You’d like to add to your family, and you’re uncertain whether the surrogacy process is for you. You’re considering becoming a surrogate, but you’re not quite sure what it involves. The surrogacy process raises questions for both the adoptive parents and the surrogate parent. As you consider whether surrogacy is a fit for you and your family, here are some questions that you can consider.
Who Can Be a Surrogate Mother?
Women who become surrogates have generally had at least one healthy pregnancy in the past, and they are usually between the ages of 21 and 35. A surrogate must be in good health and must have a source of income to support herself while she is pregnant.
How Do Surrogate and Prospective Parents Find Each Other?
Surrogate and prospective parents can find each other in many different ways. Some surrogate parents are the friend or family member of the intended parent and decide to become a surrogate to help that family achieve its dreams. Other women are interested in helping a family they do not know, and they may spread the word in their community or connect with an agency or law firm that specializes in surrogacy. Prospective surrogate mothers may create a profile so that families can learn more about them.
What Medical Procedures Are Involved?
The medical procedures involved in surrogacy depend in part of the type of surrogacy you choose. Currently, gestational surrogacy is most common. This occurs when a surrogate mother tracks her cycle and receives medication connected to her cycle, then an embryo is transferred. Once the transfer is a success and the mother is pregnant, she will be monitored by a doctor until the delivery.
What Are the Costs of Surrogacy?
The costs of surrogacy vary a lot from situation to situation and can include agency and attorney fees, screening, surrogate fees, medical costs, insurance, and other pregnancy-related expenses. There are many variables during the surrogacy process and costs will depend on the type of surrogacy you choose, the way medical care progresses, and the agency or law firm that you choose.
What Does the Legal Process Look Like?
Surrogate mothers generally work with an agency or law firm that will support them and the prospective family during the pregnancy. This support includes everything from the initial screening to the legal aspects of surrogacy. The program you choose will either have an attorney or refer you to one to complete a surrogacy contract. This contract will set out guidelines for the surrogacy and payment. It is a good idea for both parties to have an attorney so that both can ensure that they understand the terms of the contract. After the child is born, the child will need to be adopted into his or her new family. To complete this process, you must work with an agency or law firm.
Surrogacy is a life-changing decision. It can allow same-sex couples or couples for whom pregnancy is medically challenging to have a genetically-related child. Are you thinking of becoming a surrogate? Family Formation can help answer your questions. We’re a law firm that focuses on surrogacy and adoption. Call us at 925-945-1880 for a free consultation today.
Images Courtesy of Family Formation: Client photos printed with permission.