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How can I Find a Surrogate Without Agency

by Neelam Chhagani

How can I Find a Surrogate Without Agency |Cost of Surrogacy Without Agency

How can I Find a Surrogate Without Agency?

Yes, you can find a surrogate mother without agency but it is going to take lots of effort, time, and involvement. Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing journey for those struggling with infertility or other reproductive challenges. However, many intended parents wonder if it’s possible to find a surrogate without the assistance of a surrogacy agency. The answer is yes, but it requires careful planning, thorough research, and an understanding of the costs involved. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of independent surrogacy and explore the costs associated with this process.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,446 total ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) cycles using gestational carriers in the USA in 2018. The cost of surrogacy in the USA can vary widely, but it can range from $110,000 to $150,000 or more for a full-service surrogacy arrangement.  The surrogacy agency charge in the US varies from $30,000 to $50,000 based on the type and location of the agency and how much assistance they provide. In this article, we will discuss if it is possible to find a surrogate without agency.

To reduce the cost of surrogacy and to fulfill their dream of parenthood many intended parents find surrogate mothers without an agency.  To have a surrogate mother, IVF procedure, and legal guidance are must part of any surrogacy process, so, doing independent surrogacy (not involving a surrogacy agency) becomes a necessity for many intended parents to afford their surrogacy process.

It’s important to note that surrogacy laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney or fertility specialist for the most up-to-date information on surrogacy.

How Can I Find a Surrogate Without an Agency?Why Does Surrogacy Cost So Much in the USA?

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), compensated surrogacy is legal in most states, but some states prohibit it or have restrictions. The cost of surrogacy in the USA can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of surrogacy, the location of the surrogacy, and the specific services provided. Generally speaking, surrogacy in the USA can be expensive for a few reasons:

  • Medical expenses: Surrogacy typically involves extensive medical procedures, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), prenatal care, and delivery. These medical procedures can be expensive, and the cost can vary depending on the specific medical needs of the surrogate mother and intended parents.
  • Compensation for the surrogate mother: Surrogacy involves finding a woman who is willing to carry a child for another person or couple. The surrogate mother typically receives compensation for her time, effort, and sacrifice. This compensation can include base pay, medical expenses, and additional fees for things like lost wages, travel expenses, and more.
  • Legal fees: Surrogacy involves a complex legal process, and intended parents and surrogate mothers typically require legal representation to ensure that their rights are protected. Legal fees can vary depending on the specific needs of each party and the complexity of the surrogacy agreement.
  • Agency fees: Many intended parents choose to work with a surrogacy agency, which can help them find a suitable surrogate mother, provide legal and medical assistance, and handle the administrative aspects of the surrogacy process. Surrogacy agencies typically charge fees for their services, which can add to the overall cost of surrogacy.

The only way to make surrogacy affordable in the US is for the intended parents to find their own surrogates and manage their own surrogacy journey.  This is known as independent surrogacy private surrogacy or Indy surrogacy where would-be parents find and navigate their own surrogacy process without the help of a surrogacy agency.

The Cost of Surrogacy Without an Agency

When you choose to embark on the journey of finding a surrogate without an agency, it can be a cost-effective option. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential expenses you may encounter along the way. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in independent surrogacy:

Surrogacy Expense Type Estimated Surrogacy Cost
Legal Fees Varies, but typically $5,000-$10,000
Medical Expenses for Surrogate Varies depending on insurance coverage
Compensation for Surrogate Typically $25,000 – $40,000, but can vary
IVF Costs Approximately $12,000 – $15,000
Medical Screening and Tests Around $1,000 – $2,500
Miscellaneous Expenses Budget for $5,000 – $10,000

It’s important to note that these costs can vary significantly based on factors such as location, legal requirements, and the specific needs of the surrogate. The cost of surrogacy without an agency will be less as you can skip the surrogacy agency fee.

There are a few ways that intended parents can potentially find a surrogate without using a surrogacy agency and can do surrogacy on your own: 

#1. Personal connections:

Intended parents may be able to find a surrogate through personal connections, such as friends, family, or acquaintances. Within family/family, there might be a kind woman whose health and her desire to help you bring your family.  Still, it is good to understand the risks and challenges that come with a surrogacy process and consult a reproductive attorney to safeguard the rights of both parties.

#2. Online resources:

There are a number of online resources, such as forums and support groups, where intended parents can connect with surrogates and discuss the surrogacy process. Nowadays social medicine is dominating our life and it is not hard to find a like-minded community where help is available.

#3. Surrogacy agencies:

Some surrogacy agencies may offer a “matching only” service, in which they assist with the initial matching process but do not provide ongoing support or services. This means a surrogacy agency or surrogacy professional and consultant can help you find the surrogate mother but you need to navigate your journey yourself after that.

However, it goes without saying that intended parents need to consider the pros and cons of self-matching with a surrogate and understand the potential risks and opportunities.

Self-matching requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all of the logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process themselves. It is also essential to work with experienced professionals, such as fertility doctors and attorneys, to ensure that the surrogacy process is carried out in a responsible and ethical manner.

Consideration if You Exploring Surrogacy on Your Own

To find a surrogate without the involvement of an agency, you can follow these steps:

  1. Legal Consultation: Begin by seeking legal counsel experienced in reproductive law to understand the legal aspects of surrogacy in your state or country.
  2. Medical Evaluation: Consult a reproductive endocrinologist to discuss your specific needs and the medical process involved in surrogacy.
  3. Finding a Surrogate: Look for a surrogate within your social network or consider online platforms where potential surrogates and intended parents connect. Thoroughly screen and interview candidates.
  4. Create a Surrogacy Agreement: Work with your attorney to draft a surrogacy agreement that outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and compensation details.
  5. Medical Procedures: Coordinate with fertility clinics for the necessary medical procedures, such as IVF and embryo transfer.
  6. Legal Filings: Complete any required legal filings to establish the parental rights of the intended parents.

Why Does Surrogacy Cost So Much in USA?

What are the qualifications to be a Surrogate?

The qualifications to be a surrogate vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country or state where the surrogacy is taking place, as well as the preferences and criteria of the intended parents. In general, however, there are a few common qualifications that surrogates typically need to meet:

#1. Age: Most surrogates are between the ages of 21 and 45, with a range of 21 to 45 being the most common. Some intended parents may prefer a surrogate who is closer to their own age, while others may be more open to a surrogate of any age as long as she is healthy and able to carry a pregnancy to term.

#2. Health: Surrogates need to be in good physical and mental health, with no medical conditions that could put them or the baby at risk. Surrogates typically need to have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery and to have had no complications or health issues during previous pregnancies.

#3. Support system: Surrogates need to have a supportive network of friends and family who are willing to help them during the pregnancy and delivery. Surrogates should also have a support system in place to help them with their own children, if applicable.

#4. Legal considerations: Surrogates need to understand and be willing to comply with the laws and regulations regarding surrogacy in their country or state. Surrogates should also be willing to sign a legal agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement.

What are the required benefits for a Surrogate?

The benefits that surrogates are entitled to receive can vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country or state where the surrogacy is taking place, as well as the specific terms and conditions of the surrogacy arrangement. In general, however, surrogates are typically entitled to receive the following benefits:

  1. Base salary: Surrogates are typically paid a base salary to compensate them for their time, effort, and expenses during the surrogacy process. The base salary typically covers the surrogate’s time and effort during the pregnancy and delivery, as well as any related medical and legal expenses.
  2. Expense reimbursement: Surrogates may be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses related to surrogacy, such as maternity clothes, lost wages, and travel.
  3. Medical and insurance coverage: Surrogates should have appropriate medical and insurance coverage during the surrogacy process, including coverage for any medical conditions or complications that may arise.
  4. Legal protection: Surrogates should have legal protection in the form of a surrogacy agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement.

How much does surrogate makesHow to find an Affordable Surrogate mother in the USA?

There are a few ways that intended parents can potentially find an affordable surrogate:

#1. Research surrogacy agencies:

Surrogacy agencies typically charge a fee for their services, but the amount of the fee can vary significantly from one agency to another. Some agencies may offer financial assistance or flexible payment options to help intended parents afford the surrogacy process.

 #2. Consider self-matching:

Some intended parents choose to self-match with a surrogate, rather than going through a surrogacy agency. This can save money on the surrogacy agency fee, but it also requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all of the logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process themselves. The cost of surrogacy without an agency might be more suited to your budget.

#3. Use an independent surrogate:

Some surrogates are willing to work independently, without the assistance of a surrogacy agency. This can save money on the surrogacy agency fee, but it also requires more time, effort, and resources on the part of the intended parents, as they will need to handle all of the logistical, medical, and legal aspects of the surrogacy process themselves.

#4. International surrogacy options:

Look out for some international surrogacy countries where surrogacy cost is much lower than in the USA.  Surrogacy in Mexico, Colombia, and Georgia is a few options to consider.

Learn more-

Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world.  

Legal surrogacy countries that IPs should know

It is important to carefully research and compare the options and to understand the potential risks and challenges of self-matching or using an independent surrogate.

Pros and Cons of Independent Surrogacy

Pros:

  • Cost Savings: Independent surrogacy can be more affordable as you avoid agency fees.
  • Direct Involvement: You have more control over the process and can build a closer relationship with the surrogate.

Cons:

  • Increased Responsibility: Handling all aspects of surrogacy can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
  • Limited Support: You won’t have the guidance and support provided by surrogacy agencies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while finding a surrogate without an agency can be a cost-effective option, it requires careful planning, legal expertise, and a significant amount of personal involvement. Be sure to conduct thorough research and seek professional guidance throughout the process to ensure a successful surrogacy journey.

Since 2010, we have been helping intended parents around the world with surrogacy services and can do the same for your surrogacy journey. 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 consulting services for FREE.

Mother and child

Frequently Asked Questions for cost of surrogacy without agency

  1. Is it legal to find a surrogate without an agency?
  • It is legal to find a surrogate without an agency, but it’s crucial to follow the legal requirements and guidelines of your state or country. Consult with a reproductive attorney to ensure you’re complying with the necessary legal processes.
  1. How do I find a surrogate without using an agency?
  • To find a surrogate independently, you can start by seeking surrogates in your social network, online surrogacy communities, or surrogacy-specific websites. Thoroughly screen and interview potential surrogates, and consult with legal and medical professionals throughout the process.
  1. What are the advantages of independent surrogacy?
  • Independent surrogacy can be cost-effective as it eliminates agency fees. It also allows you to have a more direct and personal relationship with the surrogate, giving you more control over the process.
  1. What are the challenges of finding a surrogate without an agency?
  • Independent surrogacy requires a significant amount of personal involvement, which can be overwhelming. You’ll need to handle all aspects of the process, including legal, medical, and logistical matters, without the guidance and support provided by surrogacy agencies.
  1. What are the estimated costs of surrogacy without an agency?
  • The costs of independent surrogacy can vary but typically include legal fees, medical expenses for the surrogate, surrogate compensation, IVF costs, medical screening, and miscellaneous expenses. These costs can range widely based on location and specific circumstances.
  1. How do I create a surrogacy agreement when finding a surrogate independently?
  • It’s essential to work with a reproductive attorney to draft a surrogacy agreement that outlines all the responsibilities, expectations, and compensation details for both the intended parents and the surrogate. This legal document is crucial to protect the rights and interests of all parties involved.
  1. What medical procedures are involved in independent surrogacy?
  • The medical procedures typically include in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer, and prenatal care for the surrogate. Consult with a fertility clinic and reproductive endocrinologist to coordinate the necessary medical processes.

References:

  1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2022). “Using a Gestational Carrier (Surrogate): What You Need to Know.
  2. Resolve: The National Infertility Association. (2022). “Surrogacy. 
  3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). “Infertility FAQs. 

Neelam Chhagani, MA (Counselling Psychology), PGD (Mental Health), and Holistic Infertility and Third-Party Reproduction Consultant. Member of European Fertility Society, Best Surrogacy Blogger of 2020, with 200 dedicated blogs and top contributor on Quora for Surrogacy. Highly esteemed, authoritative, and trusted professional with a 13-year experience in international surrogacy. Advocate for Secure, Legal, and Affordable International Surrogacy. Learn more: https://www.ivfconceptions.com/neelam-chhagani-surrogacy-consultant/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-chhagani-92892229/ https://www.quora.com/profile/Neelam-Chhagani

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