All You Need to Know About Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy where surrogate mothers do not get financial compensation for their time and effort, however, they get reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses are paid to them by the intended parents or commissioning parents.   

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If you’re considering altruistic surrogacy, it’s essential to understand what it entails, the process involved, and its pros and cons. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

More Resources to Read:

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work in Ukraine?

Surrogacy in Ukraine-Overview

Guaranteed Surrogacy Baby in Ukraine

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work in Ukraine?

 

What Is Altruistic Surrogacy?

 

Altruistic surrogacy is a surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation beyond the reimbursement of pregnancy-related expenses. This type of surrogacy is motivated by generosity and the desire to help others achieve their dream of parenthood. 

The intended parents cover all medical expenses and other costs directly related to the pregnancy, but the surrogate mother does not profit financially from the arrangement.

In an altruistic surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate mother may be a close friend, family member, or someone known to the intended parents. Unlike commercial surrogacy, where surrogates are often found through agencies and receive compensation, altruistic surrogacy is more about personal connection and the willingness to help.

How Altruistic Surrogacy Differs from Commercial Surrogacy

The key difference between altruistic and commercial surrogacy lies in the compensation for the surrogate mother. In commercial surrogacy, the surrogate is paid a fee for her services, which is agreed upon before the surrogacy process begins. This fee is in addition to the coverage of medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

Comparison of Altruistic vs. Commercial Surrogacy

Aspect	Altruistic Surrogacy	Commercial Surrogacy
Compensation	No financial compensation for the surrogate, only pregnancy-related expenses are covered.	The surrogate receives a pre-determined fee in addition to pregnancy-related expenses.
Legal Status	Legal in many countries where commercial surrogacy is banned.	Banned in several countries, including Canada, UK, and Australia.
Surrogate Selection	Typically a close friend or family member of the intended parents.	Surrogates are often selected through agencies.
Emotional Considerations	May involve emotional complexities due to close relationships.	The more formal, less personal connection between the surrogate and parents.
Cost	Generally lower cost due to lack of surrogate compensation.	Higher cost due to surrogate fee and agency involvement.

 

Commercial surrogacy often involves a surrogacy agency, which helps match intended parents with a surrogate. This type of surrogacy is legal in some parts of the world, such as certain U.S. states, Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. However, it is banned in many countries due to ethical concerns.

In contrast, altruistic surrogacy does not involve a financial agreement beyond the necessary expenses. The surrogate mother typically has a pre-existing relationship with the intended parents, and the arrangement is often managed independently without the involvement of an agency.

The Conception Process in Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogacy can be carried out through two primary methods:

 

• Genetic or Partial Surrogacy (Traditional Surrogacy):

• In this type of surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized with the intended father’s sperm through artificial insemination. The child is genetically related to the surrogate mother and the intended father but not to the intended mother.

• Gestational Surrogacy:

• In gestational surrogacy, the intended parents provide both the egg and sperm, which are fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The embryo is then implanted in the surrogate’s womb. The child is genetically related to the intended parents but not to the surrogate.

Gestational surrogacy is more common, particularly in countries like the U.S., where it is legally recognized and widely practiced.

How Altruistic Surrogacy Works

The process of altruistic surrogacy involves several steps, and while it shares similarities with commercial surrogacy, there are distinct differences, particularly in the personal nature of the arrangement.

What is the surrogacy timeline? 

The surrogacy process takes 18 months to 24 months depending upon the individual circumstances 

Outlines the surrogacy process timeline for intended parents:

Stage	Description of Stage	Duration
Research Phase	Explore family-building options and decide on surrogacy.	Personal timeframe
Consultation and Application	Choose a surrogacy agency, sign an agreement, and start embryo creation (if needed).	1-3 Months
Matching	The agency finds and presents potential gestational carriers. Meet and decide on a match.	3-6 Months
Medical Screening and Contracts	Carrier undergoes medical and psychological screening. Sign a surrogacy contract.	1-2 Months
Embryo Transfer	Prepare for embryo transfer. Success may take multiple attempts.	1-1.5 Months
Pregnancy	Gestational carrier’s pregnancy, approximately 40 weeks.	9-10 Months
Birth and Postpartum	Baby’s birth, established parental rights, and the postpartum period.	1.5-3 Months

 

Please keep in mind that the durations mentioned in the table are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. Always consult with a reputable surrogacy agency or professional to get personalized guidance throughout the surrogacy journey.

 

• Matching with a Surrogate:

• • • In most altruistic surrogacy cases, the surrogate is already known to the intended parents, often being a family member or close friend. This eliminates the need for an agency to find a match, making the process more personal and potentially less stressful.

• Legal Agreements:

• • • Even though there is no financial compensation, a legal agreement is still necessary to protect the rights of all parties involved. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of the intended parents and the surrogate, including medical expenses, prenatal care, and the transfer of parental rights after the child is born.

• Medical Procedures:

• • • The medical process in altruistic surrogacy is similar to commercial surrogacy. It involves the same fertility treatments, such as IVF or artificial insemination, and requires regular medical check-ups to monitor the surrogate’s health and the baby’s development.

• Support and Counseling:

• • Emotional support and counseling are crucial in altruistic surrogacy, both for the surrogate and the intended parents. This helps manage expectations, address any concerns, and ensure that the relationship remains positive throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

 

So, how much does altruistic surrogacy cost? 

Costs Involved in Altruistic Surrogacy

Expense Type	Description
Medical Expenses	Includes IVF, prenatal care, fertility injections, and labor/delivery costs.
Legal Fees	Attorney fees for drafting and reviewing surrogacy agreements.
Counseling Costs	Fees for psychological counseling for both the surrogate and intended parents.
Travel Expenses	Costs for the surrogate’s travel to and from medical appointments.
Donor Fees	If egg or sperm donation is needed, the cost of the donor’s medical procedures and compensation.
Additional Costs	Includes maternity clothing, wage loss compensation, and other pregnancy-related expenses.

 

While altruistic surrogacy is less expensive than commercial surrogacy, there are still significant costs involved. These include:

• Medical Expenses:

• • • These cover fertility treatments, such as IVF or artificial insemination, as well as prenatal care, labor, and delivery costs.

• Legal Fees:

• • • Legal representation is necessary to draft and review the surrogacy agreement and ensure that all parties’ rights are protected.

• Counseling and Psychological Support:

• • • Both the surrogate and intended parents may require counseling services to navigate the emotional aspects of surrogacy.

• Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses:

• • If the surrogate lives far from the intended parents, travel costs for medical appointments may also be necessary. Additionally, there may be costs related to maternity clothing, lost wages, or other pregnancy-related needs.

The total cost of altruistic surrogacy can vary widely depending on the location, the specific needs of the surrogate, and any unforeseen complications during the pregnancy.

 

Pros and Cons of Altruistic Surrogacy

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost	Difficulty in Finding a Surrogate
Altruistic surrogacy is generally less expensive as there is no surrogate fee.	It can be challenging to find a willing surrogate without financial incentives.
Legality	Emotional and Ethical Challenges
Legal in many countries, making it a viable option for many intended parents.	Potential emotional strain on relationships due to the personal nature of the arrangement.
Peace of Mind	Lack of Control
Surrogate is usually someone known and trusted by the intended parents.	Intended parents might feel they have less control without formal compensation.

 

Advantages:

• Cost-Effective:

• • • Without the surrogate’s compensation, altruistic surrogacy is generally less expensive than commercial surrogacy.

• Legal Availability:

• • • Altruistic surrogacy is legal in many countries where commercial surrogacy is not, providing a viable option for intended parents in these regions.

• Personal Connection:

• • Knowing the surrogate personally can provide greater peace of mind and a more intimate, trusting relationship throughout the surrogacy process.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Availability:

• • • Finding a willing surrogate can be challenging, especially if the intended parents do not have a close friend or family member who can fulfill this role.

• Emotional and Ethical Concerns:

• • • The surrogate may feel pressured to participate due to familial obligations, which could lead to feelings of exploitation or strained relationships.

• Lack of Control:

• • Without financial compensation, the intended parents may feel they have less control over the surrogacy process, as the surrogate may prioritize her own needs and preferences.

More Resources to Read:

Why Ukraine Surrogacy Agency?

Gestational Surrogacy in Ukraine

IVF with Egg Donation in Ukraine

Surrogacy for HIV+ Intended Parents in Ukraine

Conclusion

Altruistic surrogacy can be a deeply rewarding experience for both the intended parents and the surrogate. It offers a cost-effective and legally viable path to parenthood in countries where commercial surrogacy is prohibited. However, it requires a significant amount of trust, communication, and legal protection to ensure that the arrangement is successful and that all parties feel supported and respected.

For intended parents, altruistic surrogacy provides an opportunity to achieve their dreams of having a child without the financial burden associated with commercial surrogacy. For surrogate mothers, it is an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of others, though it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Before embarking on this journey, it’s essential for all parties to carefully consider their options, understand the legal and emotional implications, and seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of altruistic surrogacy.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at  Ukraine Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 14 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:

Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)

Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com

 

FAQs on Altruistic Surrogacy

1. What is altruistic surrogacy?
   Altruistic surrogacy is a surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother does not receive any financial compensation beyond the reimbursement of pregnancy-related expenses. The surrogate usually has a personal connection with the intended parents and is motivated by a desire to help them have a child.
2. How does altruistic surrogacy differ from commercial surrogacy?
   The main difference is that in altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate does not receive a fee for carrying the pregnancy, whereas in commercial surrogacy, the surrogate is compensated financially in addition to having her pregnancy-related expenses covered.
3. Where is altruistic surrogacy legal?
   Altruistic surrogacy is legal in many countries where commercial surrogacy is not, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and some parts of the United States. The legality can vary significantly depending on local laws, so it’s important to consult with a legal professional before proceeding.
4. Who can be an altruistic surrogate?
   An altruistic surrogate is often a close friend, family member, or someone who has a personal relationship with the intended parents. However, anyone who meets the legal and medical requirements for surrogacy in their country can potentially be an altruistic surrogate.
5. What are the costs involved in altruistic surrogacy?
   While altruistic surrogacy is less expensive than commercial surrogacy, it still involves significant costs, including medical expenses (e.g., IVF, prenatal care), legal fees, counseling, and potentially travel and other pregnancy-related costs.
6. What legal protections are in place for altruistic surrogacy?
   Legal agreements are crucial in altruistic surrogacy to protect the rights of both the surrogate and the intended parents. These agreements typically cover responsibilities, expenses, and the transfer of parental rights after the birth. It’s important to have a legal professional draft and review these documents.
7. Can the surrogate mother change her mind during an altruistic surrogacy?
   The possibility of the surrogate mother changing her mind varies depending on the laws of the country where the surrogacy takes place. In some jurisdictions, the surrogate has the right to change her mind and keep the child, while in others, legal agreements prevent this.
8. What emotional challenges might arise during altruistic surrogacy?
   Altruistic surrogacy can be emotionally complex, particularly because it often involves people who are close to each other. Potential challenges include managing expectations, dealing with the surrogate’s attachment to the baby, and maintaining healthy relationships after the birth.
9. How can intended parents find an altruistic surrogate?
   Intended parents usually find an altruistic surrogate through personal connections, such as family or friends. If no one in their immediate circle is willing or able to act as a surrogate, they may explore other options like reaching out to broader social networks or surrogacy support groups.
10. Is counseling recommended in altruistic surrogacy?
    Yes, counseling is highly recommended for both the surrogate and the intended parents. It helps manage the emotional aspects of the surrogacy journey, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that any potential issues are addressed before they become problematic.
11. What are the advantages of altruistic surrogacy?
    The main advantages include lower costs compared to commercial surrogacy, the ability to pursue surrogacy in regions where commercial arrangements are illegal, and the personal connection and trust that often exists between the surrogate and the intended parents.
12. What are the disadvantages of altruistic surrogacy?
    Disadvantages can include difficulty finding a willing surrogate, potential emotional and ethical challenges, and the complexity of navigating a personal relationship throughout the surrogacy process.
13. What are the legal steps involved in altruistic surrogacy?
    The legal steps typically include drafting a surrogacy agreement, obtaining legal advice, ensuring compliance with local laws, and completing any necessary legal procedures for the transfer of parental rights after the child is born.
14. Can altruistic surrogacy involve egg or sperm donation?
    Yes, altruistic surrogacy can involve egg or sperm donation, depending on the needs of the intended parents. In such cases, the surrogate would carry a child who is not genetically related to her, which is known as gestational surrogacy.
15. How long does the altruistic surrogacy process typically take?
    The timeline for altruistic surrogacy can vary widely depending on factors such as the surrogate’s medical condition, the need for fertility treatments like IVF, and the time required to complete legal processes. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years from start to finish.