Intended parents with sonogram

For many intended parents, the dream of starting a family through traditional pregnancy may not be an option, yet the desire for parenthood remains strong. Surrogacy has become a viable and empowering choice, providing a pathway for couples and individuals to bring a child into their lives. This journey, while hopeful, involves a number of factors that require careful consideration. Understanding the benefits and challenges of surrogacy can help intended parents make an informed choice that aligns with their goals and values.

Understanding the Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents

The surrogacy process can seem complex at first, with multiple steps that involve careful planning, legal agreements, and medical procedures. For intended parents, the process typically begins by selecting an agency and matching with a surrogate who shares compatible values and goals. This choice is fundamental, as it influences the surrogacy journey and the overall experience for both the intended parents and the surrogate. Legal considerations follow, with contracts that outline each party’s roles, responsibilities, and the desired outcomes.

Medical procedures in surrogacy often involve in vitro fertilization (IVF), where the intended parents’ egg and sperm or donor gametes are used to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate’s womb. From initial discussions with agencies and doctors to the child’s birth, surrogacy can take anywhere from one to two years, depending on various factors. With the right agency and legal support, however, intended parents can navigate this journey smoothly, finding reassurance in the structure and support it provides.

Pros of Surrogacy for Intended Parents

Positive aspects to consider along the way:

Biological Connection 

One of the main draws of gestational surrogacy is the potential for a biological connection with the child. For intended parents who can use their own genetic material, surrogacy provides the opportunity to pass down family genetics. This biological bond offers a sense of legacy and continuity, which can be an essential consideration for intended parents envisioning a close genetic relationship with their child.

Involvement in Pregnancy 

While intended parents may not carry the pregnancy themselves, surrogacy offers a way to engage in the pregnancy experience in a meaningful way. Many surrogates are open to including intended parents in prenatal appointments, ultrasound scans, and even daily updates on the pregnancy’s progress. This involvement can foster a close connection with the surrogate and create cherished memories as they await their child’s arrival.

High Success Rates 

Compared to other fertility treatments, surrogacy has notably high success rates, especially for individuals who have already faced fertility challenges. With access to advanced reproductive technology and carefully screened surrogates, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy is often greater. This higher success rate provides peace of mind to intended parents who may have encountered setbacks with other treatments, reassuring them as they take on this life-changing journey.

Ability to Screen for Health Conditions 

Surrogacy often includes a step for pre-implantation genetic testing, allowing intended parents to screen embryos for potential genetic conditions before implantation. For those seeking an added level of assurance, this testing can mitigate the risks of certain health conditions, enabling intended parents to feel more confident about their child’s long-term health and wellbeing.

Options for Single Parents 

Surrogacy opens the door for single parents to experience the joy of parenthood without the need for a partner. In these cases, single individuals can use donor eggs or sperm, depending on their own biology, to form a family. Single parent surrogacy, therefore, offers an inclusive pathway for those who dream of raising a child independently and who are prepared for the responsibilities and rewards that come with single parenthood.

Cons of Surrogacy for Intended Parents

Facts to consider before making your decision:

High Cost 

One of the most significant challenges of surrogacy is the financial cost, which includes agency fees, medical expenses, and legal services. Total surrogacy expenses can range anywhere from $100,000 to over $150,000. This financial investment can be daunting, especially for those who do not have access to insurance or financial aid covering surrogacy. Planning and budgeting for these costs is crucial, as they represent a significant commitment.

Complex Legal Process 

Surrogacy is bound by a legal framework that differs from one location to another. Some states and countries have restrictive laws, while others fully support surrogacy arrangements. To safeguard parental rights, intended parents need to work with experienced legal professionals who can assist with contracts, parental rights, and, in some cases, parentage orders or pre-birth orders. Without these protections in place, the process may become uncertain, adding stress to the journey.

Emotional Challenges 

Surrogacy, while filled with hope, can be an emotional rollercoaster. Intended parents might face stress due to the duration of the process, the potential for unexpected outcomes, and the sense of reliance on another person to carry their child. Emotional preparation, as well as having a strong support network, is essential for managing the ups and downs, especially as the journey can be lengthy and involve periods of waiting and uncertainty.

Lack of Control Over Pregnancy 

For many intended parents, surrogacy requires releasing some control over the pregnancy. While surrogates follow careful guidelines and adhere to agreed-upon practices, they ultimately manage the day-to-day aspects of the pregnancy. This dynamic can lead to feelings of powerlessness for some intended parents, particularly if they have specific hopes or concerns regarding the pregnancy’s management.

Potential for Complications 

Medical, emotional, and legal complications are always possible in a surrogacy arrangement. Health risks associated with pregnancy can impact the surrogate, while legal or bureaucratic issues may complicate the parental rights process. Such challenges can delay or, in rare cases, end the surrogacy arrangement altogether. Preparing for the unexpected and working closely with a supportive agency and legal team can help mitigate these risks, but they remain inherent in the process.

Preparing Emotionally and Practically for Surrogacy

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is both a hopeful and deeply personal experience. As intended parents, approaching this path with practical and emotional readiness can help create a smoother journey. Below are some steps to consider:

  • Setting Realistic Expectations: Surrogacy is a journey that demands patience, trust, and flexibility. Setting realistic expectations early on can help manage the emotional ebb and flow, making the experience more positive. Talking to other parents who have gone through surrogacy can provide valuable insights and help establish a realistic outlook.
  • Building a Support System: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, and mental health professionals familiar with surrogacy can make a substantial difference. This network can help intended parents cope with emotional challenges, celebrate milestones, and provide assistance in moments of uncertainty.
  • Preparing for Life After Birth: The time immediately following birth can be a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. Intended parents may want to prepare in advance for practicalities like newborn essentials, bonding practices, and home preparations to welcome the new family member. Taking a parenting class or making arrangements for time off work can help parents ease into this new phase with confidence.
  • Financial and Legal Preparation: Understanding the financial and legal commitments in advance can alleviate stress during the process. Intended parents may wish to create a budget, seek legal advice, and allocate funds for potential unexpected costs, ensuring they’re fully prepared for any financial aspects that may arise.

Choose Surrogacy By Faith

The decision to pursue surrogacy as intended parents is deeply personal and involves balancing hopes with practical considerations. Surrogacy By Faith is here to provide guidance every step of the way, motivated by the values of compassion, dedication, and support for all families. Our surrogates and intended parents are united by shared goals and the dream of building families filled with love and connection.

At Surrogacy By Faith, we understand that the surrogacy journey can be complex and occasionally overwhelming, and that’s why we are committed to supporting you at each stage. From helping you find the right surrogate to offering legal and emotional resources, we ensure that both intended parents and surrogates feel supported, respected, and valued. If you’re ready to take the first step toward surrogacy, reach out to Surrogacy By Faith today. Together, we’ll help you build the family of your dreams, rooted in the strength of love and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joys of parenthood.

 

Share This :