgmt-COVID-19?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EmailBlast&_zs=ncoBd1&_zl=si0e6

https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/covid-19/

https://www.fertilityiq.com/topics/ivf-and-fertility-treatments/covid-19-and-fertility-treatments

Society for Assisted Reproductive Medicine:

https://www.asrm.org/Patient-Mgmt-COVID-19?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EmailBlast&_zs=ncoBd1&_zl=si0e6

World Health Organization:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

FDA - Federal Department of Agriculture

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/counterterrorism-and-emerging-threats/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19#federal

Center for Disease Control:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html

3/19/20: COVID-19 for Surrogate IPs

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.

3/17/20: COVID-19 for Donor IPs

A PERFECT MATCH REGARDING COVID-19 FOR DONOR INTENDED PARENTS  3/17/20

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, both in-cycle and potential, may have questions and concerns regarding a donor cycle and what will happen should they select a donor and then there are delays due to COVID-19. 

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.   Currently, there is no stated CDC restriction on egg donors that would keep a clinic from doing an egg donor cycle:  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/t0309-covid-19-update.html  Centers are screening the donors in the same manner as they would screen anyone who traveled to an area with known issues (Zika, Malaria, West Nile, etc.) including COVID-19.  If you already left a sperm sample, you may still be able to create your embryos, but this is something to discuss with your IVF clinic. As more is learned about COVID-19, protocols may change rapidly. 

A Perfect Match is proactive and questioning all our donors regarding travel and exposure to COVID-19.   We also now have the travel ban that may also affect intended parents and went into effect beginning 3/13/20 and continuing for at least 30 days, but probably much longer. The ban doesn't mean you won't be able to select a donor for an egg donor cycle; rather, it just means the clinics may delay retrieval procedures until the virus passes.  

Here are the current recommendations to clinics by ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and there are variations of how clinics are following the guidelines.  You should contact your IVF Clinic to understand their response to these guidelines:  https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/patient-management-and-clinical-recommendations-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0aQC5sQ72VFZb1URAyh5famu_6KCjxk0CmQjZMtE_UQBiyL_LYAhwf7lY

If you are affected by the ban or your cycle is delayed or canceled and you are matched with one of our donors, please know A Perfect Match will consider this a 'medical reason' for a delay or cancellation and we will adjust our agency agreement terms as needed. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] should you have further questions about your specific cycle.

We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and free of COVID-19.

The staff of A Perfect Match, Inc.

3/17/20: COVID-19 for Donors

REGARDING CORONA VIRUS  By A Perfect Match, Inc. 3/17/20

As the number of cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to rise world-wide and travel bans are put into place, we know our donors may have many questions and concerns regarding their eligibility for a donor cycle and/or how COVID-19 could impact their cycle once matched.  We do monitor the industry recommendations and we are in touch with many clinics in order to get the most up to date information about how they are reacting to the virus in relation to egg donation cycles.  ASRM recently added new guidelines, which many clinics are following:   https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/patient-management-and-clinical-recommendations-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR0aQC5sQ72VFZb1URAyh5famu_6KCjxk0CmQjZMtE_UQBiyL_LYAhwf7lY  

Please remain in touch with [email protected] to discuss the situation with your specific cycle and your clinic.  We will continue to provide information and updates as we receive them on our website:  www.aperfectmatch.com  Please visit often.

We also want you to have the latest information provided by the CDC, so you can be proactive in your self-care and potentially change travel plans in order to minimize exposure to COVID-19, the potential canceling of a cycle, and/or deferment as a donor for a specified period of time.   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html      

The entire CDC site has very good information on ways to be proactive in protecting yourself and your loved ones.  Please note the map they provide: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.  There is almost no place left that hasn't had at least one case of COVID-19, so it is important to understand the higher risks in some countries and some States within the U.S.   Please avoid any unnecessary travel in general, venues with large populations, etc. and reduce your exposure during this outbreak. 

Should your cycle be delayed due to CDC recommendations or Clinic protocol due to a COVID-19 related issue, then we will get information from your clinic in order to understand exactly what would be required for you to complete a donor cycle.   Hopefully, it would be as simple as rescheduling the cycle to another time that meets your availability and that of the Intended Parents.   Our goal is to have zero cancellations, but we need your help to achieve this.   

Stay safe and stay well.

The staff of A Perfect Match

3/17/20: COVID-19 for Surrogates

A PERFECT MATCH REGARDING COVID-19 FOR SURROGATES 3/17/20

As the number of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases continues to rise world-wide, and travel bans are put into effect, we know our surrogates 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 and pregnancy care.  

ASRM:   These guidelines are written specifically to clinics and other professionals involved with infertility treatments.   ASRM suggests all embryo transfers be delayed; however, they are also say if s surrogate is close to transfer that can go forward.  Many clinics had or are having meetings today to determine how they will handle this as a matter of protocol for their clinic.   We know of at least 4 clinics that have already taken the ASRM guidelines as their position and are delaying new cycles and canceling embryo transfers; others say if a surrogate is on medications and is close to embryo transfer they will continue.  Things change daily, so this could easily change by tomorrow.  Please stay in touch with your clinic. As an agency we take our instructions from the clinics. 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 will be applicable to all pregnant surrogates.   ACOG said all non-essential pregnancy appointments should be canceled and all pregnant women should contact their doctor for instructions.  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/03/novel-coronavirus-2019

SART:  In conjunction with ASRM, SART provides guidance to the physicians and clinics. 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 is prohibited, dining in restaurants is prohibited, libraries are closed sporting events canceled, church services canceled, etc.   We want you to take all the restrictions seriously and stay home as recommended.   Please make sure to call your clinic or OB to get further instructions.  We all need to do what we can to protect ourselves and others.

Fortunately, we don't have any babies that are due for a while, but please know the attorneys are putting things in place should there be an emergency birth during this time.  They are working on guardianship documents should a birth occur and the parents aren't able to travel immediately. Our community of agencies has also created a list of people who are willing to care for newborns should the parents not be able to enter the U.S. for a period of time.    Everyone is working together to make sure our surrogates and the child or children they carry remain safe. 

As information changes from day to day, we will do our best to keep you informed.  Please monitor the CDC for any further information on quarantines and health instructions.  www.cdc.org

We prefer to say any cycles that are canceled really means they are delayed until the health crisis with COVID-19 is over.  If you are one of the delayed surrogates please reach out the Rose and Susan, so the next steps can be understood and planned.

From everyone at APM, we hope you and your loved ones remain safe and free of COVID-19.

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