Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Definitions:

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Amniocentesis: a test at approximately sixteen to eighteen weeks’ gestation where a small amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus is extracted for testing.  The procedure as referred to in this Agreement means an amniocentesis performed on one fetus or multiple fetuses.

Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART): a method and procedure of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse, including but not limited to: (a) intrauterine insemination; (b) donation of eggs; (c) donation of embryos; (d) in-vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; and (e) intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Cesarean Section: the surgical operation to remove the fetus and placenta by excising the abdominal wall and the lower segment of the uterus.

Chemical Pregnancy: the beginning of a pregnancy resulting from in-vitro fertilization detected by hCG levels prior to confirmation of the pregnancy by heartbeat ultrasound.  For purposes of this Agreement, a chemical pregnancy is not considered a pregnancy.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C): a widening of the cervical canal to remove products of an incomplete abortion or of the embryo that has died at an early stage after IVF and embryo transfer.  A D&C procedure may also be performed following the birth of a Child to remove placental material.  The D&C procedure contemplated under this Agreement is performed by a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist at an outpatient surgery center or hospital and is performed under general or local anesthesia administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.  Any other procedure used to remove products of an incomplete abortion does not fall under the definition of a D&C for purposes of this Agreement.

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid which is a molecule that carries human genetic information.

Embryo: a fertilized egg from initial cell division through the first six to eight weeks of gestation.

Embryo Implantation: the embedding of a fertilized ovum in the endometrium of the uterus.

Embryo Transfer: placing an oocyte fertilized outside the womb into a woman’s uterus.

Endometrium: the lining of the uterus which grows each month and is sloughed off during the menstrual period or remains intact to nurture an embryo.

Fetus: a baby during the period of gestation between eight weeks and term.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): the thawing of cryopreserved embryos and the placing of the embryos into the woman’s uterus.

Gamete: the reproductive cell of a man (i.e., sperm) and a woman (i.e., ovum) that participate in the fertilization and development of a new human organism.

Genetic or Congenital Abnormality: disabilities or diseases which are present at birth or show themselves soon after and which are genetic in origin.

Gestational Carrier: a woman who will use her body as the host for the embryo(s)/fetus(es) belonging to intended parent(s). Said embryo(s)/fetus(es) will be the result of eggs from an unknown/anonymous donor fertilized with the sperm of the Intended Father.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): an IVF procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): the method of assisted reproduction that involves fertilization of oocytes by sperm outside the womb.

Miscarriage: the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving outside the womb.

Ovum: an oocyte or egg which is the female reproductive cell from the ovary containing the female’s genetic information.

Pregnancy: the carrying of an embryo/fetus in the uterus of the Gestational Carrier.  A viable pregnancy is not confirmed until a normal heartbeat is detected by ultrasound.  A chemical pregnancy is not considered a pregnancy.

Selective Reduction: a technique that reduces the number of fetuses in a multifetal pregnancy in an effort to increase the likelihood that a pregnancy will continue.

Sperm: the male reproductive cells which contains the male’s genetic information.

Ultra-Screen®: a prenatal screen which is a combination of a maternal blood test and an ultrasound measurement which identifies fetuses at increased risk of Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18. The ultrasound is performed by a physician or ultrasound technician certified in the procedure.

Ultrasound: a test to visualize the reproductive organs, embryo(s), or fetus(es) by using sound waves which bounce off the organs producing a picture displayed on a screen or monitor.