Still Trying To Start Your Family? Here’s What You Need to Know About Using a Surrogate
For millions of couples, having a family seems like just a dream. With fertility issues on the rise like never before, having a baby is a challenge for many people. Loving couples can be desperate to expand their family to include a child but have had no success in becoming pregnant on their own.
Health issues along with difficulty conceiving can lead a lot of childless families to consider using a surrogate. The gift of helping a couple to realize their dream of becoming parents can be one of the most rewarding and remarkable human experiences. There is no greater gift than giving hope to people who have such a deep desire to be parents.
If you have ever considered using a surrogate and are interested in knowing the facts, you have come to the right place. Whether you are looking to sign on with a reputable agency like Conceiveabilities Surrogacy or would like to use a surrogate who is a family member or friend, there are important things that you need to know.
Why Use A Surrogate?
There are many reasons that couples may not be able to conceive a child of their own and a surrogate can bridge that gap to help them start their families. With a surrogate, couples can still create their own biological child and have it carried to term with less chance of complications through the pregnancy. A surrogate can allow couples to form an intimate bond that can enrich the lives of all parties involved. There is also less of a wait than with traditional adoption, which can take many years to complete.
Who Can Be A Surrogate?
Women who would like to serve as a surrogate go through exhaustive medical and psychological screening. They must have already birthed at least one healthy child to prove their fertility and are put through many health tests to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
What Is The Process?
The basic process is the same regardless of the circumstances but it is a good idea to become familiar with your state’s individual surrogacy laws and any restrictions. You will need to have a recommendation or referral from your fertility doctor to get an appointment with a surrogacy agency unless you are using a private party. Do your research on all aspects of your situation and make sure that you are following the A.S.R.M. guidelines.
How Is A Surrogate Chosen?
If you are using a private surrogate you may know them as a friend or a family member. If you want to go through a surrogacy agency you can be assured that the process is extensive. Along with medical and psychological testing and screenings, potential surrogates can also be matched based on their religious backgrounds, shared beliefs or personal tastes. The ultimate decision is often made when the parents and surrogate have been able to form a comfortable bond or relationship.
What Are The Legal Requirements?
When you choose to have a surrogate to have your child, both parties will obtain their own lawyers. An individualized agreement that takes into account all possible scenarios will be drawn up and agreed upon. Not only will the surrogate go through testing, but your legal teams should insist that all involved parties be screened for any psychological issues before proceeding.
What Is The Cost?
After you consider the fees for your legal team, your fertility doctors, the IVF procedure to inseminate the surrogate and service fees, you can expect to pay anywhere between $80,000 to $120,000 in total.