Independent Surrogacy Journey

Independent Surrogacy| Independent Surrogacy Cost

Independent surrogacy is a remarkable and heartwarming journey for many hopeful parents. It offers a unique approach to expanding families, where intended parents work directly with a surrogate without involving an agency. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of independent surrogacy, covering topics like the cost, the process, compensation, and the essential checklist.

When considering surrogacy options, independent surrogacy offers intended parents the opportunity to navigate the surrogacy journey without the involvement of a surrogacy agency. 

You can significantly cut the cost of surrogacy by going for independent surrogacy ( also known as private surrogacy).  Independent (Indy) surrogacy is the one in which intended parents get into a contract with the surrogate mother without the aid of a surrogacy agency. 

The typical surrogacy agency fee in the USA is in the range of  $30,000 to $35,000, thus with going Indy, you can save this cost by all means. The most common benefit of Indy surrogacy is the slightly lower overall surrogacy fee.

What is Independent Surrogacy?

Independent surrogacy, often referred to as “private surrogacy,” is an arrangement where the intended parents and a surrogate mother collaborate without the involvement of a surrogacy agency. This approach provides more direct communication and a personalized experience for both parties involved.

Although independent surrogacy excludes the involvement of a surrogacy agency, it does not necessarily mean that intended parents handle the entire process on their own.

They may still seek the services of other professionals such as lawyers and fertility clinics. The responsibility falls on the intended parents to outsource the necessary services to these professionals, as agencies typically provide a comprehensive range of surrogacy services, including advertising, matching, screening, counseling, surrogacy planning, case management, and coordination of legal and medical processes.

In cases where intended parents opt for independent surrogacy, it is common for them to have a pre-existing personal relationship with the surrogate.

This type of surrogacy is often referred to as “identified surrogacy.” In identified surrogacy, intended parents and surrogates may work directly with an attorney to complete the surrogacy process.

While the technical aspects of surrogacy can be managed by legal and medical professionals, it is important to recognize that independent surrogacy arrangements often lack the third-party support provided by surrogacy agencies, which can be invaluable throughout the process.

 

 

Independent Surrogacy Cost

One of the first questions on the minds of intended parents embarking on an independent surrogacy journey is, “How much does independent surrogacy cost?” The cost can vary significantly depending on various factors. These factors include legal fees, medical expenses, and compensation for the surrogate mother. It’s crucial to note that independent surrogacy may be more cost-effective than agency-assisted surrogacy, as you can negotiate expenses directly with the surrogate.

Let’s break down some cost components:

Expense Type	Estimated Surrogacy Cost Range
Legal Fees	$5,000 – $10,000
Medical Expenses	$25,000 – $35,000 (approx)
Surrogate Compensation	$30,000 – $50,000 (approx)
Miscellaneous Cost	Varies

Please keep in mind that these are approximate figures and can vary based on your location and specific circumstances.

Independent Surrogacy Match

The success of independent surrogacy hinges on finding the right match. Intended parents and surrogates must align in their expectations, values, and goals. When a strong match is established, it paves the way for a positive and fulfilling journey.

In conclusion, independent surrogacy offers a unique path to parenthood, allowing intended parents to have more control over their surrogacy journey, from choosing a surrogate to negotiating costs. While it requires careful planning and legal support, the journey is often deeply rewarding for all involved parties.

Remember that each independent surrogacy journey is as unique as the people involved, and it’s essential to tailor your approach to your specific needs and circumstances.

More resources for Gestational Surrogacy:

How does surrogacy work?

12 tips to reduce high surrogacy costs

Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world

The Independent Surrogacy Journey

The independent surrogacy journey is a process that involves several crucial steps. These include:

1. Finding a Surrogate: The process begins with intended parents seeking a willing surrogate who shares their goals and values. This can be done through personal connections, online platforms, or surrogacy support groups.
2. Legal Process: Drafting a comprehensive surrogacy contract is essential to protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Legal assistance is crucial in this phase.
3. Medical Procedures: Once the legalities are in place, the medical procedures, including IVF, embryo transfer, and prenatal care, begin. The surrogate will receive compensation for her commitment and the risks involved.
4. Support and Communication: Open and honest communication between the surrogate and intended parents is key throughout the pregnancy. Emotional support is vital for a successful journey.

Independent Surrogacy Checklist

Before embarking on this extraordinary journey, it’s important to have a checklist to ensure a smooth process. Here are some essential items for your independent surrogacy checklist:

• Research surrogacy laws and regulations in your state or country.
• Find a fertility specialist and legal advisor with experience in surrogacy.
• Create a detailed surrogacy contract outlining rights, responsibilities, and compensation.
• Consider financial planning for surrogacy-related expenses.
• Establish a strong emotional support system for all parties involved.

Independent Surrogacy Vs. Agency Surrogacy 

When intended parents choose independent surrogacy, they forego three main types of services provided by surrogacy agencies: These services offered by agencies play a crucial role in ensuring a successful surrogacy journey.

• Matching and screening,
• Case management and
• Counseling and support 

Here are the services that are typically exclusive to surrogacy agencies:

1. Matching and Screening Services: Surrogacy agencies maintain networks of prospective surrogates and facilitate the matching process based on the plans and preferences of both parties involved.

Working with an agency allows intended parents and surrogates to undergo a thorough screening process, which helps ensure the well-being and protection of all parties.

Finding and screening a surrogate without the assistance of an agency can be extremely challenging, making independent surrogacy less suitable for intended parents who do not already know their surrogate personally.

2. Surrogacy Planning, Case Management, and Coordination: Surrogacy professionals provide invaluable assistance in terms of surrogacy planning, case management, and coordination.

They oversee the entire surrogacy process, helping intended parents find the necessary legal and medical professionals, and offering expert guidance and education at each step.

In independent surrogacy, intended parents bear the responsibility of independently reaching out to the required professionals and coordinating every aspect of the process.

3. Counseling and Support: Surrogacy involves not only legal and medical aspects but also social and emotional dimensions.

Many individuals and couples considering surrogacy tend to overlook the importance of emotional guidance throughout the journey.

Counseling and support services provided by surrogacy agencies are vital for both intended parents and surrogates as they navigate their relationship and manage the emotional ups and downs of the process.

These services often include contact mediation and facilitation. While it may be possible to obtain these services through a third-party counselor, finding a licensed social worker with expertise in surrogacy outside of a surrogacy agency can be challenging.

What are the Pros and Cons of Independent Surrogacy

Before deciding on independent surrogacy, intended parents should weigh the pros and cons associated with this approach.

Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of independent surrogacy:

Pros:

1. Potential Cost Savings: Independent surrogacy may offer cost savings as intended parents do not have to pay agency fees, which typically cover services like counseling and support, case management, and contact mediation. However, it is important to note that legal costs may increase if hourly fees are incurred when consulting with attorneys throughout the surrogacy process.

2. Identified Surrogacy: Independent surrogacy is well-suited for intended parents who already have a personal relationship with their chosen surrogate, such as a friend or family member. In such cases, the assistance of an agency for matching services may not be necessary.

3. Personal Control: Independent Surrogacy allows you to be actively involved in every step of the journey. From selecting and vetting your surrogate to coordinating medical procedures, you have the autonomy to make informed decisions and shape your surrogacy experience according to your preferences.

4. Flexibility and Choice: With Independent Surrogacy, you have the freedom to work with a surrogate you already know and trust, such as a friend or family member. This familiarity can foster a deeper emotional connection throughout the journey.

Cons:

1. Challenges in Finding and Coordinating Services: Independent surrogacy presents difficulties in finding and coordinating services without the guidance and network of a surrogacy agency. This can be particularly challenging for intended parents who are unfamiliar with the surrogacy process. 

2. Lack of Emotional Support: Without the comprehensive counseling and support services provided by surrogacy agencies, intended parents and surrogates may experience a lack of emotional support throughout the surrogacy journey. Emotional guidance and contact mediation can be essential in maintaining a healthy relationship between the parties involved.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue independent surrogacy should be based on the intended parents’ understanding of the surrogacy process, their relationship with the surrogate, and the need for various services and support throughout the journey.

Challenges of independent surrogacy:

Challenges of independent surrogacy are that intended parents have to do all the navigation, coordination, and surrogate management themself.

• The most significant difficulty of independent surrogacy is finding a surrogate mother and negotiating the surrogacy agreements. That is often a challenge for most of the intended parents. 
• It possesses various legal risks if you are not acquainted well with the surrogacy laws in your state.
• Navigating through all the parties seamlessly.
• You need to put more time, attention, and emotional turmoil into an already complicated and unpredictable surrogacy journey.

Considerations for Independent Surrogacy

Independent surrogacy checklist to consider to understand independent surrogacy, the following services should be known:

1. Matching and screening of surrogate mother – The surrogacy agency usually has a database of both the intended parents as well as prospective surrogates. The agency then can match the intended parents with surrogates based on the goals and preferences of both parties. The agency then carries out the screening process that protects both parties.

Most independent parents who opt for independent surrogacy, already have identified a surrogate mother (which means they have identified the surrogate themselves with friends or family). That surrogate can be known or unknown. Finding and screening the surrogate is very tricky without the help of an agency. So, if you are the first-time intended parents, then independent surrogacy needs lots of work.

To mitigate this challenge, consider the following steps for independent surrogacy matching:

Online Communities: Many intended parents find surrogates through online communities. However, exercise caution and ensure that potential candidates meet the legal and medical qualifications necessary for surrogacy.

Surrogate within family and friends: Many IPs can find surrogate mothers within their family or friend circle.

2. Case Management and surrogacy planning – Intended parents, tend to get benefitted if they work with a surrogacy professional. There is a surrogacy specialist assigned to you if you opt to go with the help of an agency. The surrogate specialist will personally look after the case and carry out the whole surrogacy process. He/she will be performing the following works –

• Coordinating the process of surrogacy
• Assisting the family in finding a legal professional
• Helping the family in finding a medical professional
• Providing expert guidance and education.
• Seamlessly navigating all the parties together with emotional support.

3. Counseling and Support for both intended parents and surrogates – Surrogacy is not about just complex legal procedures; it is also involved in terms of social and emotional ways.

Many intended parents tend to overlook these services. However, having emotional support and counseling throughout the process of surrogacy can help both the intended parents as well as the surrogate. It will also help them to manage their relationship with the surrogate through the emotional ups and downs.

Saying this, Independent surrogacy is common (although not as popular as paid or commercial surrogacy). In most of the countries offering altruistic surrogacy, independent surrogacy is very much prevalent. Private surrogacy costs are lower for intended parents who do thorough research and plan each step carefully.

How much does independent surrogacy cost

The cost of independent surrogacy is always less than agency-facilitated services.  Intended parents can save up to $30,000 to $40,000 in agency fees if they manage most of the aspects of surrogacy on their own. Thus, the cost of surrogacy without agency is less. 

Independent surrogacy offers a lower-cost alternative to agency programs, but it comes with the challenge of finding a qualified surrogate independently.

The cost of surrogacy can vary depending on several factors. In the United States, the expenses associated with surrogacy include agency fees (ranging from $35,000 to $40,000), surrogate fees (typically between $35,000 and $50,000), and fertility clinic and in-vitro fertilization costs (ranging from $20,000 to $30,000). These are just estimates, and the actual costs can vary based on individual circumstances, including the number of fertility cycles and the specific location.

More surrogacy cost-related guides:

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? Everything You Need To Know (in 2024)

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

Can My Insurance Provider Pay My Surrogacy Costs?

Why Does Surrogacy Cost So Much in the USA?

What is the Surrogacy Cost in Colombia?

What is Surrogacy cost in Mexico?

Gay Surrogacy Cost Explained With Breakdowns

The Independent Surrogacy Journey: Step-by-Step Guide

To provide you with a clear understanding of the independent surrogacy journey, we have outlined the following 11 stages or independent surrogacy steps that you will typically encounter:

1. Find Your Perfect Match: During this stage, you will engage in a thorough matching process, considering factors such as compensation, medical history, geography, and general journey expectations

2. Evaluate Medical History: Send your potential surrogate’s medical records to your reproductive endocrinologist for a preliminary screening. A comprehensive evaluation will help identify any red flags in the surrogate’s medical history.

3. Choose Qualified Assisted Reproduction Attorneys: Collaborate with a qualified assisted reproduction attorney to navigate the legal and administrative aspects of surrogacy. These professionals can guide you through the necessary legal requirements

4. Formal Medical Evaluation: Once there is a mutual understanding between you and the surrogate, a reproductive endocrinologist will conduct a physical exam and perform blood tests to ensure the surrogate is medically fit for the surrogacy pregnancy.

5. Psychological Evaluation: Following the medical clearance, the surrogate will undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist. This evaluation helps assess the surrogate’s mental well-being and readiness for the surrogacy journey.

6. Verify Surrogate Health Insurance: Ensure that the surrogate has appropriate health insurance coverage for the surrogacy process. This step is crucial to mitigate potential financial risks and ensure adequate support throughout the pregnancy.

7. Finalizing Legal Contracts: Collaborate with your assisted reproduction attorney to draft and finalize legal contracts that outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved. These contracts provide legal protection and clarity throughout the surrogacy journey

8. Set up Escrow and Other Financial Obligations: Establish an escrow account to manage the financial aspects of the surrogacy journey, including compensation for the surrogate, medical expenses, and other related costs. Ensure transparency and timely disbursement of funds.

9. Begin Hormone Regimen: Commence the hormone regimen required for the IVF process, leading up to the embryo transfer. Medical professionals will guide you through the necessary protocols and monitor your progress closely.

10. Embryo Transfer Day: This critical stage involves the transfer of the created embryos into the surrogate’s uterus. It requires precise coordination between the medical team, the intended parents, and the surrogate.

11. Pregnancy and Childbirth: Once the successful embryo transfer has taken place, the surrogate will embark on the pregnancy journey. Regular medical check-ups, communication, and support are crucial throughout this period until the joyful arrival of the baby.

Dos and don’ts of independent surrogacy:

While considering independent surrogacy, it is essential to know about some of the do’s and don’ts.

Do’s:

1. Do consider taking an attorney on board with you to prevent some of the disastrous missteps during the process of surrogacy. Your attorney can help you fill the legal gaps and make independent surrogacy contracts for parents and surrogate mothers.
2. Do understand that you are skipping the inherent safety by avoiding the agency. It is okay for the participants to feel awkward at first.
3. It is okay to decide that independent surrogacy is out of your comfort zone.
4. Do respect the choices of each other. If a surrogate is on a non-vegan diet, do not expect her to change her preferences.
5. Do not mind walking away from the potential intended parent/surrogate if things don’t work out before the commencement of the surrogacy process.
6. Do understand that independent surrogacy requires a lot of hard work on the part of the intended parents as well as the surrogate. Potential problems must be resolved quickly.
7. Do make your surrogacy contract to cover all your financial arrangements.
8. Be extra careful about the scams. There might be some women who might prey on intended parents in an attempt to scam their money.

Don’ts

1. Don’t try to cut off the cost by avoiding the lawyers and doing all the things by yourself. You might not understand most of the laws and will repent later.
2. Don’t proceed with any match. Do consider the legal aspect. For example – don’t go for a match who is less than 21 years of age. See if the surrogate process is based on surrogacy friendly state.
3. Don’t compromise on your personal values.
4. Don’t ignore the red flags in surrogacy. Potential problems should be worked on head-on and resolved asap.
5. Don’t assume that their surrogacy pregnancy will be insured on its own because her previous pregnancy was covered. You need to find out and buy health insurance that covers surrogacy pregnancy.
6. Don’t forego the contract to save some money. Some might feel okay talking about payments directly. Some might not. Having a contract will help you better.
7. Finding a surrogate mother without an agency is not easy, but it does not mean you should end up working with someone you do not feel is the right candidate for you.
8. Independent surrogate compensation can be more than a surrogate mother from an agency. Generally, the agency negotiates and provides coordination services and the surrogate feels comfortable and taken care of with them. For independent surrogacy, she might need more time and attention so can ask for higher surrogate compensation.

Making an Informed Decision

Deciding between independent surrogacy and working with a surrogacy agency is a significant choice for intended parents.

It is essential to carefully evaluate your individual circumstances, needs, and preferences. Consider the following steps:

3. Thorough Research: Educate yourself about the surrogacy process, legal requirements, and potential challenges associated with independent surrogacy. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and commitments involved.
4. Consultation with Professionals: Seek guidance from experienced surrogacy lawyers, fertility specialists, and licensed counselors who can provide expert advice tailored to your situation. Their insights will help you navigate the complexities of independent surrogacy effectively.
5. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your comfort level, emotional preparedness, and ability to handle the additional responsibilities that come with independent surrogacy. Assess your support system, including family, friends, and professionals who can provide guidance and assistance throughout the journey.

Conclusion

Opting for private surrogacy is a personal decision for intended parents and surrogate mothers but it should be an informed decision.

Many surrogacy professionals argue that inexperienced intended parents end up spending more than saving due to a lack of support and guidance to avoid extra costs at each step.

Sometimes surrogacy agencies can offer IVF clinic services which are much more affordable and can advise skipping the procedure which is not necessarily needed for the parents. A surrogacy agency can help in finding the right surrogacy insurance and legal attorney which might again cut the cost for the intended parents.

Some intended parents, who have a very limited budget and who do not want to take the unknown risk of independent surrogacy, can opt for international surrogacy. This is worth mentioning that the cost of surrogacy in the USA without an agency is still much higher surrogacy cost in Mexico and Colombia.  In these countries, you can find low-cost surrogate mothers, and medical procedure cost is much lower. 

There are countries that offer much more affordable surrogacy, at least 70% less cost than USA surrogacy, and come with adequate legal support.  Eastern European countries like Ukraine and Georgia offer affordable surrogacy with explicit surrogacy laws.

At Complete Surrogacy, we recognize the importance of comprehensive support and guidance throughout the surrogacy process. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to assist you in making the best decision 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 services to build families with love.

 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Reference used:

https://surrogacyplace.com/blog/independent-surrogacy-journey

https://www.insider.com/guides/parenting/surrogacy-cost