Hospital Surrogacy Guideline

Victorian era birth - Until the twentieth century 

American Women gave birth at home, 

usually in their own bed in their own bedroom

It is in my nature to be well prepared and so I have called a number of hospitals. It seems that surrogacy is not very common and most of the time hospitals do not have a policy in place to deal with surrogate mothers and intending parents. 

Mercy Health Hospital in Victoria has a Surrogacy Guideline.

The policy has been approved by the Chief Executive – Health Services in consultation with the Ethics Committee.

The following are extracts from the Mercy Health Hospital I have replaced “commissioning parents” with terminology specific to Western Australia – “Intending Parents”.

Background

The overriding consideration in all decision making is that the surrogate or birthing mother. She and her baby are the primary focus of care.

With the consent of the surrogate mother, the intending parents, along with the surrogate mother, would be encouraged to meet regularly with the treating health care team.

Patient consent

The same principles of care provision, consent and confidentiality are to be followed with a surrogate mother as with any other obstetric patient.

Consent for treatment of baby is to be obtained from surrogate mother (unless there is a court order in place).

Any disputes over consent for treatment of the bay or disclosure of information must immediately be referred to the Chief Medical Officer of the relevant Executive Director.

Care of the newborn baby

The consent of the surrogate mother eill be required for the commissioning parents to visit the baby.

Ideally, consent for visitation should be obtained prior to birth.

With the permission of the surrogate mother, the commissioning mother may request to room in with the baby during hospital admission.

Even if the day to day care of the baby is provided by the intending mother, any consent for treatment or for the carrying out of the procedures on the baby (for example immunization and newborn screening) must be obtained from the surrogate mother.

Baby Discharge

The baby label is to be matched with that of the surrogate mother as per routine discharge. The baby is to be discharged to the surrogate mother, unless any court requires otherwise.

If anyone would like a full copy of the policy I am happy to forward.