Surrogacy is a long and detailed process for both the surrogate and intended parents. When looking into surrogacy, the most common questions are: what does surrogacy mean, and what does the process entail?
When thinking of surrogacy in general, some may initially think about what is understood as traditional surrogacy. The difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy is that a gestational surrogate will have no genetic connection to the child, whereas traditional surrogacy includes a process of artificial insemination, where an intended father or anonymous donor provides sperm and the surrogate is biologically connected to the child as the natural egg donor.
A gestational surrogate is impregnated using a process known as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This process involves taking eggs, whether from an intended parent or from a donor, and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab. Once fertilized, the egg(s) are then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. While IVF is more commonly known as an alternate method for couples having trouble conceiving naturally, this process is also used with a surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate retains no biological connection to the child.
What happens after the baby is born?
The bond between the surrogates, intended parents, and their families are often strong, and many choose to maintain a connection after the baby is born.
Whether or not the surrogate and intended parents continue to communicate after birth is up to the intended parents. They may want to minimize confusion if there are young children in the family or simply may not desire to maintain a close relationship with the surrogate. Still, there are many stories of lifelong surrogate-intended parent relationships where the surrogate and parents remain close friends for a very long time.
Will I need legal help?
Surrogacy law is certainly a complicated arena to dive into, and there is a lengthy legal contract involved in order to protect both the surrogate and the intended parents. Surrogates and intended parents are represented by separate attorneys in order to make sure everyone’s best interests are taken into consideration. When it comes to traditional surrogacy, there are other, more complicated factors such as the biological connection, making the process trickier and sometimes even illegal, depending on the state.
The surrogacy agency should be able to find and refer surrogates and intended parents to legal counsel in the state where the surrogate lives.
How do I become a surrogate?
If you are feeling the urge to provide this type of priceless gift, it’s a good idea to take a look at the requirements for surrogates. If you fill the requirements, take a look at our compensation and intake forms. The first step to becoming a surrogate is to fill out an initial intake form.
How do I find a surrogate?
Some intended parents find close friends or family to become surrogate for them, but still undergo the process with an agency to receive the counsel, support, and benefits that an agency can provide.
If you are an intended parent in search of a surrogate, a good surrogacy agency will help you to carefully choose the surrogate that best fits your needs and goals.
While you want to hear about the great parts of the surrogacy process, you’ll want to understand the risks involved as well. An involved surrogacy agency won’t gloss over the details; they’ll help you to understand any potential scenarios and how they can be handled.
Whether you’re looking for a surrogate or looking to become one, we’re here to help you along your journey. Get in touch and find out more.
