What is Surrogacy? A comprehensive guide for Intended Parents and Surrogate Mothers.

Surrogacy helps intended parents who can’t have kids on their own. This might be due to health issues, fertility problems, or other reasons. It’s a way to start or grow a family.

Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:

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

Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com

 

Summary of Key Points

• Surrogacy lets intended parents find a surrogate to carry and give birth to their child.
• In the U.S., the most common type uses the egg of the intended mother or a donor and the sperm of the intended father or a donor.
• It’s a hope for childless couples who have tried for years to have a family. For gay men, it’s the only way to have kids.
• Surrogacy uses assisted reproduction and third-party reproduction to help make it work.
• It lets families grow, creates lifelong bonds, and fulfills dreams. It needs professional help, legal support, and emotional understanding.

 

More Resources to Read:

Cost of Surrogacy in USA: What to Expect

Who Can Become Surrogate Mother: Requirements And Info

Surrogate Mother Cost for Twins: What to Expect

Average Cost for Surrogacy: Detailed Breakdown

 

Surrogacy Definition and How Does Surrogacy Work?

Surrogacy is a way to build a family when traditional methods fail. It’s a journey between intended parents and a surrogate who carries the baby. This journey is filled with hope and trust.

Gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate carries the baby but isn’t related to it. The baby’s genetic parents use their egg or a donor’s egg for the embryo. The surrogate then gives birth to the baby.

Intended parents and surrogates form a strong bond during this journey. They work together closely and often form lifelong friendships.

What is the surrogacy process?

The surrogacy process has many steps and can be complex.

Here’s an overview of the surrogacy process based on the search results:

1. Initial Considerations and Decision: Intended parents must think carefully and decide to pursue surrogacy. This involves emotional and practical considerations.
2. Finding a Surrogate: Intended parents can find a surrogate through agencies or personal connections. The matching process considers values and beliefs.
3. Medical and Psychological Screening: Surrogates go through medical and psychological screenings to ensure they’re suitable. Intended parents may also be screened.
4. Legal Considerations: Legal agreements are key in surrogacy. Attorneys draft contracts that outline everyone’s rights and responsibilities. Laws vary by state.
5. Medical Procedures: In gestational surrogacy, embryos are made from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. They’re then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Medications and monitoring help the pregnancy.
6. Pregnancy and Prenatal Care for the Surrogate: During pregnancy, the surrogate gets medical care. The intended parents offer emotional and logistical support. They might need to be there for the birth and take care of their baby right after.
7. Birth and Post-Birth Legal Processes: After the baby is born, the next step is to legally become parents. If you’re doing surrogacy internationally, think about citizenship and travel documents for the baby.

 

Why choose surrogacy to grow your family?

Surrogacy is becoming more popular for couples and same-sex men wanting to have kids. It has unique benefits that make it appealing. Let’s look at why people choose surrogacy to have children.

• Biological Connection: Thanks to IVF, surrogacy is now a safe way for families to have a biological child. It uses the intended parents’ or a donor’s egg and sperm to create a child.
• Overcoming Fertility Challenges: Surrogacy gives hope to couples who can’t have kids themselves. It’s a solution for those who have tried other fertility treatments without success.
• LGBT Parenthood: Surrogacy lets same-sex couples become parents and have a genetic link with their child. Gay couples might use donor eggs and one partner’s sperm or a donor’s sperm.
• Medical Considerations: Surrogacy is an option for couples who can’t carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons. It lets them become parents without risking their health.
• Emotional Connection: Surrogacy often leads to strong bonds between the intended parents and the surrogate. The surrogate becomes a valued family member, creating lifelong connections.

Surrogacy has many benefits but comes with costs. These include the surrogate’s compensation, medical and legal fees, and counseling. It’s important to understand these costs before choosing surrogacy.

 

Parties Involved in Surrogacy: Intended Parents, Surrogate Mother, and Donors

Surrogacy involves many people working together to create a family. Let’s look at the main roles: intended parents, surrogate mothers, and donors.

IVF doctors, lawyers, and a surrogacy agency team also play key roles in the process.

• Intended Parents: These are the individuals or couples who can’t have kids themselves. They use a surrogate to have a child.
• Surrogate Mothers: The surrogate carries and cares for the pregnancy on behalf of the intended parents. She is crucial in the surrogacy journey.
• Egg/Sperm Donors: Sometimes, donated eggs or sperm are needed to create an embryo. Donors, often egg donors, help individuals or couples have a child.

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Surrogacy

Surrogacy raises legal and ethical questions. These need careful thought to protect everyone involved. Let’s discuss some of these issues.

Legal Framework: Laws about surrogacy vary across countries. They cover the legal status of surrogacy, the rights and duties of everyone involved, and how to establish parentage. It’s key for parents, surrogates, and donors to know and follow these laws to protect their rights and make the surrogacy legal.

Informed Consent: Everyone in surrogacy must give informed consent. This means they must understand the risks and responsibilities. Surrogacy should be chosen willingly, with clear talks and understanding between parents and the surrogate.

Exploitation and Payment: Paying surrogates raises ethical questions. They should get fair pay but not be exploited. It’s important to protect their rights and well-being with fair pay and support.

Child Welfare and Best Interests: The child’s welfare is most important. Laws and ethics should focus on the child’s well-being and rights. This ensures they are not seen as commodities and their future is protected.

Emotional and Psychological Support: Surrogacy affects everyone emotionally. It’s important to offer support to parents, surrogates, and donors. This helps keep everyone’s mental health strong.

International and Cross-Border Surrogacy: Overseas surrogacy can bring legal and ethical challenges. Without global rules, issues like citizenship and parentage recognition can arise. This affects the rights of all involved.

 

How much does surrogacy cost?

Surrogacy costs vary a lot, depending on location, type, services, and more. In the USA, it costs between $150,000 to $180,000. 

Eastern European countries like Ukraine and Georgia offer cheaper options, costing between 60,000 USD to 70,000 USD. Latin American countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico are also affordable for gay couples. Mexico is a top choice for all families, with costs much lower than in the US.

It’s smart for parents to research and talk to agencies, clinics, lawyers, and advisors. This helps understand costs and plan a budget for their journey.

 

Types of Surrogacy

 

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy, or IVF surrogacy, is common and successful. It involves transferring an embryo from IVF to a surrogate’s uterus. This method allows a biological link to the child, making it popular where surrogacy is legal.

Traditional Surrogacy

Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm. It’s less common and has lower success rates than gestational surrogacy. Success depends on the surrogate’s fertility and egg quality.

Commercial Surrogacy (Paid Surrogacy)

Commercial surrogacy means the surrogate gets paid for her work. The pay can change based on the state and country. Not all places allow paid surrogacy. In the US, Ukraine, Georgia, and Greece, it is legal.

Altruistic Surrogacy (Unpaid Surrogacy)

In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate doesn’t get paid more than her own costs. Finding a qualified surrogate takes a long time. The UK, Australia, and Canada offer this option.

Benefits and Challenges of Surrogacy

Benefits of Surrogacy: Biological Connection, Emotional Bond, and Family Creation

Surrogacy is good for everyone if done right. Here are its benefits:

• Genetic Connection: It lets people keep a genetic link with their child.
• Parenthood: It helps people who can’t have kids on their own become parents. They get to enjoy raising a child and building a family.
• Emotional Fulfillment: It brings joy and a sense of completeness to those who want to be parents. They get to experience pregnancy and childbirth.
• Control and Involvement: Intended parents can be involved in every step. They pick the surrogate and take part in prenatal care, building a supportive relationship.
• Surrogates’ Empowerment: It gives women a chance to help others. They find satisfaction in making a positive impact.

 

Challenges and Potential Risks of Surrogacy

Surrogacy has challenges and risks to consider:

• Ethical and Moral Considerations: There are debates about its ethics and the treatment of women.
• Health and Psychological Risks: The surrogate faces health risks, including medical complications.
• Expensive Process: It’s costly, especially in the US, with expenses over $100,000.
• Legal Complexities: Laws on surrogacy vary widely, making it complex.
• Emotional Challenges: It can be emotionally tough for everyone involved.
• Social Stigma and Legal Restrictions: Some cultures and laws don’t support surrogacy, limiting options.

 

More Resources to Read:

IVF with Egg Donation in Ukraine

Surrogacy for HIV+ Intended Parents in Ukraine

Is Surrogacy in Ukraine legal?

Affordable Surrogacy in Ukraine for Married Couples

 

Common Surrogacy Acronym and Abbreviations

Surrogacy Glossary to Know

Surrogacy is a medical process, so it can be hard to understand all the terms. Here’s a list of common surrogacy acronyms and abbreviations:

GC or GS: Gestational Carrier or Gestational Surrogate

IP (IPs): Intended Parents, IF (Intended Father) and IM (Intended Mother)

ED: Egg Donor

IVF: In Vitro Fertilization

RE: Reproductive Endocrinologist

ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology

FET: Frozen Embryo Transfer

SET: Single Embryo Transfer

MET: Multiple Embryo Transfer

2WW: 2 Week Wait

DPT: Days Post Transfer (often seen with a number, such as DP5DT or Days Post 5 Day Transfer)

BETA: Blood Test for Pregnancy

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