If Anderson Cooper can rock the single dad surrogacy life, so can you.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. For some, single parenthood is a personal choice, and the desire to have children may take precedence over finding that perfect somebody. Regardless of how your wish to have children started, surrogacy can still be a worthwhile option for you, and Fairfax Surrogacy is here to help you every step of the way.
We welcome parents of all backgrounds and family structures eager to start their surrogacy journey. We don’t single out anyone. In fact, the surrogacy process for single intended parents is no different than the process for married couples. What matters to us is that you are fully dedicated to taking on the role of a single parent.
Let’s start by unpacking the surrogacy process for single intended parents.
Gestational surrogacy can be done either by using donated eggs or by using the eggs of the intended parent. Women seeking to be single intended parents can choose one of these options, but they will need to also use donated sperm. Men seeking to be single intended parents will need to use a donated egg, but they can use their own sperm if that is their preference.
Is surrogacy right for me?
With all life-changing decisions, it’s important to thoughtfully consider your options and understand the impact they will have on all aspects of your life. While most people who have gotten this far have already decided they do want to move forward with single parenting, there’s nothing wrong with putting together a pros and cons list on paper.
Pros of surrogacy for single parents
- You can still have the opportunity to have a biological child, even if you have not settled down with a partner.
- The surrogacy process is the exact same for single intended parents as it is for those who are married – there are no added restrictions just because you are single.
- There is less concern over the legal status of the intended parent when compared to other options, such as foster care or adoption.
- You may have an easier time pursuing surrogacy over adoption, where adoption agencies or individuals often seek out married couples over single individuals.
Cons of surrogacy for single parents
- Choosing to be a single parent can be very overwhelming; you’ll also want to make sure you can support a child on a single salary.
- Being a single parent requires a lot of energy; unlike two-parent households, there is not a dual system of care and attention being placed on the child. This can cause a single parent to potentially experience burnout and exhaustion.
Determining whether or not surrogacy is the right choice as a single intended parent is completely up to you. We can help talk through the process to see if it will be the right fit. Our main goal is to help you figure out what is best for your family and your situation.
Things to consider when thinking about surrogacy
If you are teetering between whether or not you are ready to take the jump into surrogacy, consider asking yourself these questions:
- Will I be able to afford the cost of surrogacy? Can I still afford to raise a child, including paying for daycare and other costly expenses, after committing to surrogacy?
- Do I have a strong family support system that will support me through both the surrogacy journey and my journey as a single parent?
- Will my job be flexible and allow me the opportunity to take the necessary time off to bond with my child?
- Have I laid out who would care for my child if something happened to me?
Ready to get started?
When you are ready to take the next step and learn more about becoming a single intended parent, we will be here for you. To start the surrogacy process as a single intended parent, reach out to us by filling out this form and we will contact you to talk about how we can help you get started on your journey to surrogacy. (Just leave the section for the second intended parent’s information blank.) No matter what your Facebook status looks like: In a relationship, married, or single- we are here to help you achieve parenthood- dirty diapers included!
