Knowing the Risks of International Surrogacy helps intended parents choose the best surrogacy process.
There are many ways to start a family. Some couples are lucky enough, to conceive naturally while some have to go for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to start their own family. One of the most commonly used ART or rather third-party reproductive techniques to start a family is Gestational Surrogacy. Similar to domestic surrogacy, there are risks of international surrogacy that parents should know.
Surrogacy is a procedure where a woman (surrogate) agrees to carry a child for the couple (intended parents) and hand over the child to the couple after delivery. A surrogacy agreement is generally backed by the law of land. But the cost of surrogacy is higher than any other ART technique, making it out of reach for many would-be parents or forcing them to look out for affordable international surrogacy programs.
Generally, surrogacy is of two types based on the surrogate – gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. But depending on the place surrogacy can be classified into two – Domestic Surrogacy and International Surrogacy. So, exactly what are these two types of surrogacy? Read on to know more about it.
What are International Surrogacy and Domestic surrogacy?
International surrogacy is an agreement for surrogacy where a surrogate mother lives in an overseas country. It is also known as a cross-border surrogacy agreement. Popular commercial surrogacy destinations include the United States, Canada, Georgia, Ukraine, Cyprus, Colombia, India, and Greece.
In domestic surrogacy, the surrogate lives near the intended parents. This would reduce the legal complications and travel costs for the intended parents.
International Surrogacy vs Domestic Surrogacy.
Clearly, the main difference between domestic and international surrogacy would be the gap involved.
- Communication can be more complicated with foreign surrogacy and if it takes place abroad, you won’t be able to play an active role in your surrogacy cycle.
- You will not get the reassurance you need from meeting your surrogacy nurse, medical practitioner, and surrogate in a foreign country in person.
- You will only have to be assured that the procedure will be done ethically if you are unable to make several visits to the country where your surrogate lives.
Which costs more – International surrogacy or Domestic Surrogacy?
Generally, in the process of surrogacy, it is always maintained that the cheaper surrogacy the better. You can choose to go for international surrogacy or domestic surrogacy depending on your financial situation.
The first thing that comes to mind is the cost you need to pay the surrogate upfront. In most countries, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, so the intended parents can choose to work on international surrogacy in any country where altruistic surrogacy is allowed. This would save the cost of the surrogate.
In international surrogacy, there is always the possibility of hidden costs, particularly when you are living in another country and have no direct control of your surrogacy process. If you have delays in legal, medical, and travel procedures, something that seems less costly at the outset of the process will potentially significantly raise costs.
If intended parents are choosing countries like Ukraine or Georgia, they can significantly reduce the cost by up to 75% as compared to US surrogacy costs. Although Georgia is the cheapest country for surrogacy with the full legal framework in place, you need to consider the cost associated with visas and flights.
So, it is up to you whether you want more control over the surrogacy process or want to save money while opting for the surrogacy process.
What are the risks of international surrogacy?
For those who set their sights on international surrogacy, it is important to consider the risks involved with family-building experience with international surrogacy. Although it might seem cheap, knowing the legal framework of your own country and the surrogacy country is of utmost importance. It is good to seek the consultation of a local reproductive lawyer as well.
Following are the risks of international surrogacy –
#1. Financial risks
International surrogacy that seems cheaper upfront — comes with an additional cost like visa, flights, accommodation, and extra-legal fees needed if any. As most international surrogacy needs at least 2 visits to the surrogacy country — one to start the surrogacy process and give sperm/eggs. The 2nd visit is for baby pick up, which can be sometimes more than expected due to the citizenship and travel documents of the baby. The average time for taking a baby home varies from country to country, but most are 3-4 weeks long. Sometimes the IVF clinic success rate might be not as good as in the US. So, intended parents might need more than one IVF cycle and transfer to a surrogate mother, to achieve a successful pregnancy. Nevertheless, with my 10 years of experience as a surrogacy consultant, international surrogacy can save up to 60% to 70% of surrogacy costs, if chosen and plan carefully with the guidance of an experienced and credible surrogacy operator.
#2. Legal Risks
Establishing parentage is one important legal consideration. First of all, if an LGBT couple completes a surrogacy in a country that does not recognize same-sex marriage, they can’t both establish parental rights until they come back to the country which legalizes same-sex marriage. Some countries may not permit pre-or post-birth parenting orders which will prevent the foreign intended parents from placing their name on the birth certificate of the child and thus giving parental rights to a surrogate.
#3. Health Risks
You put tremendous faith in your surrogate when you seek surrogacy — that she is medically fit to bear your baby, that she can provide a safe environment while your baby is in the uterus, and more.
Make sure that your international surrogacy agency, helps to solidify your confidence. The surrogate is carefully tested before matching to ensure that it is prepared for the surrogacy cycle physically, mentally, and emotionally.
International surrogacy can be dangerous here; not all foreign surrogates are tested as thoroughly as those in the US. Surrogacy service does not complete psychological screening in most cases— showing that a surrogate is happy with the process of surrogacy.
Hidden costs of the International surrogacy agreement
There are mainly 3 types of hidden costs in an international surrogacy agreement –
- Travel Expenses – If you wish to see the child and the surrogate you need to fly the international borders to be with your surrogate. It is extremely important during the time of delivery.
- Hotel expenses – While coming to meet your surrogate you need to stay somewhere as well. You need to bear those expenses if you want to see the child after the delivery and the surrogate.
- Medical Expenses – Surrogacy is full of surprises some good and some bad. However, there are surrogacies in which there is normal birth but, hidden costs for medical expenses can arise in any situation.
Pros and Cons of International surrogacy
Pros
Cost – In some countries, the cost of surrogacy will be lower than in your own country, so you will have a surrogacy procedure at a low cost with full legal protection.
Cons
Transparency in the process of surrogacy – While you are sitting at your own place, you cannot guarantee the ethical and transparent process performed in some other countries.
More resources on this topic:
All about international surrogacy
What countries are best for international surrogacy
4 Cheapest countries for surrogacy
Conclusion
Conclusion For the last 10 years, IVF Conceptions is guiding and assisting family building via international surrogacy. We have been working with the cheapest countries for surrogacy in the world with a successful outcome of 100% of the time. So, our experience with international surrogacy is very encouraging.
If a couple is struggling financially, they can always opt for a legally secure and affordable international surrogacy country. But, are advised to research well and reach out to people who have been working in that part of the world for guidance and support, and accurate information.
Therefore, whether to go for international surrogacy or domestic surrogacy is your own choice. This article will only guide you about both types of surrogacies. But, in the end, the decision is yours.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website: IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
