What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a life-changing option for individuals and couples who dream of starting or growing their families but face challenges carrying a pregnancy. It’s a unique, collaborative process where a surrogate carries a baby for intended parents, helping them achieve their parenthood goals.
Whether you’re considering surrogacy due to infertility, medical conditions, or as part of your LGBTQIA+ journey, understanding how it works can help you decide if it’s the right path for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of surrogacy, how the process works, costs, and what to expect along the way.
What Is Surrogacy? Learn All Of The Facts.
At its core, surrogacy is a family-building method where a surrogate (sometimes called a gestational carrier) carries a baby for intended parents. This journey relies on trust, commitment, and a shared goal: helping intended parents welcome a child into their lives.
There are two main types of surrogacy:
Traditional Surrogacy
- The surrogate uses her own eggs and is biologically related to the baby.
- This method is less common today due to its complex legal and emotional considerations.
Gestational Surrogacy
- The surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.
- The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors.
- Gestational surrogacy is the most popular and legally secure method.
At Family Inceptions, we exclusively work with gestational surrogacy to ensure the safest and most straightforward process for everyone involved.
How Surrogacy Works
The surrogacy process combines medical expertise, legal safeguards, and compassionate support to create a seamless experience for all parties. Here’s an overview of the journey:
Medical Process
- Creating embryos: IVF is used to create embryos using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors.
- Screening the surrogate: The surrogate undergoes thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure she’s ready for the process.
- Embryo transfer: Once the surrogate is medically prepared, the embryo is transferred to her uterus.
- Monitoring the pregnancy: Throughout the pregnancy, medical professionals closely monitor the surrogate’s health and the baby’s development.
Legal Protections
- Contracts: Surrogacy agreements clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of both the intended parents and the surrogate.
- Parental rights: Legal steps ensure the intended parents are recognized as the baby’s legal guardians.
- Birth planning: The legal team prepares for a smooth transition of parental rights after birth.
Professional Support
- Surrogacy agencies provide ongoing support, from matching intended parents with surrogates to coordinating medical appointments and offering emotional guidance.
Why Choose Surrogacy to Grow Your Family?
Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for people from all walks of life, including:
Medical Reasons
- Infertility: When traditional fertility treatments haven’t worked.
- Medical conditions: Such as uterine abnormalities or health risks that make pregnancy unsafe.
- Hysterectomy: For women who no longer have a uterus but want biological children.
- Recurrent pregnancy loss: When carrying a pregnancy to term isn’t possible.
Other Circumstances
- Same-sex couples: Especially male couples who need a gestational carrier to build their family.
- Single parents by choice: Who want to experience parenthood on their own terms.
- HIV+ parents: Advances in medical technology make it possible for HIV-positive individuals to have biological children safely.
Surrogacy is a deeply personal decision that offers hope and opportunity to people who might not otherwise be able to have children.
The Right Match Makes All the Difference
Finding the right surrogate match is one of the most important steps in the surrogacy journey. A strong match is built on:
- Shared values: Clear communication about expectations and preferences, such as the type of relationship during and after the pregnancy.
- Compatibility: Factors like geographic proximity, medical history, and lifestyle alignments.
- Supportive connection: Ensuring trust and mutual respect between intended parents and the surrogate.
With careful matching, the surrogacy experience can be positive and rewarding for everyone involved.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?
Surrogacy involves several components, and costs can vary depending on location and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown:
Typical Expenses
- Medical costs: IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery.
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay plus allowances for maternity clothing, travel, and medical procedures.
- Legal fees: Drafting and finalizing surrogacy agreements, establishing parental rights.
- Agency fees: Matching services, coordination, and ongoing support.
- Insurance: Health coverage for the surrogate and the baby during pregnancy.
Cost RangeThe total cost of surrogacy typically falls between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on factors like medical requirements, legal considerations, and additional services.
How Much Do Surrogates Make?
Surrogate compensation reflects their dedication and commitment to helping intended parents.
Base Compensation
- First-time surrogates: $55,000–$75,000+
- Experienced surrogates: $65,000–$80,000+
Additional Benefits
- Monthly allowances for expenses
- Maternity clothing allowance
- Travel reimbursement
- Compensation for specific medical procedures or lost wages
Surrogacy compensation varies based on location, experience, and individual agreements.
What Is the Surrogacy Process Like?
The surrogacy journey involves several steps, each designed to ensure a smooth experience:
- Initial Consultation
- Meet with an agency or fertility clinic.
- Discuss goals, medical history, and financial planning.
- Matching
- Review surrogate profiles.
- Ensure compatibility and shared expectations.
- Legal Process
- Draft and sign surrogacy agreements.
- Confirm insurance coverage.
- Medical Steps
- Begin IVF and embryo transfer.
- Monitor the pregnancy with regular medical checkups.
- Pregnancy and Birth
- Maintain communication between all parties.
- Plan for delivery and the transition of parental rights.
With professional support at every stage, intended parents and surrogates can navigate the process confidently.
Start Your Surrogacy Journey
If surrogacy feels like the right choice for you, taking the first step is easier than you think.
Getting Started
- Research surrogacy agencies and programs.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals.
- Understand financial options and create a plan.
- Begin the matching process with confidence.
Your Path to Parenthood Starts Here
Surrogacy is a powerful way to create families and change lives. By partnering with a trusted agency like Family Inceptions, you’ll have the support, expertise, and guidance you need to navigate this journey.
If you’re ready to learn more about surrogacy, we’re here to help.
- Call: (844) 404-BABY
- Visit: Our website to schedule a consultation.
- Download: Our free surrogacy guide to get started.
Let us help you take the first steps toward parenthood with compassion and care.