Overview
Surrogacy is the process where a woman other than the intended mother/parent agrees to carry and deliver a child to term. Becoming a surrogate mother is one of the most remarkable gifts a woman can give; however, his decision should not be made lightly. On top of the physical, mental, and emotional strain, the path to becoming a surrogate can be complex and daunting. Below we will describe the different paths to become a surrogate mother.
Determining the Type of Surrogacy
There are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational, each with its own purpose and advantages. Choosing which approach best aligns with your goals and preferences is a significant step in becoming a surrogate. Information for each type is discussed below.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the father’s or donor’s sperm is joined with an egg from the surrogate through artificial impregnation. A possible drawback to traditional surrogacy is that the surrogate will be the biological mother to the child, potentially creating emotional and legal complications later on. However, this type of surrogacy may be a good choice for couples or individuals who are in need of an egg donor for various reasons.
Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, an egg is collected from the biological mother and combined in a lab with a sperm from the father or donor. This fertilized egg is then transferred into the uterus of the surrogate to begin the pregnancy. A major appeal of gestational surrogacy is that it allows for the child to be biologically related to both parents rather than the surrogate; this surrogacy type is typically less legally complex because of this reason. The cost is high, however, ranging from $75,000 to $150,000. Nevertheless, this approach has many advantages and remains a very attractive option for many intended parents.
Finding a Surrogate Agency
After the decision to become a surrogate is made, most women will choose to work with a surrogate agency. Alternatively, a surrogate can work directly with a prospective couple through the use of a single surrogacy attorney. Some of the benefits of working with an agency include easy matching with prospective parents, support, and safety precautions.
It is important to choose an accredited agency that is in good legal standing and has a history of positive experiences. Before choosing an agency, it is important to determine the services and levels of support that you desire to find the right agency for you. An agency’s website will often detail the types of services they offer including emotional and physical support, classes, counseling, and more.
Application Process
Once an agency has been chosen, it is time to apply. The initial application may be done online and usually consists of general questions regarding lifestyle, personal goals, reasons for becoming a surrogate, and so on. For more information Requirements for Becoming a Surrogate Mother. After submission, a member of the agency will gather more specific information once the initial application has been reviewed. This portion of the application is usually done in person.
The application process is an important step used to determine if a person meets the requirements to become a surrogate. In addition to medical history, physical exams, and physiological evaluation, items such as social history may also be gathered and can include home assessments and background checks. Each agency’s application process may vary, but the fundamental process and requirements are generally parallel between companies. The requirements of becoming a surrogate are covered in greater detail in another article.
Making a Surrogacy Plan
Now it’s time to consider what you want to take away from the experience of becoming a surrogate mother. Having a clear idea of the type of intended parents you want to help, how much contact and involvement you’d like to receive from them, and the amount of support you expect are important factors to consider. Knowing the kind of experience you are looking for can help the surrogacy specialist match you with a compatible couple or individual. Once a plan has been discussed and settled on, the matching process can begin.
Matching Process
Once a surrogacy plan has been formed, you can begin reviewing the profiles of intended parents suggested by the surrogacy specialist, which they have matched to your preferences. The intended parents will also be able to review your profile, and when there is mutual interest, the surrogacy specialist can begin to arrange a meeting.
When meeting with intended parents, take the opportunity to ask about anything that is important to you. Questions regarding expectations during pregnancy, lifestyle and values, reason for pursuing surrogacy, and level of involvement may be appropriate to ask during this time. Once a compatible match is found, the planning and legal processes can begin.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is a unique and gratifying experience that can positively impact individuals and families over multiple generations. Though the path to becoming a surrogate mother can be complex and overwhelming, the process is made easier with the help of a surrogate agency, and the priceless reward of bringing joy into others’ lives makes it all worthwhile.
References
How to Become a Surrogate. Surrogate.com. https://surrogate.com/surrogates/becoming-a-surrogate/how-can-i-become-a-surrogate-mother/. Accessed October 26, 2019.
Getting Started as a Surrogate: What You Need to Know. Allthingssurrogacy.org. http://allthingssurrogacy.org/getting-started-as-a-surrogate-what-you-need-to-know/. Accessed October 26, 2019.
The Benefits of Surrogacy. Surrogate.com. https://surrogate.com/about-surrogacy/surrogacy-101/benefits-of-surrogacy-for-everyone-involved/. Accessed October 26, 2019.
What is Gestational Surrogacy? Surrogate.com. https://surrogate.com/about-surrogacy/types-of-surrogacy/what-is-gestational-surrogacy/. Accessed October 26, 2019.
