Surrogacy is an increasingly popular family-building option for individuals and couples who are unable to conceive naturally. Advances in reproductive technology, legal recognition, and increasing awareness of surrogacy have made it a viable option for more families around the world. Whether due to medical conditions or infertility, surrogacy provides a pathway to parenthood that offers hope and joy to many.
Understanding Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. There are two main types:
- Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate provides her own egg, making her the biological mother. Sperm from the intended father or donor is used for fertilization.
- Gestational surrogacy: The surrogate has no genetic relation to the child. Instead, an embryo created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) is implanted in her uterus.
Gestational surrogacy is the preferred choice for most intended parents because it allows for a biological relation to at least one parent while avoiding potential legal and emotional complexities related to genetic parentage. Advances in medical technology have also made gestational surrogacy a safer and more effective option. Additionally, egg donors can be used in cases where the intended mother cannot provide eggs, further expanding the possibilities for intended parents.
The Surrogacy Process: Step by Step
A breakdown in the process and what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation and Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
The first step for intended parents is to consult with surrogacy agencies or fertility specialists. Agencies guide them through the process, helping them understand legal, medical, and emotional aspects. The agency facilitates screening, matching, and legal agreements.
2. Matching Intended Parents with a Surrogate
Surrogacy agencies carefully match intended parents with surrogates based on preferences, medical compatibility, and shared values to ensure a smooth and cooperative journey. This thorough matching process takes into account various factors, including the surrogate’s health history and prior pregnancies, which help determine her ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.
Additionally, agencies consider the surrogate’s willingness to carry multiples, as well as her geographic location, which can impact logistical arrangements and medical care. Communication style and expectations are also key considerations, ensuring that both parties are aligned in their approach to updates, involvement, and decision-making throughout the surrogacy process.
3. Medical and Psychological Screening for Surrogates
Potential surrogates undergo rigorous medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are both physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey. These assessments include comprehensive medical exams to evaluate overall health and reproductive capability, as well as psychological assessments to ensure emotional stability and readiness for the process. Background checks are conducted to verify a safe and stable environment, while blood tests and reproductive health screenings help detect any underlying medical conditions that could impact pregnancy.
4. The Surrogacy Agreement
A legally binding surrogacy agreement is crucial to protecting all parties involved by clearly outlining rights, responsibilities, and expectations. This contract includes:
- Compensation: A detailed breakdown of the surrogate’s payment structure, including base compensation for carrying the pregnancy, additional allowances for medical procedures, maternity clothing, travel expenses, and any unforeseen costs related to the surrogacy journey. This ensures financial clarity and fairness for both the surrogate and intended parents.
- Medical Procedures: A comprehensive plan covering all medical aspects of the surrogacy process, including the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol, embryo transfer procedures, prenatal care requirements, and the agreed-upon birth plan. It may also address specific scenarios, such as selective reduction or termination in case of medical complications.
- Parental Rights: Legal provisions outlining the steps required to establish the intended parents as the child’s legal guardians before or immediately after birth. This includes pre-birth or post-birth orders, ensuring that the surrogate has no parental obligations and that the intended parents’ rights are recognized under state or country laws.
- Expectations & Responsibilities: Clear guidelines on communication frequency, medical decision-making authority, and health requirements, such as lifestyle restrictions, diet, and activity levels during pregnancy. It also sets expectations regarding confidentiality, surrogate autonomy, and emotional support throughout the journey.
- Insurance Coverage: Provisions to ensure the surrogate’s medical expenses are fully covered, including health insurance policies, additional coverage for pregnancy-related complications, and any necessary legal support to navigate potential insurance limitations. This section protects both parties from unexpected medical costs and ensures the surrogate receives proper care throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Cost of Surrogacy
A look at the costs involved in this life-changing journey:
Breakdown of Expenses:
Surrogacy can be expensive, with total costs of surrogacy ranging from $100,000 to $200,000. This includes:
- Medical Procedures: Covers all medical expenses related to the surrogacy journey, including IVF treatments, embryo transfer procedures, regular prenatal care visits, ultrasounds, lab tests, and delivery costs. This also includes any unforeseen medical complications, C-section costs if necessary, and postpartum medical care for the surrogate to ensure her well-being after birth.
- Surrogate Compensation: Provides financial reimbursement for the surrogate’s time, effort, and the physical and medical risks involved in carrying a pregnancy. This includes base compensation, additional allowances for maternity clothing, travel, lost wages if applicable, and stipends for discomforts such as bed rest or other medical restrictions that may impact her daily life.
- Legal Fees: Covers all legal expenses associated with the surrogacy agreement, including drafting and reviewing contracts, securing the intended parents’ legal rights, pre-birth orders, and any necessary court filings to ensure a smooth transition of parental rights. It may also include legal guidance for the surrogate in understanding her rights and responsibilities throughout the process.
- Insurance & Miscellaneous Costs: Ensures that the surrogate’s health insurance covers pregnancy-related expenses or includes supplemental insurance if needed. Also accounts for additional costs such as travel expenses for medical appointments, agency fees for managing the surrogacy process, and psychological counseling to support the emotional well-being of both the surrogate and intended parents throughout the journey.
Factors That Can Affect the Total Cost
The total cost of surrogacy varies based on:
- Location: Laws and costs vary by country and state by state, affecting the overall expenses and legal process of surrogacy. Some regions have more surrogate-friendly laws, while others may have restrictions that impact contract enforceability.
- Medical Needs: Additional IVF cycles, complications, or multiple pregnancies can increase expenses significantly. Medical insurance coverage and unforeseen health conditions may also contribute to rising costs.
- Surrogate Experience: First-time surrogates typically receive lower compensation than experienced ones, as those with prior successful surrogacies are in higher demand. Experienced surrogates may also have a better understanding of the process, leading to a smoother journey for intended parents.
How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?
The medical process involves several steps:
- Hormonal Preparation: The surrogate takes hormonal medications to prepare her uterus for implantation.
- Embryo Transfer: A fertilized embryo is implanted in the surrogate’s uterus.
- Pregnancy Monitoring: The surrogate undergoes regular medical check-ups to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Learn more about How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?
Embryo Transfer Process
Embryo transfer is a critical step in the surrogacy process, marking the beginning of the potential pregnancy. During this procedure, a fertility specialist carefully inserts a fertilized embryo into the surrogate’s uterus using a thin catheter. The process is minimally invasive, painless, and typically does not require anesthesia, allowing the surrogate to resume normal activities shortly after. To increase the chances of successful implantation, the surrogate takes prescribed hormone medications, such as estrogen and progesterone, in the weeks leading up to and following the transfer. These hormones help prepare the uterine lining, creating the optimal environment for the embryo to attach and develop.
Close monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds ensures the body is responding well to treatment, and after about ten days, a pregnancy test confirms whether the implantation was successful. This crucial step is often repeated if the first attempt does not result in pregnancy, requiring patience and medical precision throughout the journey. Learn more about Embryo Transfers to Surrogate Mothers
How Does IVF Work for Surrogacy?
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a crucial part of surrogacy, involving several key steps:
1. Egg Retrieval from the Intended Mother or Donor
Mature eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor.
2. Sperm Collection and Fertilization
Sperm is collected from the intended father or donor and used to fertilize the eggs in a lab.
3. Embryo Development and Selection
Embryos develop in the lab for several days, and the healthiest ones are selected for transfer.
4. Embryo Transfer to the Surrogate
A selected embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus to establish pregnancy.
Learn more about IVF and Surrogacy
Pregnancy and Birth
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives ongoing medical monitoring, prenatal care, and emotional support. Intended parents are usually involved throughout the journey, attending medical appointments and preparing for their baby’s arrival. At birth, the surrogate delivers in a planned hospital setting. The legal parental rights are finalized immediately after birth, and at last the intended parents take their newborn home!
Choose Surrogacy By Faith
If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s important to choose a trusted partner. Surrogacy By Faith provides guidance and support to intended parents and surrogates alike. Our surrogates and staff are motivated by family values and a desire to help intended parents build their perfect families. If you’re interested, fill out a surrogate form or an intended parent form today! We’ll be with your every step of the way to help build the family of your dreams.