Possibilities and Processes
The journey to parenthood can be complex for anyone, but for HIV-positive intended parents, there can be additional challenges. However, with advancements in medical technology and a commitment to inclusivity, it is indeed possible for these couples to pursue surrogacy and have children of their own. At our organization, we stand firmly with all intended parents who wish to have babies, and we are excited to share the opportunities available for those with undetectable viral loads.
Understanding the Process
With current technology, it is feasible for male intended parents with an undetectable HIV viral load to engage in the surrogacy process thanks to a procedure known as sperm washing. This process effectively minimizes the risk of HIV transmission during conception, ensuring a safe environment for both the surrogate and the baby involved.
Before embarking on this journey, there are specific requirements that must be met. In preparation for the surrogacy process, we will need several crucial documents and test results prior to your arrival in Georgia:
- Verification based on your test results, that your HIV viral load has been undetectable for the last two years.
- A detailed note from your treating physician confirming that you have been on antiretroviral therapy, which is essential for maintaining your health and minimizing transmission risk. This note should include:
- Duration of time on antiretroviral therapy.
- Treatment outcomes.
- Stability of your viral load over the past two years.
- Comprehensive analysis of your sperm.
- Infectious Disease Blood Test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis.
Once we have these details, we can perform an initial evaluation to confirm your readiness for sperm collection in Georgia.
The Journey to Georgia
We typically advise that intended parents plan to stay in Georgia for approximately eight days. This time frame is crucial as sperm washing requires multiple visits to the clinic. On average, we recommend that you abstain for at least one day between collections to ensure optimal sperm quality.
Once you arrive, an infectious diseases specialist will evaluate your health one more time. This includes conducting HIV and other infectious disease tests using a PCR method, which provides an extremely accurate confirmation that HIV is undetectable in your blood. Following these evaluations and subsequent testing, male recipients will visit the clinic for sperm collection.
The actual sperm washing process is a critical step in this surrogacy journey; it virtually eliminates any risk of the virus being present in the sperm. After washing, the sperm is sent to an infectious disease laboratory where further testing validates that the sperm is entirely free of the virus. This meticulous approach gives you the assurance that there is no possibility of transmitting HIV to the surrogate mother or the baby.
Current Limitations for Female Patients and Future Hope
While we are proud of the strides we have made in accommodating male parents in this journey, we are aware of the challenges faced by female HIV-positive patients. Currently, there are no technologies available that can ensure the absence of the virus in retrieved eggs. We understand how this limitation can be disheartening, and we sincerely hope that advancements in technology will enable us to assist female patients in the future, providing them with the same opportunities for parenthood.
