Frequently Asked Questions

Intended Parents FAQ

While the session provides a comprehensive initial consultation, we encourage an ongoing relationship, ensuring continued support and guidance throughout your journey, both individually and as a couple.

Absolutely! The session can serve as a preliminary discussion for those considering a gestational carrier or directed donor, helping map out future discussions and ensuring you’re well-prepared for subsequent steps.

Our sessions are guided by the principles of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and a commitment to addressing the emotional aspects of third-party reproduction in a safe and nurturing environment.

At PECNA, our Intended Parents Session goes beyond standard consultations. It’s a tailored experience offering deep insights, emotional support, and a platform for open dialogue about your reproductive journey, ensuring you’re not just informed but also emotionally ready for the transformative steps ahead.

Egg Donors FAQ

This evaluation aims to assess the psychological well-being, motivations, and suitability of potential donors, ensuring a safe and informed donor selection process.

The session usually lasts between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the depth and complexity of the discussions.

Yes, the primary findings and recommendations from the evaluation will be shared with you to guide your decision-making process.

PECNA strictly adheres to professional ethical guidelines and privacy laws, ensuring that all personal and evaluation-related information remains confidential and is only shared with relevant parties upon consent.

Gestational Carriers FAQ

Surrogate psychological assessments are comprehensive evaluations performed on potential gestational surrogates to determine their mental and emotional suitability for the surrogacy journey.

These assessments delve into their psychological well-being, personality traits, and past experiences to assess their readiness for the responsibilities and challenges involved.

Surrogate evaluations concentrate specifically on the unique psychological aspects relevant to surrogacy. This includes assessing the surrogate’s attitudes toward carrying another person’s child and her ability to manage the emotional demands of the journey.

Traditional psychological assessments, in contrast, may encompass a broader spectrum of mental health concerns.

Prospective surrogates undergo these evaluations to ensure their mental and emotional fitness for the surrogate role. Intended parents seek assurance that the surrogate is well-prepared to handle the emotional and psychological complexities associated with carrying their child.

Qualified agency psychologists or mental health professionals typically conduct surrogate psychological assessments. These experts employ specialized tools and interviews to assess personality traits, psychopathology, and overall mental well-being.

Benefits include evaluating the surrogate’s readiness and ensuring a smoother journey for all parties involved. However, it’s important to note that assessments cannot predict every emotional response, and some factors may only become evident during the surrogacy journey itself.

Privacy is a fundamental aspect of these assessments. Only pertinent information is shared between the surrogate and the agency psychologist, ensuring that confidential and sensitive details are used solely for evaluation purposes.

While not universally mandated, reputable surrogacy agencies frequently require surrogate assessments as part of their process to guarantee the surrogate’s mental well-being and the success of the journey.

The process encompasses various steps, including personality assessments, interviews, and a review of medical and pregnancy history. Psychologists gather insights to determine if the surrogate is emotionally equipped for the surrogacy journey.

Yes, in certain instances, surrogate assessments may be employed to establish the psychological preparedness of the surrogate in legal matters related to surrogacy agreements.

Surrogate assessments provide invaluable insights into the surrogate’s emotional state, enabling medical professionals and therapists to offer appropriate support throughout the pregnancy and ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.

Joint Sessions FAQ

Joint sessions provide an opportunity to merge individual perspectives, align expectations, and address any lingering concerns as a collective unit. It fosters open communication and ensures that everyone is on the same page for a harmonious journey.

Joint sessions are usually scheduled after individual evaluations and sessions with the directed donor, gestational carrier, and intended parents. This allows for a focused discussion once everyone has had a chance to share their thoughts individually.

The joint session typically includes the intended parents, the directed donor or gestational carrier, and their partner or support person, if applicable. Sometimes, clinicians or professionals overseeing the arrangement may also be present to facilitate the conversation.

Joint sessions cover a range of topics, such as expectations, roles, communication preferences, and any concerns or questions that have emerged during individual sessions. The goal is to create a shared understanding and address any potential issues proactively.

oint sessions are designed to navigate potential conflicts. In the event of disagreements or concerns, the session provides a platform to openly discuss and work towards solutions that benefit everyone.

Absolutely. Multiple joint sessions can be scheduled throughout the journey, especially during pregnancy and post-delivery. These sessions ensure that communication remains open and evolving situations are managed with care.