Surrogacy Complete Guide – History, Law, Process, and The Cost B y – R i te O pti o n s
Although the most traditional way in which to have a child is though
Surrogacy Definition
“natural� conception, not all couples are lucky enough to be able to have a child in this manner. While infertility treatment has come a very long way, a viable option in many cases is surrogacy. Surrogacy is a way for a woman to have a child without actually carrying it in their own womb.
Some History of Surrogacy Surrogacy is not a new concept. Historically speaking, it goes all the way back to famous books such as the Bible where Abraham’s wife Sara was unable to become pregnant. Since she was barren, her handmaid carried a child for them that was to be raised by both Abraham and Sara as the parents. Although surrogacy was recorded in books, the first legally recorded surrogacy was in Michigan back in 1976.
Types of Surrogacy
There Are Two Basic K i n d s O f S u r r o g ate Pr e g n a nc i es.
Traditional Surrogacy The first is traditional surrogacy and the second is gestational surrogacy. A traditional surrogate pregnancy occurs when a woman donates her own egg and the “father’s” sperm is the fertilizing factor in this case. Traditional surrogates are related to the child biologically because it is their egg that is used and not the intended mother’s. If the intended father’s sperm is used then the child is biologically his. In some cases, however, a sperm donor is necessary and neither intended parent is biologically related to the child.
Gestational Surrogate Gestational surrogate pregnancies are very different. When this type of surrogacy opts for it is generally because the woman is unable to carry a baby herself but her eggs are viable. In most cases, the mother’s egg is matched with the father’s sperm, but it may happen that the fathers have seminal issues and a sperm donor is used in his place. A gestational surrogate allows the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm into her uterus and carries the baby to term for them. The surrogate is in no way biologically related to the child.
Who are Surrogates? Surrogate mothers come from all walks of life and ages, although they are typically between the age of twenty-one and forty. The majority of them have graduated from high school at the very least and have already had their own children. It is rarer for a woman to choose to offer her body for surrogacy if she has never before had a child. In addition, the majority of surrogate mothers are married and work full-time jobs.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? If you are using an altruistic surrogate you may not have to worry about the cost. While this type of surrogate does not require payment, the intended parents can choose to pay for certain things. However, if a commercial surrogate is being used then costs must be calculated. The costs will vary in different situations. However, according to the statistics on the national averages for surrogate costs, the typical compensation is between twenty and twenty-seven thousand dollars.
Becoming involved in a surrogacy situation is not as simple as just picking out a carrier and moving ahead right away. This is a process that takes both time and careful planning. To start with, the parents must go through a consultation with professionals who deal with
The Surrogacy Process
surrogacy. This consultation will typically include a mental health screening. There will also be an initial consultation with the intended parent’s attorney as well. (The legal aspects of surrogacy will be discussed in the next section in more detail.) During this beginning process the intended parents choose the surrogacy program they would like to go with. After a program is chosen then a carrier is decided upon next.
Surrogacy And The Law Anytime you enter into a contract there are legal considerations. This is especially true when it comes to things like adoption, surrogacy and anything else to do with children. Each state views surrogacy differently. This means that each person must study the surrogacy laws in their own respective states. Surrogacy can present some very complex legal issues so it is not something to be entered into lightly.
The Gift of Life Becoming a surrogate parent is something that should not be entered into lightly. It is a great responsibility and can change one’s life. However, it is also the greatest gift one person can give another. The majority of surrogacy relationships go very well and have happy endings, but the entire process is still one that is full of controversy and legal issues. Do not enter into anything blindly and be prepared to take on the stresses of being pregnant. However, in the end, know that being a surrogate is a wonderful thing and can change everything for the better.
Thank You
Want to know more about surrogacy? Get in Touch with Rite Options Egg Donation and Surrogacy Center. Visit – www.riteoptions.com