The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recently published a full policy report on gestational carrier arrangements in the United States. At first glance, a policy report can feel distant from the day-to-day realities of becoming a parent, but the ideas in this document have real consequences for how gestational carrier care is understood, supported, and protected across the country.

At its core, the report reinforces something many intended parents already know. Gestational carrier journeys exist because pregnancy is not possible or safe for some people. This includes individuals without a uterus, people with serious medical or mental health conditions, and family structures in which pregnancy by an intended parent is not biologically feasible. The report is clear that this is not a trend or a shortcut. It is a medically grounded path to family building for a relatively small group of families who need it.

The report also places strong emphasis on safeguards, particularly the emotional and psychological preparation involved in gestational carrier care. It highlights the importance of informed consent, independent legal counsel for carriers, and respect for the carrier’s bodily autonomy throughout pregnancy. Just as importantly, it recognizes the role of mental health professionals in helping everyone involved think through expectations, boundaries, communication, and long-term relationships. This work is not procedural or symbolic. It is foundational to creating arrangements that are ethical, sustainable, and emotionally healthy.

Legally, gestational carrier care continues to look very different depending on where you live. There is no single federal law, and state policies range from clearly supportive to unclear or restrictive. ASRM cautions against broad or ideologically driven legislation that could unintentionally limit access to medically necessary care or create uncertainty around parentage at birth. For intended parents, this underscores the importance of working with experienced professionals who understand both the clinical realities and the legal context in which your family is forming.

At Sweet Springs, we support intended parents by focusing on preparation rather than pressure. Our work includes psychosocial consultations, informed consent conversations, and space to talk through the emotional, relational, and identity questions that often arise during gestational carrier journeys. We help intended parents think ahead about communication with carriers, decision-making under stress, disclosure to children over time, and navigating uncertainty in a way that feels grounded rather than overwhelming. The goal is not to pathologize this process, but to support clarity, agency, and long-term family well-being. As this new ASRM report reflects, thoughtful psychological support is not an extra step. It is part of building families with care.

Dr. Diederich and Sweet Springs Consultation and Assessment, can help you navigate through the steps of third-party production, evaluations of gestational carriers, preparing parents for the nuances of working with surrogates, and even questions you may have about how to form a relationship that you want with your donor conceived children. Whether you are in Pennsylvania, New York, Hawaii or in one of the other many PsyPact states that Dr. Diederich can practice in virtually, she can help you along your journey.

AI writing assistance was used in developing portions of this blog. All content has been reviewed and finalized by Dr. Diederich.