HART Program (HIV)

Safe, transparent, clinic-led pathways to biological parenthood.

Hello Baby’s HIV Assisted Reproductive Technologies (HART) program coordinates care with fertility clinics experienced in semen processing (“sperm washing”), evidence-based screening, and independent legal counsel for every party. Funds are held in escrow/trust and released on contract milestones—so the process feels clear and respectful from first consult to parentage.

Clinic-led medicine • Independent legal counsel • Escrow protection • Clear, written protocols

What the science says

• People with HIV who take ART and maintain an undetectable viral load do not transmit HIV sexually (U=U); this is a CDC-endorsed prevention message.

• In assisted reproduction, labs use validated semen processing (“sperm washing”) with testing before embryo creation/transfer; high-volume programs (e.g., SPAR/HART-style pathways) have enabled thousands of HIV-negative births to HIV-positive intended fathers.

Note: This is a risk-reduction framework directed by licensed clinics. It is not a guarantee of medical outcomes.

How the HART pathway works

1. Pre-consult & readiness
   We align your goals, clinic readiness (ART adherence, viral suppression), timeline, and budget; legal and escrow steps are mapped up front. Clinic partners confirm medical eligibility.

2. Screening & legal
   Clinics follow ASRM-style guidance for GC journeys (medical/psych screening, infectious-disease testing) and your attorneys prepare contracts and parentage planning; funds are placed in escrow.

3. Semen processing & testing
   Fertility labs perform sperm washing under FDA/CLIA-compliant protocols and test processed samples before use in IVF/ICSI. (FDA donor-eligibility rules for HCT/Ps apply; clinics use appropriate exceptions/variances where permitted.)

4. Embryo creation & transfer
   Embryos are created with washed sperm; transfer occurs per clinic protocol. Clinics may consider additional safeguards (e.g., PrEP for the GC per clinic policy).

5. Pregnancy, delivery & parentage
   Routine OB care; attorneys obtain court-recognized parentage. Your coordinator keeps timelines, invoices, and updates in one place.

Safeguards that matter

• U=U & ART adherence: ongoing viral-load monitoring with your HIV care team.

• Validated lab methods: sperm washing + testing before clinical use.

• Independent legal counsel for each party and escrow/trust for funds.

• Transparent consent & education for the gestational carrier (GC), aligned with ASRM good-practice recommendations.

Eligibility & timeline

• Intended parent (IP): on ART, sustained undetectable viral load per treating physician; clinic acceptance of the HART/washed-specimen pathway; legal clearance.

• Gestational carrier: standard GC criteria plus clinic-specific infectious-disease education and consent.

• Timeline: Most journeys take 14–18 months from consultation to delivery (medical/legal scheduling may vary).

Costs & coverage

We build a clear budget with your clinic: lab processing fees, IVF/ICSI, legal, escrow, GC compensation/benefits, insurance strategy, and contingencies. You receive a written estimate and payment schedule before funding escrow.

FAQs (quick)

Is surrogacy safe when the IP is HIV-positive?
Major programs using washed semen and appropriate testing report excellent safety; CDC affirms U=U for sexual transmission with sustained suppression. Your clinic directs all medical decisions.

Are special approvals needed?
Clinics follow FDA HCT/P rules and applicable state requirements; some jurisdictions provide specific exception processes for semen from directed donors living with HIV. Your clinic/legal team will advise.

Will the surrogate or baby become HIV-positive?
Clinic-directed protocols are designed to prevent transmission; embryos are created from processed, tested specimens. No medical outcome can be guaranteed; your clinic will counsel on residual risk.

Ready to get started?

Book a short consultation. We’ll align your goals, budget, and timeline, confirm HART eligibility with your clinic, and map the next steps to match with a qualified surrogate.