Many women have a lifelong dream of becoming pregnant. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, this may not happen for them due to infertility issues. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, though – there are alternative routes to having a baby and one of the most popular is surrogacy.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying a baby for another parent or couple. Usually, the baby’s biological mother and father are the couple who will be the baby’s parents. It’s a lengthy process that requires the surrogate mother to go through nine months of pregnancy before delivering a baby. Once the baby has been born, they are given to the parents to be looked after.
The surrogacy process requires a significant commitment from the surrogate mother. However, this decision can be fulfilling and life-changing for both parties. Are you interested in learning more about surrogacy? Below are the top ten things you may not know about surrogacy.
1: There Are Two Types of Surrogacy
Yes – there are two types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Traditional is when the egg comes from the surrogate mother, which is combined with sperm (either of the father or a donor). On the other hand, gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the baby that she carries. This is thanks to modern medicine: the egg and the sperm are combined outside the womb and then placed into the surrogate mother through “In Vitro Fertilization” (IVF). That means the surrogate mother is not biologically related to the baby. Gestational surrogacy is the only option that professional IVF clinics and agencies offer in the United States.
2: A Surrogate Agency is Important
You might think that the first place to get in touch with is a fertility or surrogacy clinic, but that may not be the best route for you. Whether you want to become a surrogate or find one, find a top surrogate agency to help you throughout the process. An excellent surrogate agency will provide support to both parties. They will offer screening processes, coordinate clinical appointments, offer travel assistance, and offer many other forms of support and expertise. While doing the process independently can be an option, choosing a surrogate agency to help you through it is far more manageable. After all, it’s important to feel supported.
Also Read: Top Learnings About Your Body.
3: A Previous Pregnancy is a Requirement
Many people assume the best candidate for surrogacy is a young woman who has never been pregnant. In reality, that’s not the case. No – professional agencies only work with surrogate mothers who have been pregnant before. The reason for this is that a previous successful pregnancy makes a woman a lower-risk candidate in terms of both becoming pregnant and reducing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Due to this, some women even decide to be a surrogate more than once – especially if they particularly love being pregnant.
4: Travel Gets Covered
You might know that healthcare is covered for surrogate mothers. Did you also know that travel gets covered, too? If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate but worried about the travel costs involved, particularly to and from clinics, then you don’t have to worry about that.
5: Surrogacy Isn’t Always Legal
Fortunately, surrogacy is legal in most states. However, there are currently three states where it is illegal, and they are:
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Nebraska
If you live in any of these states, chances are you won’t be able to become a surrogate mother.
You might be interested to know that laws vary worldwide, too. In the United Kingdom, surrogacy is legal, but agreements aren’t legally binding, and surrogacy for profit is not permitted at all. Surrogacy is illegal altogether in France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
6: Compensation Varies
Most surrogacy contracts involve the surrogate mother being compensated for the process. However, there isn’t a single price tag – it varies significantly. Some women may receive $30,000, whereas others make $70,000 or more!
Also Read: Top 10 DIY Maternity Clothes.
7: It’s Not All About Physical Health
Yes – surrogate mothers need to show their medical history. However, it’s not all about physical health. Surrogate agencies look closely at the mental state of potential surrogates. After all, the process isn’t easy, and surrogates need to be both physically and mentally fit.
8: Baby Attachment Isn’t Always an Issue
One of the biggest worries aspiring parents have when picking a surrogate mother is that the surrogate will become attached to the baby and want to keep it. The truth is, this doesn’t happen in modern gestational surrogacy. Surrogate mothers feel they are called to serve others and are happy and willing to help the parents at every step of the journey. At the end of the pregnancy, they are joyful to have made a positive impact on a family’s life.
9: The Surrogate can Stay in Touch with Baby and Parents
Every surrogate agreement is different. Some people decide not to stay in touch based on the preferences of either the surrogate mother or the parents. However, others like to keep a close bond over the years. This can be a great option, especially for surrogate mothers who want to see how much impact they have had on a family’s life. Being able to keep up to date with the baby’s first steps, first words, and first day at school may bring both families closer together.
Also Read: Top 10 Things You Must Do At Home Before The Baby Arrives.
10: Surrogacy: Giving Parents the Chance at a Family
Not everyone has the ability to become pregnant by themselves. With the help of surrogates and modern medicine, that doesn’t mean they can’t have a family. The surrogacy process is a long and sometimes challenging one, but it can create a lifetime of happiness.
