Surrogacy: 10 Common Questions Answered
When it comes to such an emotive and important topic as surrogacy there are bound to be lots of questions you need answers to.
You might want to know what’s involved when you are looking for a surrogate for gays, for instance. A number of common questions are regularly asked about surrogacy. Here are some of the answers to those questions.
What exactly is surrogacy?
The basics of surrogacy are that an agreement is reached between a woman who is going to carry a pregnancy and an individual or couple who are going to become the parents of that child when it is born.
Are there different types of surrogacy?
You will hear the terms gestational carrier or surrogate used in discussions.
A gestational carrier describes one who has no biological connection with the child but is carrying the child. A traditional surrogacy arrangement donates her egg and carries her child. This rarely happens these days as there are challenging legal and ethical considerations concerning this arrangement.
Why choose surrogacy?
There are lots of reasons why this option works for some couples. It might be that you are unable to successfully carry a pregnancy, or, you might be a same-sex couple looking to start a family.
How do I find a surrogate?
Many people who go down this route tend to use a surrogate agency.
There are plenty of reasons why this is the best option. There is a streamlined and recognized process that includes a rigorous screening of candidates and you get all the guidance and support needed throughout.
Are egg donors screened?
Another great reason for using a reputable agency is that egg donors are thoroughly screened using recognized fertility practices.
That means a donor’s medical and family history is checked. They are also screened for any underlying medical conditions or diseases before being accepted as a donor.
Is surrogacy legal?
It is worth remembering that surrogacy laws are different between states. When using an agency they will guide you through the various legal aspects of the arrangement so that the transaction is fully compliant with state laws and regulations.
What happens after the birth?
Another common question is about what legal rights the gestational carrier has and whether they can challenge their original decision relating to surrogacy.
Your chosen agency will help produce a draft contract that covers issues such as the termination of parental rights. It is important to have all of the legal aspects of the process fully covered by a legal agreement.
What will it cost?
As much as you desperately want to start a family and are excited by the opportunity of doing so through surrogacy you obviously want an idea of how much it will cost.
It is hard to be precise as there are so many variables. A typical fee range for IVF is usually upwards of $50,000.
Can you get financial help?
The fees involved may be beyond your financial reach. You may be eligible for a grant or loan to help you with financing the process.
Ask your agency about the various financial options that might be available.
Can you get insurance for surrogacy?
This is not a process that is often covered by insurance. Individual circumstances vary greatly, so check with the agency about all the care and support options available.
The bottom line is that surrogacy can be emotionally challenging and a potentially complex process. However, it should go without saying that the rewards for your perseverance are life-changing and huge.
