Knowing FAQs about surrogacy helps would-be parents make an informed decision.
Around 1 out of 8 couples are struggling with infertility. Sometimes using a gestational surrogate mother is their only hope to become parents. Studies have also suggested that children born through surrogacy are most wanted and are thriving and experiencing no long-term difficulties. However, surrogacy is a complicated procedure, both physically, financially, and emotionally. Childless couples have a lot of questions in their minds regarding the surrogacy process and if it is the right route to becoming parents. In this article, we will touch upon some FAQs about surrogacy for our intended parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy
Frequently Asked Questions About SurrogacyHere are a few of these FAQs about surrogacy –
#1. How Gestational surrogacy is different from traditional surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother has no biological connection to the child and hence she is not considered as the biological mother of the child. Instead, the intended mother goes through the IVF cycle, or eggs from donors are used. This is done to create the embryos by using the sperm of the intended father or from a sperm donor. These embryos are then transferred to the surrogate uterus at the IVF clinic. Therefore, she has no genetic relationship with the child she is carrying.
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother uses her egg and sperm from the intended father. In this way, the surrogate is genetically related to the child even though she is carrying the child for the intended parents.
In most cases, single males may opt for traditional surrogacy and have limited financial resources.
Read more Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy:
Gestational Vs traditional surrogacy
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? Everything You Need To Know (in 2023)
How Does Surrogacy Process Work- 7 Easy-to-Follow Surrogacy Steps
#2. How to find a surrogate mother?
It depends on where you are based and if surrogacy is legally allowed in your country or state. For example, in the UK and Canada, the matching of the surrogate and the intended parents is not organized by commercial organizations or fertility clinics.
So, you have to join a non-profit organization in the UK to find a surrogate. However, some parents decide to have their surrogacy procedure conducted in other states like the USA, where it is possible to engage commercially driven agencies for matching purposes. Here you can advertise the need for a surrogate in the newspaper, radio, or TV commercial. You can find a surrogate yourself with the help of online forums or you can take the help of a surrogacy agency, who are experts in finding and matching surrogate mothers but again come with a hefty fee for it.
Some of the countries that allow you to commercially engage an agency to find a match for the surrogate are Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, and the USA.
Learn more:
How to find a surrogate mother who is perfect for you?
In which country we can find low-cost surrogate mothers?
#3. What are the legal problems associated with the surrogacy process?
#3. What are the legal problems associated with the surrogacy process?Surrogacy is legal in various countries while it is illegal in many countries. However, there are countries where surrogacy is allowed but restricted.
Surrogacy is not illegal in the United Kingdom but is limited by various legal provisions. For example, the United Kingdom’s surrogacy arrangements are not legally enforceable even if the contract has been signed and the surrogate costs have been paid. As a result, UK surrogacy arrangements are constructed based on confidence, and it is essential to create and nurture a powerful connection with your surrogate. There is then a legal process to be followed after birth to render the expected parents, legal parents.
In Australia, the surrogate is considered the legal mother of the child. The partner of the surrogate is considered the legal father of the child. However, if you need to transfer the custody of the child to the intended parent’s name, then you have to apply for the parentage orders. The same is the case in the UK.
Following the birth of a surrogate mother, the expected parents must apply to the family court for a parenting order to become legal parents of the child. The role of the order is to transfer the privileges and responsibilities of parenting to the expected parents, provided that specific requirements are met.
That must usually be done before the tribunal within six months of the child’s birth. It’s essential to understand how this method operates before you start a surrogacy agreement, so you’re sure your family can be legally recognized, and you know what you need to do.
Also, in various countries, there are provisions as to who is allowed in the process of surrogacy or who are barred from the process. For example, Thailand ensures that the couple participating in surrogacy must be Thai and must be heterosexual.
Similarly, in Georgia and Ukraine, single parents and homosexuals are barred from the process of surrogacy. But both of these countries are ideal surrogacy destinations for hetero couples, due to affordable and legal commercial surrogacy arrangements.
However, in the USA and Colombia, all people irrespective of their marital status and gender are granted permission to participate n the process of surrogacy.
#4. How much does Surrogacy Cost?
Surrogacy costs differ from place to place. Also, it depends on the individual situation, as well.
The cost of surrogacy in Colombia is $65,000 for a fully inclusive program with guaranteed birth. That is half of the price in the USA.
Surrogacy in Mexico is much more affordable and the cost of surrogacy in Mexico is around $70,000 for a guaranteed surrogacy baby plan.
The reduced cost of living implies reduced charges for the compensation of the surrogate. Surrogates in Colombia earn the same or more when adjusted for the cost of living as their US counterparts.
The average cost of surrogacy in Georgia is between $55,000. The cost will vary for different factors and conditions. For example, in the case of sperm or egg donation, a different procedure will be carried out, for which the cost will be extra.
Similarly, if the IVF is not successful on the first attempt, then you have to pay for every subsequent attempt. The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine typically amounts to anything between $50,000 to $60,000.
The cost of surrogacy in the USA is the costliest which is from $150,000 and above.
Similarly, Canadian surrogacy costs around $80,000 as only altruistic surrogacy is allowed.
You need to know what are your specific requirements and what is your eligibility criteria to choose a surrogacy country.
Surrogacy cost worldwide:
#5. Is surrogacy allowed for single parents?
Surrogacy is allowed for all people in the USA based on what state the surrogate mother is staying in ( few states allow single or gay couple surrogacy)
However, most countries are not single-parent or gay surrogacy friendly. In countries like Georgia and Ukraine, only married hetero couples are allowed.
Latin American country Colombia, surrogacy for gay couples is affordable yet secure. In Russia, surrogacy for both single and married couples can be explored.
Conclusion
ConclusionThe gestational surrogacy process can offer hope for many childless families. But their journey starts with many FAQs about the surrogacy process.
Creating families with the help of IVF surrogacy is a possible but is overwhelming and intimidating for most couples.
However, they should not lose heart and look out for a trusted and experienced surrogacy agent/surrogacy agency that helps them understand the process at the core level.
More help is available than you think! Having said this, it is in the best interest of the parents to know as much as possible so that they can make an informed decision. This is going to be one of the most important journeys of your life, so be aware to make it easy.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy services to build families. Our surrogacy consultancy is free of cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy
- What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process where one person (the surrogate or gestational carrier) carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple (the intended parents). The surrogate may use her own egg (traditional surrogacy) or an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donor’s eggs and sperm (gestational surrogacy). The intended parents then raise the child.
- How does surrogacy work?
In gestational surrogacy, embryos created through IVF are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, allowing her to carry the pregnancy. The surrogate doesn’t have a genetic connection to the child since her egg is not used. The intended parents typically work with a surrogacy agency to find a suitable surrogate, and legal agreements are signed to establish the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
- Who can use surrogacy as an option?
Surrogacy can be an option for individuals or couples who face challenges with infertility, have medical conditions that make pregnancy risky or are unable to carry a pregnancy to term. It is also a viable option for same-sex couples and single individuals who want to have biological children.
- What are the different types of surrogacy?
There are two main types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donor’s eggs and sperm. The surrogate is not genetically related to the child.
Traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate using her own egg, making her genetically related to the child. However, traditional surrogacy is less common and can have more legal complications.
- Is surrogacy legal?
Surrogacy laws vary by country and even within different states or regions. Some countries have laws that permit and regulate surrogacy, while others have restrictions or ban it altogether. It’s important to consult with legal professionals familiar with the surrogacy laws in your specific jurisdiction to understand the legal considerations and requirements.
- How much does surrogacy cost?
The cost of surrogacy can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the location, the type of surrogacy, the need for fertility treatments, legal fees, medical expenses, compensation for the surrogate, and agency fees. Generally, surrogacy can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s important to discuss the specific costs and financial aspects with a surrogacy agency or fertility specialist.
- How long does the surrogacy process take?
The surrogacy process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on various factors such as finding a suitable surrogate, undergoing medical and psychological screenings, legal proceedings, fertility treatments, and embryo transfer. Each step in the process requires time and coordination between the intended parents, surrogates, medical professionals, and the legal.
- What are the risks and complications associated with surrogacy?
Surrogacy, like any medical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include multiple embryo pregnancies, premature birth, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, cesarean section, psychological challenges, and legal complexities.
It’s important for all parties involved to understand and address these risks by working closely with medical professionals, mental health specialists, and legal experts.
- Can same-sex couples pursue surrogacy?
Yes, same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy as a way to have biological children. Surrogacy provides an opportunity for couples of the same sex to have a genetic connection to their child. Through the use of donor eggs, sperm, or both, and the help of a gestational carrier, same-sex couples can become parents.
- Are there any age restrictions for surrogacy?
Age restrictions for surrogacy can vary depending on the surrogacy agency or fertility clinic’s guidelines and legal requirements in a particular jurisdiction. However, in general, intended parents are typically required to be of legal adult age and mentally competent to enter into a surrogacy arrangement.
The age range for gestational carriers is usually between 21 and 45, with some agencies preferring carriers to be younger than 35.
- How can I find a surrogacy agency or a surrogate mother?
To find a surrogacy agency or a surrogate mother, you can start by researching reputable surrogacy agencies in your area or consider working with agencies that operate nationwide.
These agencies typically have databases of potential surrogates who have undergone screening processes.
Additionally, you can seek referrals from fertility clinics, reproductive specialists, or support groups for intended parents.
Legal professionals experienced in reproductive law may also provide guidance in finding surrogacy agencies or matching with a surrogate mother.
- What are the legal considerations in surrogacy agreements?
Surrogacy agreements involve complex legal considerations. It’s crucial to consult with legal professionals who specialize in reproductive topics.
