It is vitally important to highlight that, for surrogacy to be possible, three actors must be involved: the intended parents (IP), the surrogate, and the specialist center that mediates or makes it possible, in this case, Gestamos. Now, we will analyze the type of relationship that ideally would have the triad of the I.P., the surrogate, and the center of specialists or reproductive medicine unit that offers this service (Gestamos).

Gestamos offers the families or IPs a successful surrogacy program in which the chosen surrogate has no genetic link with the baby, which means that her function within the process is gestating and caring. In addition, Gestamos guarantees that the sex cells forming the embryo are provided either by the IPs or one of them, ensuring that they’ll assume the subsequent care and development of the baby and have a genetic connection with them. On the other hand, our center acts in this triad, mediating the contact between the other two parties. We also take responsibility for designing and applying a rigorous protocol of study, selection, preparation, and assignment of surrogates so that IPs can feel calm and confident during the process. When achieving a pregnancy, we offer a protocol of accompaniment to the IPs and the surrogates, in which we determine the relationships and the presence of both parties in each other’s life for ethical and welfare issues. This protocol varies according to the nationality of the patients, as follows:

National-Colombian families

The surrogate selection process is meticulously conducted, ensuring that both parties have undergone all necessary clinical and psychological studies and have received the specialists' approval to participate in the program. This thorough process is designed to instill a sense of security and confidence in the IPs, knowing that their surrogate has been carefully chosen.

When egg donation is necessary, IPs specify the phenotypic characteristics they desire in a donor. Gestamos then matches them with a donor, ensuring that the donors' identities remain confidential if the IPs are Colombian. This process upholds ethical standards and prioritizes the well-being of all involved, including the baby.

Despite this, when we choose the surrogate, sometimes the IPs can come to our center to participate in ovarian stimulation ultrasounds, embryo transfer procedures, and the monitoring and follow-up appointments for the surrogate. We facilitate communication between them, enabling Intended Parents (IPs) to speak with their Gestational Surrogate (GS), ask about her health, and learn about the progress of the pregnancy. Additionally, we help the IPs express their gratitude by arranging thoughtful gestures for their GS, ensuring she feels valued, cared for, and appreciated for her selfless support in this remarkable journey.

International families

The surrogacy process with international IPs does not differ much from the one in national patients; however, the selection of the Surrogate and the egg donor, if necessary, is not entirely anonymous since there is no likelihood that the IPs will have continuous involuntary social contact with them. After it’s determined that the IPs are suitable to be part of the program and have completed the pertinent clinical and psychological studies, they choose their egg donor according to the phenotypic characteristics they desire and indicate in the form/survey they must fill out for this purpose. Regardless of whether the intervention of an egg donor is required, the IPs must also fill out the form/survey. In addition, Gestamos is in charge of making the match with the Surrogate, who is introduced to the IPs via video call, and the process begins.

The IPs can also participate via video call during the beginning of the ovarian stimulation, the embryo transfer, and the rest of the control ultrasounds during the pregnancy. We make this possible with the endorsement and participation of our center's specialized team, or they can come to our facilities at any time.

International IPs need to provide details, words of encouragement, and acknowledgments to their assigned surrogate, which not only strengthens their bond with their baby but also provides the surrogate with a feeling of security, trust, and respect. These approaches are crucial to ensure the surrogate feels valued, cared for, and appreciated, contributing to preserving their mental health and integral well-being. Regardless of the IPs' origin, Gestamos plays a crucial role in allowing IPs and families to connect via video call or videoconference, preserving well-being and healthy communication links. The IPs can send emails to their Surrogate or text messages to know their state of health or emotional situations they may be experiencing; in addition, they can participate live in the ultrasounds and the follow-ups that are performed on the surrogate, with the possibility that all the reports of such follow-ups arrive to their email. This reassurance about healthy communication can help the intended parents feel connected and involved, thanks to the facilitation of Gestamos.

If possible, the IPs can also travel to our medical center to participate in the pregnancy's required controls and have approaches, details, and acknowledgments with the surrogate. Gestamos ensures that both IPs (or even one of them) must be present when their baby is born. For this last process, they must be in our region at least 3 days before the delivery to connect with the surrogate and prepare everything necessary for the baby's arrival. This support is designed to reassure the IPs and make them feel involved in every step of the process.

Gestamos also has a temporary home with all the necessary elements for the baby's care, so IPs who reside outside our country and who must run errands within the country can travel comfortably and safely. In addition, we can offer the accompaniment of a nurse specialized in baby care to support the IPs adapting to the newborn's routine.