Surrogacy is a complicated process that can easily leave even the coolest cucumber’s head spinning. For couples or individuals experiencing infertility, surrogacy can be a beautiful way to bring a bundle of joy into the world, but not before learning a thing or two about the surrogacy process entails.
There’s a lot to consider before jumping in, and we want to make sure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Here are five things you should know about surrogacy as an intended parent:
What are the different types of surrogacy?
There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.
Traditional surrogacy is when the surrogate mother uses her own egg and is artificially inseminated with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. This means that she is the biological mother of the baby. Traditional surrogacy is less common than gestational surrogacy, but some people still choose this option. Be wary, though, as there are risks to pursuing traditional surrogacy, especially when it comes to tacking down parental rights.
Now, let’s talk about gestational surrogacy – this is where the surrogate carries the baby to term but isn’t genetically related to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and egg. Then, that newly-created embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the baby, but again – there’s no genetic link between the surrogate and that baby.
In addition to the main types of surrogacy, there are some variations of surrogacy arrangements, like reciprocal surrogacy, where one partner provides the egg, and the other carries the pregnancy. There is also altruistic surrogacy, where a family member or friend acts as the surrogate and isn’t financially compensated like in a typical surrogacy arrangement.
How do I know if surrogacy is right for me?
One thing to consider is why you’re considering surrogacy in the first place. If you or your partner have a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to carry a pregnancy, or if you’re a same-sex couple, surrogacy can be a great option to start your family. Also, if you’ve experienced pregnancy complications, like multiple miscarriages, or have dealt with high-risk pregnancies, surrogacy can be a great and safe option. Surrogacy is also a wonderful option if you want to have a child that is biologically related to you and you are able to use your own eggs or sperm.
How much does surrogacy cost?
Okay, let’s be real – surrogacy is not the most budget-friendly option, and it’s definitely not something you can DIY. Unless you’re pursuing altruistic surrogacy, you can usually expect to shell out some serious cash for this kind of service. The cost of surrogacy can vary depending on factors like the type of surrogacy, the location, and the specific clinic you choose to work with.
The costs can include things like the surrogate’s compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, and agency fees. It’s not just a one-time payment either; these costs can be spread out over the course of the surrogacy journey.
But don’t let the price tag scare you off! Financing options are available, and some intended parents have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding, applying for grants and scholarships, or taking out loans. It’s all about finding the right option for your budget and making sure you’re prepared for the financial commitment.
How do we choose who will be our surrogate?
One way to find a surrogate is to work with a surrogacy agency. You’ll have a pool of pre-screened surrogates to sort through, and an agency can help you find the right match based on your preferences. You can even browse surrogate profiles and read about their interests, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s like Tinder, but where swiping right gets you a baby!
Some people can also find a surrogate through friends, family, social media, or online forums. This can come with its own set of risks, so proceed with caution. While it may feel like a more personal way to connect with potential surrogates, make sure you do your research and take the time to get to know your potential surrogate before making any decisions.
How do I start my surrogacy journey?
You’re already on your way to starting your surrogacy journey! The first step of the surrogacy journey isn’t calling an agency or even finalizing the decision that you want to pursue surrogacy in the first place. Instead, it’s conducting research and weighing your options to see if surrogacy may be a good fit for you.
Once you feel ready to move on to the next step, you can submit your application to become an intended parent. Click here to start the process and begin your journey with us.
