Surrogacy
If you are finding that your fertility treatments have been unsuccessful, or if they are emotionally or physically draining, you may want to explore the idea of surrogacy. Surrogacy is becoming more and more popular, especially amongst couples who wish to have a child that is genetically their own. Though surrogacy can be a very complex and expensive process, it often provides great happiness for hopeful parents-to-be.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a fertility option that is beginning to gain much support in both the United States and abroad. Surrogacy involves having another woman carry and birth your baby for you. A surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, is impregnated through intrauterine or in-vitro fertilization, and then carries the baby to term. Upon birth, the surrogate relinquishes parental rights, and you become your baby’s legal parents.
Types of Surrogacy
There are two main types of surrogacy. If you decide to pursue surrogacy, you will have to decide which type of surrogate birth you would like to have.
- Traditional (Straight) Surrogacy
- Traditional, or "straight," surrogacy used to be the only types of surrogacy available to couples. Though it is used less often now, it is still a good option for many infertile parents. Traditional surrogacy involves using a surrogate’s own eggs to conceive a child. Through IUI, your gestational carrier will be impregnated using the intended father’s sperm. This sperm will be retrieved and prepared beforehand, to increase the chances of fertilization. In some cases, donor sperm may be used. In traditional surrogacy, your child will be biologically related to your surrogate mother.
- Gestational (Host) Surrogacy
- Gestational surrogacy is now becoming more popular than traditional surrogacy. This is because it allows infertile couples to conceive their own biological child. An egg is retrieved from the intended mother and fertilized with the sperm from the intended father. Once an embryo forms, it is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus through IVF. For women and men who cannot produce viable eggs or sperm, donors can sometimes be used in this process.
The Benefits of Surrogacy
Because of the benefits that it offers, surrogacy is chosen by many couples struggling with infertility.
- Surrogacy can often give you the opportunity to have a child that is genetically related to you.
- Surrogacy allows the intended parents to become highly involved in the pregnancy and birth of their child.
- Surrogacy is associated with very high success rates.
- Surrogacy is often a faster process than adoption.
Locating a Surrogate
Locating a surrogate is not always an easy task. Depending upon where you live, different laws exist as to how you can find a gestational carrier. It is important that you find out about the surrogacy laws that apply where you live before you begin searching for a surrogate.
Independent Surrogacy
If you decide to find a surrogate through independent means, it can be difficult to know where to start. Often, couples look to family members or friends to be serve as their gestational carrier. Certain countries allow surrogate mothers or infertile couples to advertise. Websites, newsletters, and surrogacy organizations often offer good places for couples and surrogates to advertise and meet.
Agency Surrogacy
Surrogacy can also be pursued through an agency that specializes in the process. Surrogacy agencies recruit women who wish to become gestational carriers. These surrogacy centers may be able to find a surrogate who is right for you. Surrogacy agencies do tend to cost more, however, they can often give you detailed information on necessary legal documents and processes.
Surrogacy Fees
Though surrogacy can be a wonderful option for many couples, it does come with a hefty price tag. When you have a child through surrogacy, you are responsible for all pregnancy-related expenses that your surrogate incurs. This includes:
- fertility drugs and treatments
- maternity and baby clothes
- prenatal health care visits
- labor and delivery costs
If you decide to go through a surrogacy agency you will also have to pay an agency fee, which can range from $2,500 to $5,000. Some countries also allow surrogates to ask for compensation, which can be upwards of $10,000. The intended parents are also responsible for any legal fees arising from surrogacy agreements or adoption applications.
Deciding on Surrogacy
Making the choice for surrogacy can be difficult and, though you are eager to have a child, it is important to take the decision very seriously. Before choosing surrogacy, discuss all aspects of the decision with your partner. Remember to think about your financial stability, your physical and mental health, and the various emotional aspects surrounding surrogacy. If you take the decision process slowly and surely, you are much more likely to end up with a happy result.
Getting Pregnant
